Pressure Washing Meat Trucks: How to Clean Refrigerated Meat Delivery Vehicles

We don’t have to remind you just how important maintaining sanitary conditions in your refrigerated meat delivery vehicles is. The last thing you want is to put anyone at risk of foodborne illness. But, it’s also about prolonging the lifespan of your vehicle fleet.

The need for a thorough, efficient cleaning process cannot be taken lightly – and pressure washing checks all the boxes. It works well, and it works fast. What more could you ask for?

We’ll show you how to clean refrigerated meat trucks with a pressure washer below – from sourcing your equipment and supplies to actually performing the pressure washing process.

Here at Hotsy Equipment Company, you gain access to the premier selection of commercial pressure washers in San Antonio to set yourself up for success. We have more than 40 years of experience in serving this region and are eager to help you keep your trucks in tip-top shape.

Why Pressure Washing Meat Trucks is the Best Cleaning Method

Of all the different methods you can choose from, pressure washing meat trucks is undoubtedly the best approach. We’ll explain why after talking about why keeping your refrigerated meat trucks clean is so important in the first place.

The Importance of Cleanliness in Refrigerated Meat Trucks

Anytime food is involved, the standards for cleanliness go up. These vehicles carry perishable goods that can easily become contaminated if not stored in a sanitary environment.

Even small traces of blood, fat, or organic residue can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, leading to foodborne illnesses like Salmonella or E. coli.

But beyond food safety, it’s about keeping the meat in its best condition so that the end consumer enjoys it as it was intended. The residue left behind after deliveries can create unpleasant odors and affect the temperature control within the truck.

There are also regulatory requirements to consider. Health authorities have stringent standards for the transport of perishable goods, and failure to comply can result in hefty fines, legal action, or the loss of operating licenses.

If for nothing else, you need to make sure you’re doing your best to keep refrigerated meat delivery trucks clean so that you can protect your investment. These vehicles are expensive, and failure to clean messes can degrade the interior of your truck quickly.

Benefits of Pressure Washing Over Other Cleaning Methods

It’s clear that a meticulous cleaning process is essential for meat delivery fleets, but why is pressure washing the way to go? Simple – you can’t beat the speed and effectiveness it has to offer!

The high-pressure water jets can reach into tight spaces, such as door seals and crevices, that manual cleaning methods might miss. You can rest assured all surfaces are sanitized, reducing the risk of contamination.

Even tough residues left behind such as grease, blood, and fat are no match for a powerful pressure washer paired with the right detergent. You can blast through these in far less time with less effort compared to manual scrubbing.

This is also a more environmentally friendly option as you’ll use less water and soap, conserving resources without compromising on cleaning results.

Perhaps most importantly, though, you can pair heated water with a sanitizing solution to completely eradicate any live bacteria or contaminants that could put future deliveries at risk. This is worth the investment alone for peace of mind!

Choosing the Right Equipment and Supplies for Pressure Washing Meat Trucks

There’s no denying the benefits of pressure washing meat trucks, but choosing the right equipment and supplies can make or break your results.

There are a lot of different types of pressure washers to consider, and you also need to figure out what soap to use in pressure washer. You can’t forget the accessories and other supplies either.

Don’t worry – Hotsy Equipment Company has all the essentials and the know-how to set you up for success.

Pressure Washer Guidelines for Meat Truck Cleaning

First, you need to pick the perfect pressure washer PSI for cleaning meat trucks. There’s a fine line between blasting away tough grime and causing damage to the surface in question. We suggest a range of 2000 to 3000 PSI to remove tough residues like grease and dried blood.

You also need an ample flow rate to work fast without wasting water. This is where GPM – or gallons per minute – comes into play. 4-5 GPM should be sufficient for this job.

Next, think about how you’ll power the unit – either through gas or electricity. Each has its place, but it generally comes down to where you plan to clean. Gas powered models are more portable and powerful, making them great for cleaning outdoors. Just be aware of the extra noise they generate.

On the other hand, electric models work just fine if you’re cleaning trucks inside a building and have access to an outlet. They may be less powerful, but they’re quieter and don’t emit any fumes.

Of course, choosing between one of our commercial cold water pressure washers in San Antonio and commercial hot water pressure washers in San Antonio is important too.

We touched on this a bit earlier, but we suggest heated pressure washers because they break down grease, fats, and other organic materials much better. Cold water pressure washers are less effective at sanitizing and removing stubborn residues.

You’ll need to make the choice between buying or renting a pressure washer as well. Think about how often you need to clean your vehicle. Are you running deliveries daily or even weekly? If so, it might make sense to invest in your own unit for long-term savings and enhanced convenience.

But if you only need to clean your meat trucks a few times a year as they’re not used often, the cost to rent a pressure washer might end up making more sense.

Regardless of your needs, make sure you’re choosing a durable, reliable pressure washer so that you don’t have to stress about downtime getting in the way. You can’t go wrong with a Hotsy, the most trusted name in industrial cleaning.

Sanitizing Soaps to Kill Bacteria and Other Contaminants

Pressure washers clean well – but they may not sanitize, which is perhaps more important. That’s why you need to pair your unit with the right detergent. These are what will disinfect the surfaces of your vehicle to ensure safe transportation of meat.

For the interior, especially the refrigerated areas, use food-grade sanitizers that are effective against bacteria and safe for use on surfaces that come into contact with food.

Chlorine-based sanitizers, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), and iodine-based solutions are commonly used in these settings due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.

