Engineering guide
Fodder tray cleaning and maintenance guide
Trays are cleaned between grow cycles. Regular cleaning helps prevent residue buildup.
Between cycles
After harvest, trays are removed and cleaned before the next batch. The operator handles this step.
Material and method
Cleaning method depends on tray material. The method is confirmed on the quotation. Harsh chemicals may not be suitable for food-grade trays.
What to watch
Residue, discoloration, or damage are checked during cleaning. Damaged trays can be replaced. Replacement can be quoted separately.
Operating steps
After harvest, remove the mat and scrape off loose roots and seed. Doing this before residue dries makes the rest of the cleaning faster and gentler on the tray surface.
Rinse the tray, then wash it using the method and products agreed for your tray material. Pay attention to corners, drain holes, and edges, where residue tends to collect.
Rinse again to remove any cleaning product, and let the tray drain and dry before it is loaded. Store clean trays where they stay free of dust and splashes from dirty trays.
Inspect each tray while you clean it. Set aside trays with cracks, warping, or blocked drainage, and keep track of how many trays need attention so replacements can be planned.
Precautions
Use only cleaning products that are suitable for your tray material and for surfaces that touch animal feed. Follow the product label, and ask the supplier if you are unsure.
Do not mix cleaning products, and keep them stored away from seed and finished fodder. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling concentrated products.
Leftover cleaning product can affect sprouting and may end up in the feed, so rinse thoroughly. If a tray still smells of cleaner after rinsing, rinse it again before use.
Common questions
Do trays need cleaning after every cycle?
Yes, cleaning between cycles is the normal routine. Residue left in a tray can affect the next batch, and regular cleaning is easier than removing heavy buildup later. If trays are stored for a while between uses, a quick rinse before loading is also sensible.
Can I use a pressure washer?
It may help with stubborn residue, but strong pressure can damage some tray materials or force dirt into drain holes. Check with the supplier before using one on your trays.
When should a tray be replaced?
Replace a tray when cracks, warping, or other damage stop it from draining properly or make it hard to clean. Replacement trays can be quoted separately.
Cleaning fodder trays in rack and container systems
The routine is the same whether trays sit in a modular tray rack or inside a container system. Trays are food-grade, and their material, plastic or stainless steel, is chosen to the buyer's requirement, so the cleaning method should suit that material. Agree the method with your supplier when the system is quoted, and keep it consistent from cycle to cycle.