The benefits of ensuring you have the correct cleaning process include:
- Maintaining milk quality. Put in place a process to ensure cleaning is done properly, so that all residues are removed and bacteria are destroyed.
- Ensuring safety issues are considered.
Cleaning must be done properly as bacteria can build up in the plant and contaminate milk. The bacteria affect milk quality by breaking down the components in milk. This reduces the shelf life of milk and milk products, and produces off flavours in cheeses and milk powders.
The plant cleaning process
Bacteria can enter the plant from cows (teat skin and infected udders) and the environment (drawn into the cluster). The milking environment is ideal for bacterial growth. Effective machine cleaning will control the presence of bacteria in the plant. The quality of the water used is very important in achieving a successful clean.
Plant cleaning routines
As a minimum the following steps need to be carried out:
- Cold water rinse after every milking.
- An acid wash after every milking.
- An alkali wash at least twice weekly.
- An acid rinse after every alkali wash.
Documenting cleaning procedures
All farm dairies require a written cleaning procedure that is laminated and displayed prominently in the farm dairy. Even if you are the only person working on the farm, there may be a time when someone needs to unexpectedly cover for you.
The procedures must be written clearly so that someone who has never worked in your dairy before can accurately follow the procedure.