Crate washer: what is it, why it matters, how to choose

Crates go through a lot. They’re stacked, moved, reused, carrying everything from fresh produce to raw meat. Day in, day out, they’re at the core of your operation. But what happens between uses often goes unnoticed. A quick rinse isn’t always enough, and the invisible buildup of bacteria or residue can slowly compromise product quality, safety, and your brand’s reputation.

That’s why crate washers matter. They give you consistency, compliance, and control – shift after shift. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice and get the most out of it.

What is a crate washer?

A crate washer is a machine designed to wash and sanitise crates, boxes, or bins used in industrial environments. Crate washers use high-pressure jets, targeted nozzles and controlled temperatures to remove everything from food residue to grease, dust, and potential contaminants. Most are equipped with pre-wash, main wash and rinse zones, so that each crate comes out not just looking washed, but actually safe for reuse.

Crate washer advantages

Washing crates manually is unreliable, inconsistent and surprisingly expensive. Crate washers bring clarity, control and peace of mind to what is often one of the most overlooked parts of the process. Here’s how:

1. Consistent hygiene, every time

Manual washing depends on people, time and pressure, and often leads to missed spots or rushed jobs. Crate washers follow a programmed cycle that ensures each crate is washed thoroughly and consistently, with no room for error. That means fewer hygiene risks and more confidence during audits or inspections.

2. Faster turnaround, less downtime

Washing by hand slows everything down. With an automated crate washer, washed crates are always ready when you need them, helping your team move faster and avoid bottlenecks during busy shifts.

3. Lower water and chemical use

What looks like a simple hose-down can waste litres of water and excess detergent. Crate washers are designed to use water efficiently, recycling it when possible and applying the right amount of washing agent.

4. Reliable compliance

In sectors like food, pharma or logistics, failing a hygiene audit can mean serious consequences. Crate washers help ensure you’re always inspection-ready and that your washing records, processes and results meet regulatory requirements.

5. Longer crate lifespan

Proper washing reduces wear and tear. By avoiding abrasive manual methods and using controlled washing cycles, crate washers help extend the life of your crates, lowering replacement costs.

Which companies are crate washers meant for

If your business relies on reusable crates, and hygiene is part of your daily vocabulary, you will need a crate washer.

These machines are a perfect fit for companies in the food industry, where crates carry everything from fresh vegetables to meat, fish or dairy. In this context, any trace of contamination can compromise entire batches and trigger costly recalls.

But the need goes beyond food. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies, for example, also handle materials that demand strict hygiene and traceability. Crate washers help maintain that standard, while keeping workflows compliant and consistent.

Even in logistics, agriculture or industrial manufacturing, crate washers bring order to high-volume operations. When crates are used to transport parts, tools, or packaging, keeping them washed helps protect products, reduce damage and uphold your brand’s professional image.

Signs you might need a crate washer

Not every facility realizes when the tipping point has arrived. Manual washing or outdated washers may look “good enough” on the surface, but they often hide inefficiencies and risks that eat away at margins and safety. Here are the signs it’s time to rethink your washing process.

1. Hygiene issues keep resurfacing

If contamination risks, recurring audits, or persistent residues are slowing operations, it’s a clear signal your current washing methods are falling short of industry standards.

2. Water and energy bills are climbing

Spiralling utility costs often trace back to inefficient washing cycles. A modern crate washer with optimized dosing and smart sensors can drastically cut waste.

3. Your team spends too much time “babysitting” washers

When staff are tied up with pre-rinsing, re-washing, or manual scrubbing, that’s labor wasted. Automation frees people to focus on higher-value tasks.

4. Inconsistent results between shifts

If hygiene outcomes depend on who’s working, you’re exposed to operational risk. Standardized washing ensures consistent results every single cycle.

5. Equipment downtime is becoming too frequent

Clogged filters, worn nozzles, or recurring breakdowns are technical annoyances, but, more importantly, they’re productivity killers that signal it’s time for a system built to last.

6. Growing volumes strain your current setup

Scaling production without upgrading your washing system creates blockages. A crate washer designed for industrial loads keeps operations running smoothly as demand grows.

How to choose the right crate washer

Choosing the right solution is less about picking the biggest or most powerful machine, and more about finding the one that fits seamlessly into your workflow.

