[angie]

Hi what are the best cleaners /detergents to use to clean milking machines after milking?
Do you need to use them after each milking or flush out with clean water and use detergent/cleaner once a week.
Would udder wipes be sufficient to clean clusters after each goat has been milked, if not what should I use?
Many thanks in advance

Angie

[Rupert the bear]

Hi Angie,
As hygiene is paramount, our regime is straight after milking a cold flush of water then running  Deosan   ( or other milk parlour  cleaner ) in a hot solution, in a bucket , clusters in the bucket and just suck it through , then another cold rinse, and leave to drain/air dry.
Between goats udder wipes are used on the goats, before the cluster is put on the goat  but not on the cluster .

once in a while instead of Deosan an Iodine based cleaner is run through just to break the cycle, and run the brush though the milk pipes to discourage any build up. then rinse well.
Always keep an eye out for any buildup of milkstone on the bucket , this can be removed with the use of a green scourer or if severe some brick cleaning acid.

[Rosemary]

I rinse twice with cold water then put hot Capriclese through, scrubbing out the dump bucket and lid. Then when I go to use it next day, I run through very hot 82C water to rinse out any cleaner.
I use warm water and a mild soap for washing udders - each cow has her own bucket and cloth.

[Anke]

Just to add to your confusion… after each milking we do a hot run with simple washing up liquid first, then a cold one with Capriclense (iodine based)and then finally  a cold one to rinse it all out. About every other week (sometimes more often, depends on how many I milk) we take the clusters and lid to the milk bucket off and soak/wash with hypochlorite solution overnight in the house.


Works fine.

[angie]

Thank you every one for your information much appreciated.  Will try each method and see how it goes.??

Angie