Buying a crate washer: what is the best choice?

The most important starting point when purchasing a crate washer is, of course, that this machine cleans your crates the way you want. In order to achieve this, the right formula, known as ‘Sinner’s Circle’ must be determined. This consists of the variables ‘force’, ‘time’, ‘temperature’ and ‘chemistry’. Four factors that influence each other.

The right variables for cleaning crates in the Sinner’s Circle depend on various factors, such as:

• How dirty the crate is.
• The space available for installing the crate washer.
• User requirements.

Contamination

The contamination of the crate determines to a large extent the proportions in which the variables of Sinner’s Circle have to be applied:

• Proteins
  

  These are best removed at low temperatures (30 to 40 degrees Celsius). If the temperature is too high, the proteins will solidify. This is also referred to as ‘coagulation’.

• Blood remains
  

  This soiling requires pre-treatment (soaking time). Low temperatures (30 to 40 degrees Celsius) should be used.

• Fats

  Fats are best removed with a high water temperature (50 to 65 degrees Celsius).

• Sticker and glue residues
  

  These residues can be removed by applying a high temperature and (very) high mechanical force.

• Dried-on dirt
  

  Dirt often dries up if, for example, the crate has been standing in a cold store for a long time or outside in the sun. A sufficiently long soaking time is very important in order to be able to clean the crate properly.

Available space

The larger the time factor in Sinner’s Circle, the longer the crate washer needs to be. If you only have a small space available, then the (soaking) time is the limiting factor. The factors of strength, temperature and chemistry will then have to increase automatically overall.

User requirements

The user’s requirements are very diverse. However, the use of chemicals and the sustainability of the washing machine often play a major role. Which chemicals do you want to use or are needed to achieve the desired cleaning? This also includes issues such as the environment (sustainable business practices) and the requirements set by the buyer of your product. For example, is visual cleaning of the crate sufficient, or does bacteriological cleaning need to be carried out?

More information

Would you like to know more about Sinner’s Circle and other points of interest when purchasing a crate washer or cleaning system? Get good advice from one of our specialists. You can also read more in the white paper ‘The right choice for a cleaning system or crate washer’.