Trolley washer: how to choose the best one for your business

Trolleys accumulate dirt, grease, and debris over time, making manual washing inefficient and time-consuming. Trolley washers are specialized industrial machines designed to tackle this issue, delivering a faster and more reliable process in commercial and industrial environments. These machines ensure that trolleys meet hygiene and safety standards. However, selecting the right trolley washer for your business requires careful consideration of factors like capacity, automation level, energy consumption, and maintenance needs. Here's how to make the best choice for your operations.

What is a trolley washer?

A trolley washer is exactly what it sounds like – a specialized machine designed to wash trolleys, carts, and other transport equipment used in industries like food processing, healthcare, and manufacturing. These trolleys are often used to transport goods, raw materials, or even medical equipment, picking up all sorts of grime, dirt, and bacteria along the way – meaning they meet hygiene and safety standards.

Trolley washers are built to handle multiple trolleys at once, blasting them with water, detergent and heat. They ensure trolleys come out spotless. Plus, it’s more efficient, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Why invest in a trolley washer

Using a trolley washer has some important advantages, especially if your business relies on carts and trolleys every day. Here’s why making the switch from manual washing to a trolley washer can pay off.

1. Saves time and labour

One of the biggest advantages of using a trolley washer is the time and effort it saves. Instead of having your staff spend hours scrubbing down trolleys by hand, the washer automates the entire process. You can load multiple trolleys into the machine, press a button, and let it do all the hard work. This speeds up washing and frees up your employees to focus on other important tasks.

2. Superior hygiene and consistency

In washing, consistency is key. This is especially true in industries like food processing, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals. A trolley washer delivers the same level of washing every single time. With high-pressure water jets and detergent, it reaches all the tricky spots that are hard to wash manually, like corners, edges, and crevices. This deep and thorough washing keeps your equipment spotless and reduces the risk of contamination or bacteria buildup.

3. Cost-efficient and eco-friendly

Trolley washers are designed to be resource-efficient, which means they use just the right amount of water and detergent to get the job done. For instance, MultiWasher, a chamber type walk-in trolley washer designed by Somengil, comes with eco-friendly features, such as water recycling systems and energy-efficient options, reducing your business's environmental impact. Over time, these savings can add up, making a trolley washer a smart choice for hygiene and for your budget.

4. Prolongs equipment life

Keeping your trolleys washed is also essential for their longevity. Dirt, grease, and debris can cause wear and tear on your equipment, leading to frequent replacements or repairs. A trolley washer helps protect your trolleys from damage, extending their lifespan and saving you from unnecessary replacement costs.

How does a trolley washer work?

The process behind a trolley washer is both straightforward and highly efficient, designed to wash trolleys with minimal human effort. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it operates.

1. Loading the trolleys

First, the dirty trolleys are loaded into the machine. MultiWasher is designed to handle various sizes and shapes of trolleys, crates, or utensils, and its spacious design means you can wash multiple items at once, making it perfect for high-volume environments.

2. Rinsing stage

Once the trolleys are inside, the washing process begins. High-pressure water jets are used to blast away loose dirt, debris, and any surface contaminants. This initial rinse is crucial because it prepares the trolleys for a more thorough wash, ensuring that stubborn grime isn’t just pushed around later.

3. Detergent application

The machine then sprays a specialized detergent over the trolleys. This detergent is designed to break down grease, grime, and other contaminants that might be stuck on the surface. The washer ensures that all parts of the trolley, including hard-to-reach areas, are thoroughly coated.

4. Main wash cycle

Next comes the main wash, where high-pressure water jets go to work. The combination of powerful water streams and detergent ensures that the trolleys are deeply washed, with dirt and bacteria being removed from every nook and cranny. This stage is designed to remove even the toughest of stains and debris that might be clinging to the trolleys.

5. Drying

One of the standout features of the MultiWasher is its drying phase. While many industrial washers stop at the rinse cycle, leaving you with wet trolleys and equipment that need additional time to dry, the MultiWasher includes a powerful drying option. This feature removes excess moisture and ensures that your trolleys are ready for immediate use.

This drying phase is particularly important in industries where hygiene is paramount. Wet equipment can easily attract bacteria or other contaminants if left to dry naturally. The ability to dry items inside the machine helps maintain a sterile environment and saves time, allowing you to get the equipment back into use without any delays.

How to choose the right trolley washer

This choice can affect both your efficiency and operational costs. Here’s what to look for to ensure you're investing in the best solution for your specific needs.

1. Washing capacity

The first thing to consider is how much trolleys your business needs to handle on a regular basis. If your operation is high-volume, such as in food processing plants, manufacturing, or healthcare facilities, you’ll need a trolley washer that can handle multiple trolleys at once. A machine like the MultiWasher, with its spacious interior and ability to handle several items simultaneously, can be a huge time-saver and boost efficiency.

2. Water and energy efficiency

Industrial washers can use significant amounts of water and energy, which can quickly add up in costs. Look for a trolley washer that prioritizes efficiency. MultiWasher is specifically designed to minimize:

• Water: thanks to water recycling systems.
• Energy: with power-saving modes
• Detergent usage: incorporating sensors that determine the ideal amount of detergent needed based on the load and level of contamination.

So, consider machines with eco-friendly features, especially if sustainability is a priority for your business.

3. Customizable washing programs

Every industry has different requirements, so it’s important to choose a trolley washer that offers customizable cycles. For example, the food industry may require higher temperatures for sanitation, while manufacturing might need stronger detergent applications to handle grease or chemicals. Machines that allow you to adjust settings like water pressure, temperature, and detergent levels are ideal, as they offer the flexibility to meet your specific needs. The MultiWasher, for instance, has customizable programs to suit various industries.

4. Drying capabilities

As mentioned earlier, not all trolley washers come with a drying option, but it’s a feature that can make a big difference. Drying equipment inside the washer, like MultiWasher does, means you don’t have to wait for trolleys to air dry, which can be inefficient and unhygienic. Having a built-in drying phase ensures that your equipment is ready for immediate use and reduces the risk of bacteria forming on wet surfaces.

5. Ease of use and maintenance

No one wants to deal with a complicated machine that’s difficult to operate. Choose a trolley washer that is user-friendly and easy to integrate into your workflow. MultiWasher excels in this regard with its user-friendly design and intuitive controls. It features a simple control panel that makes setting up and operating the machine straightforward, even for staff who may not be familiar with industrial equipment.

MultiWasher: the industrial washing machine for every need

A trolley washer can be a game changer for businesses that rely on trolleys and carts in their daily operations. And when it comes to combining advanced technology with user-friendly design, the MultiWasher stands out. It offers a powerful, efficient solution that’s easy to operate and maintain, while its space-efficient design ensures it fits seamlessly into various work environments. Its smart features, including customizable programs and optimal detergent usage with smart sensors, make it a versatile choice for businesses seeking both high performance and convenience.

Get in touch today for more information, a personalized consultation, or to request a free demonstration.