Cleaning + wash validation
Multi-stage cleaning for industrial and food-grade totes with documented rinse cycles.
Our automated wash systems process up to 200 IBCs daily with consistent temperature, pressure, and chemical concentration controls. Whether you need food-grade certification or industrial cleaning, every wash cycle is documented for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
Our wash process
Three-stage wash
Degrease, sanitize, and final rinse cycles ensure compliance with your product requirements. Each stage is precisely controlled and monitored for consistent results.
Stage 1: Pre-rinse
High-pressure water removes loose residue and prepares the container for detergent wash. Runoff is captured and treated appropriately.
Stage 2: Detergent wash
Heated cleaning solution at controlled temperature and concentration removes remaining contamination. Rotary spray heads ensure complete interior coverage.
Stage 3: Final rinse
Multiple fresh water rinses remove all detergent residue. Final rinse uses clean water to ensure no cleaning agent carryover.
Validation reports
Every wash includes time, temperature, and agent tracking for audit readiness. Our documentation meets industry requirements for traceability and compliance.
Documentation includes:
- Wash date and time
- Wash line identification
- Water temperature records
- Detergent type and concentration
- Cycle duration
- Operator identification
- Quality verification sign-off
- Container ID linkage
Dedicated wash lines
We operate three separate wash lines to handle different requirements and prevent cross-contamination between product categories.
Food-grade line
Dedicated equipment for containers used with food ingredients. FDA-approved cleaning agents, segregated processing, and enhanced documentation for food safety compliance.
Food-grade features:
- FDA-approved cleaning agents only
- Dedicated equipment (no industrial use)
- Enhanced rinse cycles
- Allergen control protocols
- Food-grade certification
- HACCP-aligned documentation
Suitable for:
- Edible oils and fats
- Syrups and sweeteners
- Food additives and ingredients
- Beverage concentrates
- Pharmaceutical intermediates
Industrial line
High-capacity line for general industrial containers. Effective cleaning of common industrial residues including lubricants, solvents, and manufacturing chemicals.
Industrial features:
- Heavy-duty cleaning capability
- High-temperature wash option
- Solvent-resistant processing
- Standard documentation
- Cost-effective processing
Handles:
- Lubricants and oils
- Water-based chemicals
- Adhesives and coatings
- Cleaning products
- General industrial fluids
Specialty line
Configurable line for specific requirements including aggressive cleaning, specialty chemicals, or products requiring isolation from other streams.
Specialty capabilities:
- Custom cleaning protocols
- Extended cycle options
- Specialty cleaning agents
- Isolated processing
- Enhanced documentation
Applications:
- Agricultural chemicals
- Difficult residues
- Products requiring isolation
- Custom cleaning requirements
Detailed cleaning process
Residue assessment
Previous contents are identified and cleaning protocol is selected. Heavy residue may require pre-treatment before standard wash.
Pre-rinse
High-pressure water at ambient or heated temperature removes loose material. Captured runoff is treated according to content type.
Detergent application
Appropriate cleaning solution is applied via rotary spray system. Temperature and concentration are automatically controlled.
Contact time
Solution remains in contact for specified duration based on residue type. Agitation or recirculation as needed for effectiveness.
Rinse cycles
Multiple fresh water rinses remove all cleaning agent. Final rinse ensures no detergent carryover into next product.
Drying
Containers are drained and air-dried. Forced air drying available for faster turnaround when needed.
Inspection
Visual inspection confirms cleaning effectiveness. Any containers not meeting standards return for additional processing.
Documentation
Wash certificate generated with all cycle parameters. Certificate attached to container record for traceability.
Cleaning agents
Standard cleaning agents
We use proven cleaning agents selected for effectiveness and safety. All agents are appropriate for their intended use and meet relevant regulatory requirements.
- Alkaline detergents (general cleaning)
- Acidic cleaners (mineral deposits)
- Degreasers (oil and grease)
- Sanitizers (microbial control)
- FDA-approved agents (food-grade)
Concentration control
Automated dosing systems maintain precise chemical concentrations. This ensures consistent cleaning effectiveness while minimizing chemical use and environmental impact.
