How Do You Clean Meat Processing Equipment?

Meat processing equipment is used in locations such as private homes, butcher shops, or any business that sells meats. This equipment includes a meat grinder and a meat slicing machine as well as machines that have multiple capabilities. Keeping the equipment clean is a vital part to sanitation and preventing harmful bacteria from growing and transferring to the meat. There are slight differences in the cleaning process, such as unplugging electric equipment or using larger cleaning objects for larger equipment, but the cleaning methods are similar.

• 1

  Take the equipment apart according to the specific instructions in the manual. If the equipment is electric rather than manual, unplug it and then take it apart. It is important to get all of the pieces clean, which requires getting to the blades. The methods of taking apart or getting to the blades will differ for each machine.

• 2

  Wet the wash cloth with soap and water. Wipe down the equipment to remove as much large meat chunks as possible. Gently rub any places where the meat is stuck.

• 3

  Get the scrub brush wet and rub gently to get into crevices in the machine and remove any remaining meat. Rinse the scrub brush and repeat until no more meat comes out of the equipment or pieces.

• 4

  Rinse the soap off the machine. Rinsing methods will differ based on the size and type of equipment, but usually using a kitchen faucet spray hose will work. You can also fill a bowl, cup or similar item with water and pour it directly onto the equipment. If the equipment is electric, take extra care to prevent getting the electric parts wet.

• 5

  Steam clean the equipment. Though cleaning with brush and cloth removes the meat left in the equipment that the eye can see, it cannot clean all of the bacteria. Use a steam cleaner and steam the equipment. When the cleaner starts to steam, hold the handle and use the steam over the equipment. The high heat kills the bacteria. Allow the equipment to cool before touching.

• 6

  Air dry the equipment and then put it back together when it is fully dry.