1. Think about volume

How many crates do you need to wash per hour or per shift? Some washers are built for high-throughput, 24/7 operations. Others are better suited to smaller, more flexible setups. Know your numbers and plan not just for today, but for future growth too.

2. Understand your dirt

Are you dealing with light dust, sticky food residue, or heavy industrial grime? The level and type of dirt impacts the kind of water pressure, temperature and washing phases you'll need. A good machine will adapt, but it helps to know what it’s up against.

3. Consider space and layout

How much room do you have? Crate washers come in various sizes and configurations: tunnel-style, compact, modular… Choose one that fits physically into your space and integrates with your existing processes, without slowing things down.

4. Check energy and water efficiency

Efficiency is a cost-saving strategy. Look for models designed to minimise water, detergent and energy use without compromising on performance. This keeps your bills (and environmental footprint) in check.

5. Prioritise easy maintenance

A machine that’s hard to maintain can quickly become part of the problem. Go for a design that offers easy access to key components, intuitive controls, and solid after-sales support.

6. Look beyond the machine

Think about installation, training, service, and scalability. A reliable partner will help make sure it works for your business, from day one and as you grow.

How to maximise the lifespan of your crate washer

A crate washer is a long-term investment, and the way you care for it makes all the difference. Here’s how to keep it running at its best, year after year.

1. Train your team

Make sure the people using the machine know how to use it well. That means understanding how to load crates correctly, select the right settings, and identify early signs of issues.

2. Use the right chemicals

Avoid shortcuts or harsh products that weren’t designed for your machine. The wrong chemicals can corrode parts, clog systems or reduce washing effectiveness. Use approved detergents in the recommended dosage for best results.

3. Don’t ignore small issues

Unusual noises? Slower cycles? Water that doesn’t heat properly? These are often early warning signs. Address them quickly to prevent minor problems from turning into major breakdowns.

4. Schedule preventive maintenance

Even if everything seems to be working fine, regular check-ups from a technician can spot wear and tear you might miss. A preventive maintenance plan ensures your machine stays efficient, compliant and reliable, with no surprises.

FAQs about crate washers

These are some of the most common questions about crate washers.

Do crate washers comply with hygiene regulations?

Yes. Modern machines like MultiWasher are designed to meet food safety regulations (such as HACCP and EHEDG guidelines). They ensure every crate is washed and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.

How difficult is maintenance?

MultiWasher is built for durability and easy access. Preventive maintenance (like checking filters, nozzles, and pumps) keeps the system running efficiently. The sensors can even alert you when a component needs attention, to reduce downtime. Besides, Somengil will keep an eye on your machine performance.

Can a crate washer handle different crate sizes?

Yes. Flexible systems adjust automatically to different crate dimensions and soil levels, optimizing cycle time, water pressure, and detergent dosing to avoid waste.

What’s the ROI of investing in a crate washer?

While the upfront cost can be significant, the payback is fast. Companies often see ROI in less than two years through savings in water, energy, chemicals, and labor, plus the added benefit of reliable hygiene compliance.

How does water quality affect crate washer performance?

Hard water or high mineral content can leave residues, clog nozzles, and increase chemical use. Installing filtration or softening systems can extend machine life and cut detergent use by up to 20%.

Meet MultiWasher, the crate washer that makes all the difference

Your daily operations demand more than just “washed.” They demand uncompromising hygiene, consistent performance, and the confidence that every crate coming out of your washer is ready to carry your reputation forward.

Developed by Somengil, MultiWasher is a system built to tackle the real pressures of modern food and industrial processing: high volumes, strict safety standards, and relentless cost control. With smart sensors, it continuously monitors water, energy, and detergent use, adjusting each cycle to the exact type and soil level of the load. The result? Spotless hygiene with up to 66% less water, 70% less detergent, and 30% less energy compared to traditional washers.

But efficiency alone isn’t enough. MultiWasher is designed to be operator-friendly. Its intuitive interface reduces training time and minimizes human error, while automated processes eliminate inconsistencies between shifts. And because no two facilities are alike, Somengil engineers customize racks and loading systems to fit your crates, trays, and tools, maximizing versatility without compromising throughput.

It’s time to explore what MultiWasher can do for you. Let’s find the perfect fit, so every wash reflects your commitment to doing things right. Get in touch today.