{"id":5005,"date":"2022-06-22T03:59:04","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T07:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/?p=5005"},"modified":"2023-03-07T07:09:36","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T11:09:36","slug":"dry-cleaning-on-produce-farms-alternatives-to-using-water-detergents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/2022\/06\/22\/dry-cleaning-on-produce-farms-alternatives-to-using-water-detergents\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cDry Cleaning\u201d on Produce Farms: Alternatives to Using Water &amp; Detergents"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key points:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Introducing water to a produce line or other food contact surface that is generally dry can introduce new hazards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not all cleaning needs to include water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Handling and packing areas that are generally dry, may benefit from \u201cdry\u201d cleaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brushes, brooms, &amp; vacuums may be used to complete necessary cleaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Waterless cleaning products may be helpful for cleaning dry zones as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There has been a lot of focus on improving cleaning and sanitization of food contact surfaces. You may feel like it is necessary to soak everything with water, scrub with detergent, and dose with a sanitizer no matter what.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, hold on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There may be situations when a \u201cdry\u201d approach to cleaning and sanitizing makes more sense.&nbsp; After all, many human pathogens depend on water to survive. We also know from the PSA Grower Training that drying is an important step in the cleaning and sanitizing process.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/?p=5005#references\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201c(1) You must inspect, maintain, and clean and, when necessary and appropriate, sanitize all food contact surfaces of equipment and tools used in covered activities as frequently as reasonably necessary to protect against contamination of covered produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(2) You must maintain and clean all non-food-contact surfaces of equipment and tools subject to this subpart used during harvesting, packing, and holding as frequently as reasonably necessary to protect against contamination of covered produce.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/?p=5005#references\">2<\/a><\/sup>\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>The FSMA Produce Safety Rule \u00a7112.123<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dry Lines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some crops are handled, \u201cwashed\u201d, and\/or stored in dry conditions. Storage onions, for example, are often cured, topped, sorted, cleaned, weighed and bagged without any use of water. Tomatoes are often picked and packed and not washed. Or they may be washed with water and dried, but then sorted or packed on a table that does not have water introduced. When apples and citrus are washed, dried, waxed, graded and bagged, the portions of the process after waxing are generally a dry zone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/Xi3ZppU8NPztAOEnAzWEHOSKOwPCf2e8buNvmtgkytBBkS2R8Z3duYcEFan9E8YU7JX6w9ZagYSoozp6V7jV5EAbWQcO_0VPCI3boRQphlOWBmBW2ro6jgwzkI7zMUOX4xTvEI8HtNihc1TCcg\" alt=\"\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Storage onions, once cured are typically handled and packed using &#8220;dry&#8221; lines and food contact surfaces.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/G1HE-F0E2wHgPDkmTu_0K14U2uV-9o3Zh7ZwX7LJGmAK5d1oYIADslnbRfpcF5LZJZr8kQxq9cQkDizQhLztx3Fuj_PED2Dd4pnk1dAns8m4Xw6JE9M9JQHmmsjDOQ67x0RpifPBi8orXsJb_g\" alt=\"\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tomatoes are often handled and packed using &#8220;dry&#8221; lines and food contact surfaces.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dry Cleaning Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes called \u201cdry lines\u201d, this equipment and these surfaces can generally be cleaned using dry methods.&nbsp; Introducing water to them could actually present more risk than not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Routine cleaning of these surfaces may involve brushes, brooms, or vacuum cleaning to remove leaves, soil and other visible, bulk solids.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/diyt5eGvU1GftSyDzYbpQfCZcRVyVRlOHyOIlc7xE65lmjHLH52vmiMrscVpe4luURWScNwVZlE6x4LOFjNy-uTUU3uyDHpn1lMtH-JhWEc7i147vJmnWWHsSmCurUk4bD4klq5h4fp6EDrE_w\" alt=\"\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Often &#8220;dry&#8221; lines and food contact surfaces can be cleaned using dry methods avoiding the addition of water.  Dry brushes, compressed air and vacuum cleaners may be used.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Other liquid-based cleaners such as alcohols can also provide cleaning without introducing liquid water. These cleaners are made to dry quickly and completely. This may still require some disassembly of the line or a specific part of the thing being cleaned for improved access to hard to reach surfaces. A waterless cleaner on a clean rag, or an alcohol-based cleaner and sanitizer wipe could be used for heavily soiled areas or places that need specific attention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/2QjIYC_auT8Mv1Ai7weFLHYKtoVDZBi2MJOMBVHgaoferb_mQlkXZq_rD3BowvTa-8FPmaobHZcZ4xCFD9BCQofwgZ5pM4R3zM1dSf8FhPa5Gjnd0wwOovOJz_tnIKbUQ_VzmYEWbzKHo867lA\" alt=\"\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Waterless cleaning wipes use a variety of cleaning and\/or sanitizing ingredients which can help with more stubborn soiling or staining.