Few things are more irritating than making a big equipment purchase, only to realize that it’s not a perfect fit for your needs. Partially cleaned wares, extended wash cycle times, and incorrect sizing can slow your operation and weigh down your throughput. That’s why Douglas Machines Corp. conducts wash tests on standard and custom machines before the customer receives them. Technicians conduct these tests to evaluate a machine’s ability to remove specific soils from your operation’s wares. This way, you have an effectiveness guarantee before the wash system is shipped.
What is a wash test?
A wash test involves running the customer’s dirty wares through several tests in our wash lab. This ensures that the machine they receive will perfectly clean their containers and utensils. Technicians record all the results and use them to determine the most effective wash method for their application. We can conduct wash tests before or after you purchase your machine.
In a pre-sale wash test, the technician runs the soiled items through several different standard machine models already housed in the wash lab. Customers interested in standard models like the pan washer or rack washer may benefit from a pre-sale evaluation. The wash tests determine which washer model is the best fit, or if the wares require custom elements to achieve a complete clean.
Wash technicians will conduct a post-sale wash test after a client’s custom machine is built. These tests are often conducted on Douglas tunnel washers, which are always custom-built to order. Post-sale evaluations ensure that the machine sufficiently removes soils and sanitizes the items to Douglas washing standards. This way, engineers can make any necessary modifications and recommendations before the client ever receives their personalized industrial washer, ensuring a truly perfect fit for their operation.
Wash tests typically have four steps:
1. Communicate with the wash technician.
Your sales engineer will connect you with a Douglas wash technician. They will make arrangements and determine how many wares the test requires and if chemicals are necessary.
2. Ship in your wares.
Your wash technician will email you instructions on how to ship your soiled wares to the Douglas testing lab. This will typically include a shipping slip for you to print and fill out your company name, contact information, and wash machine.
3. We record the wash test.
As the wares cycle through the wash, the wash technician films and photographs the process from start to finish, so you can see the results for yourself. For each test, the technician records the machine’s specifications, the state of the wares before washing, and any recommendations for operational standards or machine modifications that would ensure optimal wash results.
4. The results.
The technician will include all recorded information in their wash test report. It will recount the results step-by-step with photos, including before and after photos and any recommendations from the wash technician.
If you’re a manufacturer or processor that wants to ensure your container wash system will meet your operational standards, wash tests are a great option. To schedule a wash test of your wares, reach out to your sales engineer or contact Douglas Machines Corp.