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  • hypochlorite and drying racks

    Posted by hanab on March 3, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    Hello all! 
    I was wondering if anyone has any experience with hypochlorite for disinfecting equipment and manufacturing premises. I know that hypochlorite and most grades of stainless steel do not mix well together. I have 316 stainless steel for my tables, sink, and equipment. I am currently trying to find a 316 stainless steel wire shelving drying rack unit but am not having much luck. 

    Do I need to use hypochlorite or is there another option for serious disinfecting? 
    Do I need my drying rack for wet equipment to be 316 stainless? 
    Also are enclosed drying cabinets allowed for manufacturing is that a better option? 

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!
    Sincerely, 
    Hana Bryce

    Pharma replied 3 years, 8 months ago 3 Members · 5 Replies
  • 5 Replies
  • DAS

    Member
    March 3, 2021 at 6:23 pm

    Keep strong oxidizers away from any equipment. Just to be clear, stainless is not stainless, it will oxidize, specially if you attack the metal with bleach. 316 might be able to take the damage a little longer due to it’s composition, but in the end you’ll end up with rust and pores. 
    There are many options for disinfection, sodium hypochlorite happens to be the cheapest. Also it depends what you are disinfecting. For example, for plastic containers we use a solution of ethanol and pcmx. For surfaces like walls and floors we use benzalkonium chloride. Here you can read more on low level disinfection.

    Regarding the equipment, honestly, is all about your budget. If you can and want to buy pharmaceutical grade equipment that’s great, but really unnecessary for cosmetics. As long as you comply your local regulations, just buy what you can. Your money will be best invested elsewhere.

  • hanab

    Member
    March 3, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    Thank you for the info! May I ask what you use after detergent to disinfect your surfaces and equipment that comes into contact with product? 
    When using the hypochlorite it was mentioned that areas that do come into contact with product require a final rinse after. 

  • DAS

    Member
    March 3, 2021 at 7:24 pm

    Depends on the nature of the product. In most cases high pressure wash and ethanol+pcmx.

  • hanab

    Member
    March 3, 2021 at 7:31 pm

    Thank you very much for your help! Greatly appreciated!

  • Pharma

    Member
    March 3, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    If I really need an oxidising agent for cleaning, I use H2O2 or, should there be some ugly crust, in situ prepared peracetic acid. But that’s seldom the case when making cosmetics and when keeping your equipment clean.

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