1st - Pre-rinse Milkline

• removes 90-95% of milk solids
• removes residual milk and dirt
• warms up milk line
• ensures detergent isn't being diluted during next cycle

• warm water, start temperature should be 43°C-60°C (110°F -140°F)
• temperature at the end of cycle ideally should be above 38°C (100°F)

• do not recirculate water -otherwise, a milk film may be redeposited on the system
• to reduce the amount of milk in waste disposal systems, some farmers save first-rinse water and milk, and feed it to kids

2nd - Washing the Milkline with Chlorinated Alkaline Detergent

• removes fat, protein and other organics, including a large number of bacteria

• start temperature of wash cycle should be 71°C- 76°C (160°F-170°F) to dissolve fat in milk line
• water to be no less than 43°C/110°F (49°C/120°F in large systems with meters) at end of the cycle so that fat can't redeposit on milk contact surfaces

• amount of detergent depends on volume of water used and water hardness
• follow manufacturer's recommendations as written on milkhouse wash chart
• pH of cleaning solution used during wash cycle should be between 11-13, and its chlorine content from 100-200 ppm
• Water qualities
  • depending on the water hardness on your farm, installation of a water softener may be necessary

• Wash cycle

  • cycle should last 6-10 minutes
  • same water passes through milk line several times during cycle
• minimum 20 slugs/wash
• flow rate of 7-10 m/sec or 23-33 ft./sec.

3rd - Rinsing the Milkline with Acid Rinse

• removes detergent residues
• prevents build-up of mineral deposits
• lower pH levels inhibit bacterial growth between milkings
• helps keep rubber parts in good condition

• water temperature must comply with manufacturer's recommendation as posted on wash chart

• acid rinse pH should be between 2.5-3.5
• add acid to acid rinse cycle after each milking
• never mix an acid detergent with a chlorine-based product - mixing could produce an extremely toxic lethal gas

4th - Rinsing the Milkline with a Sanitizer

• To disinfect system prior to milking

• warm water 110°F - 140°F (43°C - 60°C)

• use a solution containing 100-200 ppm chlorine
• run cycle just prior to milking (no more than 30 minutes prior to milking) for 3-4 minutes.