Bakery industry: complete guide to washing solutions

Any bakery, regardless of size or sectors, produces high quantities of organic waste. It also needs plenty of fat, carbohydrates, flour and sugars, constantly subjected to high temperatures and at risk of burning.

Breads, croissants, cakes, pies, cookies – they all have different microbiological and allergenic profiles. This means the utensils and tools used to make them have different washing requirements. Fail to meet these requirements and you may put public health at risk. Toxins such as Staphylococcus aureus or Bacillus cereus reach consumers and cause serious illness more often than it may seem. Data published in the MDPI (EFSA-ECDC 2021) shows that the bakery industry is one of the main sources of food poisoning outbreaks.

Therefore, it is vital to use every opportunity to improve production. This includes how equipment and utensils are washed. Molds, trays, kneaders, mixers, silos and rolling mills – each has its own specific challenges. The goal, of course, is to wash efficiently, avoid cross-contamination and guarantee food safety. This is where industrial washing machines come in.

What is an industrial washing machine?

An industrial washing machine is an equipment designed to wash utensils, equipment and parts used in a bakery. These machines are prepared to handle large volumes of parts such as molds, trays, pans, spatulas, scrapers, among other bakery utensils. They also sanitize larger equipment such as fermentation machines, silos, formers or cookers. With advanced washing techniques, such as high temperatures, high water pressure, specific cycles and other features, industrial washing machines remove leftover dough, grease and other food residues. 

The MultiWasher is an advanced industrial washing machine that sanitizes utensils in an environmentally safe manner. It plays a fundamental role in the operation of a bakery, helping to maintain a clean, safe and high-quality production environment.

What are the advantages of a washing machine for bakery industry?

An industrial washing machine offers important advantages for the baking industry, from efficient washing to a higher quality wash.

1. Expand the lifespan of utensils

Every bakery is different, but in most cases, utensils need to be washed after each use. Repeated use of unwashed pans (even if greaseproof paper is used as protection) causes residue to become charred, requiring more expensive and time-consuming washing measures, which can also negatively affect the lifespan of utensils.

2. Better rinsing and drying

Effectively washing utensils requires items to be thoroughly rinsed and dried. The presence of moisture, even at imperceptible levels, is a risk factor for cross-contamination. Proper removes minerals and prevents the formation of deposits, again prolonging the lifespan of bakery utensils and equipment.

3. More efficient washing

Industrial washing machines are designed for large volumes of utensils, saving time and effort as compared to manual washing. With features that remove all residues, this equipment guarantees a complete and hygienic wash.

4. Less need for manpower

The automation provided by industrial washing machines means washing tasks require fewer human resources . The machines run the washing cycles efficiently and without the need for permanent operator intervention. This way, employees can focus on higher value-added tasks.

5. Higher quality and consistent taste

An industrial washing machine ensures utensils are washed consistently, following established hygiene standards. This eliminates natural variations that can occur with manual washing, where different employees can have different approaches and results. Automation ensures the safety of food products and customer satisfaction.

6. Greater sustainability

Industrial washing machines play a pivotal role in environmental sustainability by controlling the amount of water, detergent and energy. Using these in the exact measure ensures perfect results with less of an environmental footprint.

How to choose a washing machine for bakery industry?

There are some important aspects to consider when selecting an industrial washing machine.

1. Capacity and size

Start by assessing the volume of utensils your bakery needs to wash every day, and how diverse they are. Washing machines should handle molds, trays, kneaders, industrial mixers, silos, dosing equipment, laminators and many others. Also, it should have enough capacity to wash them efficiently, avoiding the need to run frequent washing cycles and reducing downtime. Also, check if the machine’s dimensions fit into the available space. It is important that the machine is positioned to facilitate workflow and avoid obstructions.

2. Washing quaility

Check if the industrial washing machine offers specific programs for your bakery’s needs, such as washing cycles adapted for baking utensils, baking sheets and molds. These cycles should be able to reach more challenging areas, such as corners, crevices and the inside of utensils, to ensure thorough cleaning.

3. Resistance and durability

Industrial washing machines in bakeries must be especially robust to withstand intensive use, especially in bakeries with high production volumes or that process heavy and bulky items.

4. Easy maintenance

Choose an industrial washing machine that is easy to maintain. The option to replace parts, as well as the technical support, are all important factors to ensure the machine’s continued operation.

MultiWasher, the ideal washing solution for bakery industry

At Somengil, we help bakeries ensure food safety. When you choose MultiWasher, you are choosing state-of-the-art equipment designed to meet the most demanding needs of a bakery.  Perfect hygiene is guaranteed to ensure food safety throughout the entire process with agility and efficiency.

With the MultiWasher, you can:

• Save water, energy, detergent, labor and time.
• Wash every type of utensils and objects used in the bakery.
• Wash utensils (spatulas, scrapers, molds, etc.) and equipment such as fermentation machines, silos, formers, kneaders or cookers.
• Skip pre-wash.
• Have utensils ready to use, perfectly clean and dry.
• Decarbonize with unparalleled efficiency.

See the difference and book a webinar. You can also contact our team and ask for an industrial washing proposal tailored to your workflow. Start seeing results now.