Belt Cleaning: The Food Industry’s Biggest Headache
By Hygiene Technologies
Belt cleaning is one of the biggest challenges in the food industry. Many food manufacturers ask the same question:
“What is the best method for belt cleaning?”
Food processors want better cleaning results, higher hygiene standards, and less labour. They also want to clean conveyor belts faster and reduce downtime.
Why Conveyor Belt Cleaning Is So Difficult
Cleaning food processing belts takes a lot of time and effort. It is one of the most labour-intensive cleaning tasks in a factory.
Belts must be cleaned during product changeovers, especially when allergens are involved. In many facilities, the current belt cleaning method involves removing the entire belt. The belt is then taken to a washroom for cleaning. This allows workers to clean the belt underside, rollers, and support frames.
The problem is downtime. When belts are removed, production stops. No belts mean no processing.
Manual belt cleaning also causes damage. Workers often use scouring pads and scrapers to remove stuck-on food soil. Over time, this damages the belt surface. This is a serious issue with newer belt materials, which are designed for performance but are very expensive to replace.
Are There Better Belt Cleaning Solutions?
Yes. There are several modern conveyor belt cleaning systems that reduce labour, save water, and improve hygiene.
Option 1: Automated Water Bar Belt Cleaning
One effective solution is a rotating spray bar system that uses medium-pressure potable water. This pressure is higher than standard factory water but uses far less water than manual hose cleaning.
If your facility uses mains water pressure, this system can be easily automated.
Key Benefits:
Lower cost compared to many automated belt cleaners
Reduced labour and cleaning time
Better cleaning results than manual methods
Cleans both the belt surface and underside at the same time
Less water usage than traditional washdown hoses
This system also allows you to apply foam or thin-film cleaning chemicals. Thin-film cleaners stick to the belt without foaming, giving excellent chemical dwell time and better soil removal.
Option 2: Dry Steam Belt Cleaning
Another highly effective solution is dry steam belt cleaning.
A common myth is that steam damages conveyor belts. In reality, dry superheated steam is safe for belts when used correctly.
Steam provides complete sanitisation with every pass. The high temperature destroys pathogens instantly, making it ideal for food safety and allergen control.
Key Benefits:
Total sanitisation with every clean
Extremely low water use (only 15–20 litres per hour)
Ideal for water-restricted facilities
Can be mobile or fully integrated into your plant
Compatible with modular belts and flat belts
Steam belt cleaning systems can run during production. They clean the belt face and underside on the return pass, meaning no downtime.
Drying options include:
Manual squeegees
Automated vacuum systems
Air knives for fast belt drying
Don’t Forget Supports, Rollers, and Frames
Even the best belt cleaning system must be supported by effective cleaning of rollers, belt supports, and frames.
Many factories still rely on standard ¾” washdown hoses. However, there are faster and more efficient tools available. These systems reduce water use and cut cleaning time significantly.
Find the Right Belt Cleaning Solution for Your Facility
Every food processing environment is different. The best belt cleaning system depends on your products, belt type, hygiene risks, and production schedule.
If you would like expert advice on conveyor belt cleaning, click the button below or send us an email. One of our specialists will help you find the best solution for your facility.