[BowersBees]

Hi All,

I hate to start a second thread, but i was not getting the responses i was looking for in the equipment/hardware section.

How are you larger beekeepers cleaning your extracting and honey equipment? Large extractors, tanks, hoses etc. Is Steam and or pressure washing the generally accepted practice, or are you following with any kind of sanitizing solutions (Starsan)?

 

[AstroZomBEE]

Generally we don't wash our equipment down unless something contaminated it. Maybe once a year it get's a complete wash down. Steam pressure washer would be best for sanitation and least amount of water into system, or just hot water. Only use cleaner or chemical sanitizer if grease or something non food friendly was somehow in there.

If you do wash down thoroughly dry everything before covering or mold will grow anywhere you missed a molecule of honey.

Standard daily cleanup is to just drain it as well as possible and cover with large plastic sheet.

Aaron


Aaron

 

[jim lyon]

We do a thorough end of the year wash down with a hot water power sprayer being sure to grease all bearings after completion. Then another quick wash down to get rid of any dust the next summer before startup. Some diluted bleach sprayed on then rinsed off the floor is a good maintenance procedure as well though be sure you have pretty good ventilation when doing so.

 

[dgl1948]

Our food Inspector does not allow the use of bleach. Vinegar and only certain dish soaps are allowed. Only those approved by the food inspectors here are allowed.