Cleaning Challenge: Removing Vegetable Wax From Packing Line Brushes

Does anyone know an affective method for cleaning the brushes used to apply food-grade wax in to fresh vegetables? Any special chemicals or process?

The wax I presume belongs to the family of fats, oils and greases. These are often triglycerides of fatty acids which in your case forms a waxy solid applied to the vegetable. These are insoluble in water and their properties can changed when exposed to air. They can oxise and polymerise to become harder and more difficult to breakdown.

Your objective here is to find a detergent specifically designed for 'wetting' (breaking up the wax) and emulsifying it so it can be removed. The temperature of the cleaning procedure may be important as it can increase the rate of action. You also need to consider the chemical detergent used in terms of the impact on the brushes. There is a little trial and error in this one and the best approach is to find a good profressional chemical supplier who can recommend the correct solution and method for you.



George