The dirty truth about mold washing: it doesn’t work (unless you automate)

Molds are indispensable tools for shaping delicious foods and pastries across sensitive industries like retail, pharmaceuticals, and food production. However, they can also lead to unintended consequences. A stark reminder of this reality came in 2013, when a horsemeat scandal burst into headlines, shaking consumer trust and exposing unsettling gaps in the food supply chain.

Frozen ready meals, marketed as hearty beef-based options, were found to contain horse DNA – yes, horse. Brands yanked products off shelves, and UK supermarket giant Tesco issued grovelling apologies, splashing full-page ads promising transparency. Yet the damage was already done. Consumers felt duped, trust eroded, and the question lingered: if they couldn’t even trust a label, what else was lurking behind the scenes? For businesses, the message was loud and clear – hygiene and transparency aren’t optional; they’re the currency of trust.

Restaurants and foodservice providers were handed both a warning and an opportunity. On one hand, the scandal raised alarm bells: customers rattled by what they couldn’t see in supermarket meals might start eyeing kitchens with the same suspicion. On the other hand, there was a chance to shine. Restaurants that championed clean practices, ethical sourcing, and transparency could swoop in as the “safer bet” for wary consumers. The horsemeat debacle may have faded from the news, but it left a lesson that still echoes: if customers can’t trust what’s on their plate, they won’t stick around to find out what’s next.

For industries producing high-risk products such as dairy, baked goods, or ready-to-eat meals, maintaining trust means ensuring every tool and surface is spotless. This is where equipment like mold washers comes in. Investing in these advanced washing systems is crucial to prevent devastating outcomes and to keep scandals (and bacteria) off the menu. Here’s how to choose one for your company.

What are mold washers?

Mold washers are high-performance washing machines designed to sanitize molds and other industrial equipment, that can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not washed thoroughly. So, whether you’re dealing with molds for ice cream tubs, pharmaceutical tablets, or automotive components, you’ll need that every crevice is free from residue, bacteria, and potential contaminants.

Manual scrubbing or subpar washing methods can risk health hazards or production inefficiencies. Mold washers are engineered to meet strict industry hygiene standards, streamlining the washing process while delivering spotless results.

What are the advantages of mold washers?

The benefits go beyond spotless results. Mold washers deliver:

Unmatched hygiene

Industrial-grade washing power gets into every nook, cranny, and microscopic crevice, obliterating bacteria, allergens, and the ghost of that one stubborn smudge.

Time savings

No company has the time and resources for manual scrubbing, especially in the age of automation. Mold washers do the job in minutes, without sore backs, wasted hours or complaints.

Cost savings

A mold washer is an investment that pays for itself quicker than you’d expect. Stop wasting financial resources on inefficiency – cut costs, improve washing quality, and boost your bottom line all at once.

Consistency

Inconsistent washing can be frustrating. One mold is pristine, while the other not so much. Mold washers eliminate this problem by delivering the same top-tier wash every single time. With MultiWasher, an industrial washing machine developed by Somengil, you can rely on consistent, high-quality washing every time.

Compliance made easy

If hygiene inspectors give you cold sweats, it’s time to upgrade. Mold washers help you smash every sanitation benchmark your industry throws at you. Audits become a breeze, and compliance goes from headache to no-brainer.

Sustainability

Saving the planet while saving your molds is not only possible, but also effortless. Mold washers reduce water, energy, and chemical usage while still delivering spotless results. MultiWasher is built with eco-efficiency in mind. It uses less water and detergent compared to traditional washers, thanks to its filtration and recycling systems. Because being eco-friendly can also mean being exceptionally effective.

Enhanced productivity

A washed mold is a productive mold. Dirt and residues can ruin your production process, cause defects, and cost you money. By keeping your molds spotless, mold washers help ensure your operations run smoother, faster, and more efficiently – just like the ultimate maintenance tool for your workflow.

Peace of mind

The last thing you want is to lose sleep over your facilities hygiene. With a top-tier washer, you know every mold is as clean as it gets. No bacteria. No residue. No risks. Just peace of mind that your business is running safely and efficiently.

