Chemical processes and technology
41
Associated process chemicals
De-foaming agents, especially silicone-
based ones, can cause the following:
- a build-up of deposits in the wash cabinet
- a build-up of deposits on the wash items
- damage to elastomers and plastics in the
machine
- damage to certain plastics, e.g., polycar-
bonate and plexiglass, in the wash items
being processed
- De-foaming agents should be used as an
exception only; for instance, when they
are essential for the process.
- Clean the wash cabinet and accessories
periodically without any wash items and
without de-foaming agent using the
Or-
ganic
program
- Contact Miele for advice.
Soiling
Problem
Solution
The following substances can damage the
elastomers in hoses and seals, as well as
the plastics in the machine:
- oil, wax, aromatic and unsaturated hydro-
carbons
- emollients
- cosmetics, hygiene and skincare products
such as creams
- Depending on usage, wipe the lower door
seal on the machine periodically with a
lint-free cloth or sponge.
- Clean the wash cabinet and accessories
without any wash items using the
Or-
ganic
program.
- Use the
Oil
program or a special program
that dispenses pH-neutral emulsifiers
containing surfactants in the pre-rinse.
The following substances can lead to a
heavy build-up of foam during washing and
rinsing:
- some disinfection agents, dishwashing
cleaning agents, etc.
- reagents for analysis, e.g., for microtiter
plates
- cosmetics, hygiene and skincare products
such as shampoos and creams
- active foaming agents such as surfactants
- Thoroughly rinse wash items in water be-
forehand.
- Select a cleaning program with at least
one short pre-rinse in cold or hot water.
- Depending on the application, use de-
foaming agents that do not contain sili-
cone oils.
The following substances may cause corro-
sion to stainless steel in the wash cabinet
and on accessories:
- hydrochloric acid
- other substances containing chlorides,
such as sodium chloride
- concentrated sulfuric acid
- chromic acid
- particles of iron and shavings
- Thoroughly rinse wash items in water be-
forehand.
- Put the drip-dry wash items into mobile
units, modules, and inserts and place
these in the wash cabinet.
- Start a program as soon as possible after
placing them in the machine.