- Automated dosing systems
- Real-time concentration monitoring
- Batch tracking and adjustment
- Documented concentration records
- Regular calibration verification
Water management
Water recovery
Our closed-loop system recovers 95% of wash water through filtration and treatment. Recovered water is reused for pre-rinse cycles, significantly reducing consumption.
Temperature control
Water temperature is precisely controlled for each wash stage. Higher temperatures improve cleaning effectiveness while being balanced against energy efficiency.
Wastewater treatment
Water that cannot be recycled is treated on-site before discharge. We meet all discharge permit requirements and test effluent regularly.
Fresh water quality
Final rinse uses fresh water meeting quality standards for the application. Food-grade washing uses potable water throughout the process.
Food-grade certification
Food-grade requirements
Our food-grade wash line meets FDA requirements for containers used with food ingredients. Separate equipment, approved agents, and enhanced protocols ensure food safety.
- FDA-approved cleaning agents
- Dedicated wash equipment
- Enhanced rinse protocols
- Potable water throughout
- Allergen control procedures
- Clean storage environment
Food-grade documentation
Enhanced documentation supports food safety audits and regulatory compliance. Every wash is traceable to specific containers.
- Lot-specific wash certificates
- Agent identification and approval
- Temperature verification
- Allergen status documentation
- Cleaning validation records
- Chain of custody tracking
Allergen control
For food-grade containers, we implement strict allergen control protocols to prevent cross-contamination with major food allergens.
Allergen identification
Previous contents are reviewed for allergen presence. Containers with allergen history are flagged for appropriate handling.
Segregated processing
Allergen-containing containers are processed separately or with enhanced cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contact.
Enhanced cleaning
Allergen wash protocols include additional rinse cycles and may include allergen-specific validation testing when required.
Documentation
Allergen status is documented on wash certificates. Clean containers are clearly identified for allergen-free applications.
Cleaning services for your containers
Contract cleaning
Need your own containers cleaned? We offer contract cleaning services for customer-owned IBCs. Bring us your empties and we'll return them clean with full documentation.
Service includes:
- Inspection upon receipt
- Appropriate wash protocol selection
- Full cleaning cycle
- Post-wash inspection
- Wash certificate
- Return logistics options
Pricing
Cleaning pricing depends on wash type required, residue condition, and volume. We provide detailed quotes before processing.
Pricing factors:
- Standard vs. food-grade wash
- Residue type and difficulty
- Volume (per-unit rates improve)
- Turnaround requirements
- Documentation level needed
Turnaround times
| Service type | Standard turnaround | Rush available |
|---|---|---|
| Standard industrial wash | 24-48 hours | Same day (premium) |
| Food-grade wash | 24-48 hours | Same day (premium) |
| Heavy residue / specialty | 48-72 hours | 24 hours (premium) |
| Large volume (50+ units) | 3-5 days | Expedited scheduling |
Quality assurance
Visual inspection
Every container is visually inspected after washing. Any containers not meeting cleanliness standards return for additional processing.
Spot testing
Random containers undergo additional testing including residue detection and rinse water analysis to verify cleaning effectiveness.
Process monitoring
Wash parameters are continuously monitored. Deviations trigger alerts and investigation to maintain quality standards.
Customer feedback
Any quality concerns are investigated and addressed. Continuous improvement based on customer input maintains high standards.
Frequently asked questions
Can you clean containers with hazardous residue?
Yes, with proper disclosure and documentation. Some hazardous residues require special handling or may not be suitable for our facility. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
How do I get food-grade certification?
Request food-grade washing when you submit containers. We'll process on our dedicated line with FDA-approved agents and provide food-grade certification documentation.
What if cleaning doesn't remove all residue?
Some staining may remain even after thorough cleaning—this doesn't affect container functionality. If residue affects your use case, we'll discuss options including additional processing or replacement.
Can I specify cleaning agents?
For specific requirements, we can often accommodate cleaning agent preferences. Contact us to discuss your needs before submitting containers.
Need IBC cleaning services?
Whether you need food-grade certification or industrial cleaning, our documented wash processes provide the quality assurance and traceability you require. Contact us to discuss your cleaning needs.