Improved worker safety

Washing molds manually can be tedious and dangerous. Harsh chemicals, repetitive strain, and awkward angles make for a risky job. Mold washers take over and protect your team from injuries and exposure to harmful substances.

How do mold washers work?

Mold washers operate through a combination of advanced washing technologies, precision engineering, and automation. MultiWasher, for example, uses high-pressure water jets, optimized temperature control, and tailored washing programs to tackle even the most stubborn residues.

Here’s the process in a nutshell:

1. Loading: Place the molds in the washer’s chamber.
2. Customized washing cycle: Choose a program based on your molds' material and contamination level.
3. Deep washing: High-pressure nozzles and strategically applied detergents remove residues.
4. Sanitization: Hot water or steam ensures all bacteria and pathogens are eradicated, while protecting mold integrity.
5. Rinse and dry: Final touches leave the molds flawless and ready for use.

How to choose the right mold washer

Here’s what to look for when making your choice:

1. Capacity

Do you have massive industrial molds or smaller, more delicate ones? A good mold washer should accommodate your largest molds with ease, without squishing or tricky balancing acts. Check the specs and make sure the chamber is large enough to handle your heaviest workloads without sacrificing washing power. MultiWasher is a closed front-loading cabin, which allows for quick and straightforward handling and ensures the items are securely positioned.

2. Efficiency

Efficiency is king. Time, energy, water – you need a machine that minimizes all three without compromising on results. Look for advanced features like optimized water jets, intelligent washing cycles, and energy-saving systems. The MultiWasher, for instance, does it faster and smarter.

3. Durability

Industrial environments aren’t exactly gentle, so your mold washer needs to be built like a tank. Stainless steel construction, heavy-duty components, and reliable engineering are non-negotiables. Inexpensive machines may save you upfront, but repairs and replacements can bleed you dry later.

4. Customization options

Every mold is different, and your washer should adapt to the challenge. Look for machines with programmable washing cycles, adjustable pressure settings, and material-specific options. Whether you’re dealing with silicone, metal, or plastic, your washer should handle it all like a pro.

5. Automation features

Modern mold washers, like MultiWasher, have intuitive control panels, automatic detergent dispensers, and real-time monitoring systems. The less time you spend fiddling with settings, the more you can focus on growing your business.

6. Eco-friendly credentials

Go for a mold washer that minimizes water usage, cuts down on chemicals, and conserves energy. With features like the MultiWasher’s water-recycling technology, you can keep your operations green while staying effortlessly clean.

7. Maintenance and ease of use

Nobody has time for complicated maintenance routines or finicky controls. Choose a washer that’s easy to operate and even easier to maintain. Bonus points if it comes with a responsive customer support for those rare troubleshooting moments, as is the case for MultiWasher.

8. Long-term costs

The price tag is only part of the story. Consider the total cost of ownership: energy consumption, detergent use, water costs, and maintenance. A slightly more expensive washer often ends up being economical in the long run thanks to its efficiency and durability.

9. Scalability

Thinking of expanding your operations? Ensure your mold washer can keep up. Whether it’s upgrading the capacity, integrating into a larger system, or adapting to new washing requirements, scalability matters. The right washer will grow alongside your business.

10. ROI (Return on Investment)

Calculate how quickly the mold washer will pay for itself through labour savings, reduced downtime, and longer mold life. With MultiWasher, the ROI is fast and substantial, making it a no-brainer for forward-thinking businesses.

MultiWasher, the mold washer every industry needs

A mold washer can be an important line of defense against contamination risks. With MultiWasher, you’re investing way more than washed molds – you’re investing in operational efficiency, compliance, and peace of mind. Bold, versatile, and tailored to your industry, the MultiWasher ensures your production standards are as pristine as your reputation.

Don’t leave industrial washing to chance. Equip your facility with MultiWasher and ensure your story is one of success – not contentious. Get in touch and let MultiWasher do the heavy lifting for you.