But, you might also need a detergent for the exterior of your vehicle as well. The needs here will be something that can cut through grime and road debris. Hotsy Transport, Ripper, or Carbon-Ate are all great choices.

Other Accessories and Supplies to Streamline the Cleaning Process

While a pressure washer with soap makes up the bulk of your cleaning regimen, there may be a few other supplies you want to have on hand.

Surface cleaners, for example, are great for cleaning large, flat areas of the truck efficiently. They are particularly useful for cleaning the truck’s sides and roof, ensuring that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. You can also use them inside the delivery vehicle.

Meanwhile, extension wands make it easier to reach high or difficult areas, such as the top of the truck or underneath the chassis. Hose reels help manage the high-pressure hose, preventing tangles and making it easier to move around the truck during cleaning.

There are many other accessories worth considering too such as turbo nozzles or foam cannons. You’ll want some pressure washer safety equipment too like boots, eyewear, gloves, and waterproof coveralls.

Get All the Essentials at Hotsy Equipment Company!

With more than 40 years of experience serving San Antonio and the surrounding region you can count on us to deliver the top-tier cleaning equipment you need – from pressure washers to soaps, accessories, and even expert insights on making the most of your cleaning process!

We have everything from hot and cold models in gas and electric variations to commercial pressure washer trailers in San Antonio if you need to take your cleaning regimen on the go.

You can also discover the best selection of soaps and pressure washer parts in San Antonio TX to round out your arsenal. If you choose to go with commercial pressure washer rental in San Antonio instead of buying your unit, we can help you out with that as well.

Don’t wait to invest in the best equipment for cleaning meat trucks. Get in touch with Hotsy Equipment Company today and learn more about how to clean refrigerated meat delivery trucks below!

How to Clean Refrigerated Meat Delivery Trucks With a Pressure Washer: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have access to the best equipment it’s time to learn how to put it to use. From cleaning the exterior to the interior, here’s a step-by-step guide to pressure washing meat delivery trucks.

Preparation and Safety Measures

Start by parking the truck in a designated cleaning area with proper drainage. Put on your PPE and make sure all windows and doors are securely closed to prevent water from entering the cabin or storage areas not intended for cleaning.

Then, remove any loose debris, such as packaging materials or meat scraps, from the interior of the truck to prevent the debris from clogging the drainage system.

Pre-Rinse the Truck

Begin by giving the entire exterior and interior of the truck a thorough pre-rinse using the pressure washer set to a lower PSI (around 1500-2000).

Start from the top of the truck and work your way down as you rinse the roof, walls, and floor. The step softens any dried-on residue and prepares the surfaces for detergent application.

Apply Detergent

Switch to a soap nozzle or use a foam cannon to apply detergent to the truck’s interior and exterior. Choose a food-grade detergent that is safe for refrigerated environments and effective at breaking down grease, blood, and other organic materials commonly found in meat trucks.

Apply the detergent evenly on all surfaces, including the walls, ceiling, floor, and any other areas that come into contact with meat.

Give it a few minutes to break down the contaminants but be careful not to let it dry on the surface. This dwell time lets the cleaning agents penetrate and lift the grime from the surfaces.

Scrub Tough Areas

Some areas with stubborn stains or heavy buildup, such as door seals, hinges, and the floor, may need additional manual scrubbing.

Use a soft-bristle brush or scrub pad and focus on areas where grease and blood are most likely to accumulate, as these are often the hardest to clean with water pressure alone. Reapply detergent to these areas and continue scrubbing until the stains are removed.

Pressure Wash the Interior and Exterior

Now it’s time to pressure wash the truck to remove the detergent and any remaining contaminants.

Increase the PSI to around 2000-2500 for a more powerful rinse without risking damage to the truck’s surfaces. Again, start from the top of the truck and work your way down, using a wide-angle nozzle (25° or 40°) to cover larger areas efficiently.

Pay extra attention to rinsing the interior so that no residual detergent or dirt is left behind. Even leftover soap can pose a problem as it attracts dirt to clump on it.

At this point, you can conduct a thorough inspection of the truck’s interior and exterior to ensure that all areas have been properly cleaned. Check for any missed spots, soap residue, or damage that may have occurred during the cleaning process.

Drying and Post-Cleaning Procedures

Make sure you dry the truck completely after cleaning to prevent water spots and mildew. Use a combination of air blowers and microfiber towels to remove moisture from the interior and exterior surfaces.

We recommend you open the doors and allow the truck to air out for a few minutes before loading it with meat products. This ensures any residual moisture evaporates, leaving the interior dry and ready for the next delivery.

After the truck is dry, perform one last inspection to confirm it’s clean, dry, and free from any contaminants. Then, you can load it up and head out on your delivery with peace of mind!

Wrapping Up Our Guide on How to Clean Meat Trucks

The stakes are high when it comes to transporting meat. You can’t take any risks when it comes to the safety and hygiene of your delivery vehicle.

Fortunately, you can rest assured you’re doing everything in your power to protect your product now that you know how to clean meat trucks with a pressure washer.

You can find additional resources in our blog like pressure washing commercial buildings, pressure washing graffiti, pressure washer rust removal, how to service a pressure washer , pressure washer sizing, and a whole lot more.

Otherwise, take the first step by contacting Hotsy Equipment Company in San Antonio to get your essentials for pressure washing meat trucks. Find out firsthand why we’ve been the #1 choice in the region for 40 years and counting today!