How to Maintain Clean Machinery with Food Grade Lubricants

In the food and beverage industry, cleanliness isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable. Whether you’re running a bakery, beverage plant, or dairy processing line, the machinery you rely on every day must be clean, safe, and compliant with strict hygiene standards. That’s where food grade lubricants come in. They not only keep your equipment running smoothly but also ensure it stays contamination-free and safe for food contact.

But how exactly do you maintain clean machinery using these specialised lubricants? Let’s break it down step by step—with a few handy tips along the way.

First Things First: Why Food Grade Lubricants Matter

Not all lubricants are created equal. Industrial lubricants used in non-food applications might do the job mechanically, but they’re a contamination risk in food environments. That’s why food grade lubricants—specifically designed for incidental food contact—are your best bet.

These lubricants meet strict food safety regulations and are formulated to resist water washout, prevent corrosion, and perform under high pressure and extreme temperatures. In short, they work hard without putting your products—or your reputation—at risk.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Food Grade Lubricant for the Job

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. From food grade oil for bearings and gears to food grade aerosol sprays for quick-touch applications, different tasks call for different products.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Food grade oils are perfect for continuous lubrication in components like chains, gears, and conveyors.
• Food grade aerosol sprays are great for hard-to-reach places or where precise application is needed without over-lubricating.
• For heavier-duty machinery, you might even need a combination of oils, greases, and sprays.

The key is to understand your machinery’s requirements and match them with the right lubricant.

Tip #2: Keep It Clean Before You Lubricate

Before applying any lubricant, take a moment to thoroughly clean the equipment. Any leftover food particles, moisture, or dirt can interfere with the lubricant’s performance—and potentially harbour bacteria.

Use food-safe cleaning agents, and always dry the surface before applying a lubricant. This helps the food grade oil adhere properly and work effectively over time.

Tip #3: Store Your Lubricants the Right Way

This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial. If your lubricants are stored improperly, even the highest-quality food grade lubricants can become contaminated.

Invest in oil storage containers that are:

• Clearly labelled and colour-coded to avoid mix-ups
• Sealed to protect against dust, moisture, or airborne contaminants
• Easy to handle, so your staff doesn’t spill or waste product

Keeping lubricants organised and stored correctly not only preserves their quality but also supports a cleaner, more efficient maintenance routine.

Tip #4: Apply Strategically—Not Excessively

It’s easy to think more lubricant means better protection, but that’s not always the case. Over-lubrication can attract dust and debris, which may affect machine cleanliness and lead to performance issues.

Use the right amount in the right place. A food grade aerosol spray helps with precision, especially in compact or delicate areas. By applying sparingly and accurately, you reduce waste, keep machinery cleaner, and extend service intervals.

Tip #5: Set a Schedule—and Stick to It

Maintenance should be proactive, not reactive. Create a lubrication schedule based on your machinery’s operational load and manufacturer recommendations. This ensures that every component gets the attention it needs—before issues arise.

Regularly inspect your equipment for signs of wear, misalignment, or lubricant breakdown. This kind of vigilance keeps your production line running without unexpected hiccups and supports a consistently clean and safe environment.

Tip #6: Educate Your Team

Clean, well-lubricated machinery isn’t a one-person job. Your entire maintenance team should be trained on:

• The difference between food grade and industrial lubricants
• Proper cleaning and application techniques
• Storage best practices using reliable oil storage containers
• Recognising signs of overuse or contamination
  

When everyone’s on the same page, your plant runs smoother, safer, and more efficiently.

Clean Machinery = Safer Production + Less Downtime

At the end of the day, using food grade lubricants is about more than just keeping machines moving. It’s about keeping your food products safe, your facility compliant, and your operation efficient.

With the right food grade oil, aerosol spray, and storage solutions, you can extend the life of your equipment while protecting your business from costly recalls or shutdowns. Plus, when your machinery is clean and running like clockwork, your team can focus on what they do best—delivering top-quality food and beverages.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining clean machinery with food grade lubricants isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Whether you’re lubricating a high-speed conveyor or greasing a bakery mixer, using the right products and techniques helps you stay compliant, avoid contamination, and extend the life of your gear.

So, stock up on the best food grade oils, sprays, and oil storage containers, and make them part of your regular maintenance strategy. Your machines—and your customers—will thank you for it.