Cleaning method for machine dishwashing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for cleaning tableware using temperatures lower than 80° C. whilst maintaining high hygienic standards by using two alkaline and one acidic cleaning step.

1 . A process for continuous or discontinuous machine dishwashing comprising the steps of
 a) Applying a first basic cleaning step whereby the cleaning solution has a pH of ≧10.5 and ≦13 at a temperature of ≧30 and ≦55° C.   b) Applying an acidic cleaning step whereby the cleaning solution has a pH of ≧1 and ≦3 at a temperature of ≧50 and ≦75° C.   c) Applying a second basic cleaning step whereby the cleaning solution has a pH of ≧10.5 and ≦13 at a temperature of ≧30 and ≦55° C.   d) Applying a rinse step, whereby the cleaning solution has a pH of ≧5 and ≦7 at a temperature of ≧50 and ≦75° C.   
     
     
         2 . The process according to  claim 1 , whereby step a) and/or step c) is performed at a temperature of ≧40 and ≦50° C., preferably around 45° C. 
     
     
         3 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  and  2 , wherein step b) and/or step d) is performed at a temperature of ≧55 and ≦70° C., preferably between ≧60 and ≦65° C. and most preferred around 63° C. 
     
     
         4 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  to  3 , wherein in step a) and/or c) the cleaning solution has a pH of ≧11 and ≦12. 
     
     
         5 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  to  4 , wherein in step b) the cleaning solution has a pH of ≧2 and ≦2.5. 
     
     
         6 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  to  5 , wherein step a) is performed for ≧10 s and ≦30 s 
     
     
         7 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  to  6 , wherein step b) is performed for ≧10 s and ≦20 s. 
     
     
         8 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  to  7 , wherein step c) is performed for ≧20 s and ≦50 s 
     
     
         9 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  to  8 , wherein step d) is performed for ≧5 s and ≦15 s 
     
     
         10 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  to  9 , whereby in step a) the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the tableware trough a rotating washing arm as a heavy water curtain 
     
     
         11 . The process according to any of the  claims 1  to  10 , whereby in step c) the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the tableware trough a rotating washing arm as a heavy water curtain