Water quality plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of cleaning processes, particularly when it comes to the cleanliness of food production equipment. One of the most significant factors influencing water quality is its hardness, which affects everything from scale buildup to bacterial growth. Over 60% of the UK has very hard water, making this an important consideration for food manufacturers, especially as water hardness varies significantly across regions.

Understanding Water Hardness
Water hardness is a result of the minerals present in the water, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals get into the water supply through the rocks from which the water is extracted. There are two types of water hardness: temporary and permanent.

• Temporary water hardness results in the build-up of mineral scale, such as the limescale you may notice in your kettle when heating water. This happens because the minerals precipitate out of the water when heated. Also referred to as a build-up of ‘fur’ in your kettle!
• Permanent water hardness is more stubborn, as it doesn’t disappear with heating. It remains unless chemically softened.

In the context of food production, hard water presents several challenges. Scale can accumulate on both the exterior and interior of equipment, leading to rough and porous surfaces that are perfect for bacteria to thrive. These mineral deposits may also mix with food residues like proteins and starches, creating complex deposits that are not only unsightly but potentially harmful.

The Role of Acidic Cleaning Products

Removing these mineral scale deposits is essential for maintaining a hygienic and efficient food production environment. Acidic cleaning products are particularly effective at dissolving scale and cleaning surfaces. These products leave equipment looking bright and clean, but more importantly, they ensure that surfaces are smooth and less prone to bacterial growth or food residue accumulation.
Foodclean offers several specialised acidic products designed for different cleaning applications:

1. Acidic Open Plant Cleaning Detergents (OPC):
   These detergents are used periodically to control scale buildup and after a full clean. FOAMACID™ is a versatile product designed for cleaning the exterior of equipment. It works effectively on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, providing a strong contact time to break down mineral scales. For heavy scale build-up, ACIFILM™ can be applied as a thick gel, allowing for longer contact time and superior mineral deposit removal.
2. Cleaning in Place (CIP) Products:
   For internal surfaces, such as those found in cooking or brewing vessels, and inaccessible pipework, a non-foaming acidic product is ideal. FLOCIP™ A is designed specifically for cleaning internal surfaces where food and beverages are heated. Similar to the ‘fur’ that forms in domestic kettles, mineral deposits can build up in production vessels, causing rough surfaces, blockages, and corrosion. FLOCIP™ A can be recirculated for prolonged periods and can be used at high temperatures (around 80-90°C) for optimal scale removal.

Safety Considerations in the Use of Acidic Cleaners

While acidic detergents are highly effective, they must be handled with care, particularly in environments where chlorinated products are also used. Mixing acids with chlorinated detergents can lead to the release of toxic chlorine gas, which is hazardous to health. To ensure safety, it’s crucial that acidic and chlorinated cleaning products are not mixed or used simultaneously in connected areas, such as shared drains.

Conclusion

Managing water hardness is an ongoing challenge for food manufacturers, but with the right cleaning products, scale buildup and bacterial growth can be controlled effectively. Acidic detergents, such as those offered by Foodclean, play a vital role in dissolving mineral deposits and ensuring surfaces are hygienic and smooth. By regularly using these products, food factories can improve the safety and efficiency of their operations, ultimately benefiting both the equipment and the overall quality of the food production process.

Take Action Today!
If you’re facing challenges with hard water and mineral scale in your food production facility, don’t wait – take control of your cleaning process now!

Explore our range of acidic cleaning products designed to tackle scale, improve hygiene, and maintain equipment efficiency.