How to Clean Dairy Equipment

Milk is a nutritious staple in many diets; however, if milking equipment is not properly cleaned and sanitized, harmful bacteria can enter the milk. Large-scale, commercial dairy farmers have strict cleaning policies and farmers with just a couple of personal dairy cows should do the same. Clean all equipment, including pails, pump hoses, teat cups and strainers, after each milking and sanitize equipment just before the next milking.

Things You'll Need

  • Water test kit
  • Water softener (optional)
  • Chlorinated alkaline cleaner
  • Water thermometer
  • Scrub brush
  • Dairy sanitizer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test your water for hardness with a test kit. Extremely hard water may compromise the effectiveness of the cleaning and sanitizing solutions. If your water tests high in mineral salts, add water softener to the water that you use.

    • 2

      Rinse all items in warm water directly after a milking. Take apart any items that can be disassembled.

    • 3

      Create a solution of chlorinated alkaline cleaner, hot water and, if necessary, water softener. Follow the cleaner manufacturer's instructions for dilution. The water should start at about 170 degrees F and should not drop below 120 degrees F during the washing process. Use a water thermometer to monitor the temperature.

    • 4

      Soak all items for five to 10 minutes in the solution, scrub them with a scrub brush and rinse with fresh water.

    • 5

      Sanitize equipment just before a milking by soaking them for two to three minutes in a solution of water and dairy sanitizer. Follow the sanitizer manufacturer's instructions for dilution.