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waterless Cleaners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some examples of <strong>waterless cleaners<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techspray.com\/isopropyl-alcohol-ipa-wipes-998\" target=\"_blank\">Techspray Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes<\/a> [active ingredient: isopropyl alcohol]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gojo.com\/en\/Product\/9341-06\" target=\"_blank\">Purell Foodservice Surface Sanitizing Wipes<\/a> [active ingredients: ethyl alcohol, Isopropyl alcohol, lauric acid, potassium hydroxide]&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A sanitizer labeled for use on food contact surfaces and which includes an air-dry step should be applied to the cleaned surface when sanitization is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Air-Dry Sanitizers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some examples or <strong>air-dry sanitizers<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wipesplus.com\/products\/no-rinse-food-contact-multi-surface-wipes-canister-commercial-use-sanitizing-food-contact-wipes-refill-accessories-and-disinfecting-food-service-wipes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WipesPlus Food Contact Surface Wipes<\/a> [active ingredient: quaternary ammonium chloride] <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestsanitizers.com\/products\/wiping-systems\/alpet-d2-surface-sanitizing-wipes\/\" target=\"_blank\">Alpet D2 Surface Sanitizing Wipes<\/a> [active ingredients: isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium chloride]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/saniprofessional.com\/category\/products\/clean\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sani Professional Cleaning Wipes<\/a> [active ingredient: ethylene glycol monohexyl ether] <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/saniprofessional.com\/category\/products\/no-rinse-sanitizing-products\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sani Professional No Rinse Sanitizing Wipes<\/a> [active ingredient: quaternary ammonium chloride]&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Less frequent, deep cleans with water and a detergent followed by sanitization and drying steps may also be necessary. These are generally best scheduled outside of the heavy use period, at the beginning and end of the season. This will most likely also involve some disassembly to provide access to hard to reach locations. Be sure to allow time and air flow to provide adequate drying after the deep clean and before reassembly. Drying may not require an active wiping down with a dry rag, but could be accomplished with open air drying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be helpful to develop and document a cleaning schedule that clearly indicates when dry cleaning approaches are used (generally in-season) and when deep cleans including water are done (between seasons of use). The Produce Safety Alliance offers <a href=\"https:\/\/producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu\/sites\/producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu\/files\/shared\/documents\/Templates.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cleaning and sanitizing log templates<\/a> on their website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Share This Post<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Share this post using this shortlink: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/drycleaning\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/drycleaning<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Produce Safety Alliance (2019). <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu\/training\/grower-training-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\">Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course<\/a>. Version 1.2. Cornell University. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>US FDA. (2015). <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-21\/chapter-I\/subchapter-B\/part-112#112.123\" target=\"_blank\">FSMA Final Produce Safety Rule<\/a>: Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption. 21 CFR Parts 11, 16, and 112. Section 112.123. US FDA.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acknowledgements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This resource was developed by Chris Callahan (UVM Extension), Billy Mitchell (NFU), Phil Tocco (MSU Extension)<\/em> and Andy Chamberlin (UVM Extension).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This resource was developed as part of the Food Safety Outreach Program under grant number 2020-70020-33003 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and also funded, in part, by the USDA Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program through award LNE19-375 and by the Food and Drug Administration through The Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets via the Integrated Extension Educational Programming in Support of the VAAFM Produce Program Grant 02200-FSMA-2018-01. The views expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the Vermont Agency of Agriculture; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government or the State of Vermont. It is offered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/06\/UVM-Ext-CCE-NFU-USDA-MSU-Logos.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/06\/UVM-Ext-CCE-NFU-USDA-MSU-Logos-1024x320.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5058\" width=\"512\" height=\"160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/06\/UVM-Ext-CCE-NFU-USDA-MSU-Logos-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/06\/UVM-Ext-CCE-NFU-USDA-MSU-Logos-300x94.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/06\/UVM-Ext-CCE-NFU-USDA-MSU-Logos-768x240.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/06\/UVM-Ext-CCE-NFU-USDA-MSU-Logos.jpg 1326w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key points:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1174,"featured_media":5007,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43530],"tags":[638748,154638,710153,20145,50634,547958,50638,6521,262721,638726,638745,638738,636970,710152],"class_list":["post-5005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washing-and-packing","tag-brush","tag-cleaning","tag-dry-celaning","tag-food-safety","tag-fsma","tag-packing","tag-packshed","tag-post-harvest","tag-produce-safety","tag-sanitizing","tag-scrub","tag-wash-pack-3","tag-washing","tag-wipes","entry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/06\/2-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/06\/2-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Chris Callahan","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/author\/cwcallah\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5005","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5005"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5005\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5490,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5005\/revisions\/5490"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5007"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5005"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5005"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}