How to Clean a Dry Type pet food making machine: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

 

1. Cleaning Frequency: Daily vs. Deep Cleaning

 

Cleaning Level	Frequency	Key Focus Areas	Estimated Downtime
Routine (Shift Change)	Every 8-12 Hours	Feeding hopper, cutting blades, die surface	20-30 Mins
Deep Cleaning	Weekly or Formula Change	Screw assembly, barrel interior, die holes	2-3 Hours
Sanitization	Monthly	Full disassembly, seal inspection, motor dust removal	4-5 Hours

 

Engineer's Pro-Tip: If your formula contains high fat (>10%) or high fresh meat content, reduce deep cleaning intervals to every 3 days to prevent rancidity and microbial growth.

 

 

2. Essential Tool-kit for Professional Maintenance

Using the wrong tools can cause micro-scratches on the screw, leading to "material sticking."

• Approved: Nylon scrapers, soft copper brushes (for die holes), compressed air (oil-free), food-grade degreasers.
• Prohibited: Steel wire brushes, screwdrivers (for prying), or harsh acid-based cleaners.

 

3. Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure for a Dry Type Dog Food Extruder Machine

 

Step 1: Power Isolation & Safety Compliance (LOTO)

Safety is the priority in any pet food production line.

• Action: Stop the feeder and wait for the material discharge to cease.
• Safety Protocol: Turn off the main power and strictly apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Caution: Ensure all rotating components (screw shaft and cutting system) have come to a complete standstill before opening the chamber.

Expert Note: Never attempt to clean the barrel while the heating elements are at maximum temperature to avoid thermal burns.

 

Step 2: Residual Material Purging

Before disassembly, clear the internal flow path.

• Action: Empty the feed hopper, conveyor, and inlet.
• The "Dry Run" Technique: Run the Dry Type dog food pellet making machine at a low RPM for 1-2 minutes without feeding to expel the bulk of the remaining dough.

Why it matters: This minimizes the physical labor required for manual scraping and prevents material from hardening inside the compression section.

 

Step 3: Feeding System Sanitization

The accuracy of your pet food formula depends on a clean feeding mechanism.

• Focus Areas: Hopper walls, feeding screw, and material inlet.
• Action: Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove powder buildup.

Critical Impact: Buildup here causes bridging and inconsistent feeding, leading to unstable pellet density and vibration issues.

 

Step 4: Deep Cleaning the Extrusion Chamber & Screw

This is the most critical stage for maintaining extrusion torque and product hygiene.

• Action: Remove the screw assembly according to the Mikim technical manual.

• Inspection: Check screw flights and the barrel's inner surface for carbonized residues or wear.
• Cleaning Tooling: Use a nylon scraper or copper brush.

Warning: Avoid steel wire brushes or sharp metal tools, as scratches on the screw surface can lead to "material dead zones" and future contamination.

 

Step 5: Die Plate & Cutter System Precision Cleaning

The die determines the final Aesthetic and Physical Quality of the pet food.

• Action: Remove the die plate and immediately soak it in warm water to prevent starch crystallization.
• Cutter Maintenance: Clean the blades and check for nicks.

Technical Fact: A partially blocked die hole increases backpressure, which can cause the Dry Type dog food pellet extruder machine to overheat and produce uneven pellet sizes.

 

Step 6: Sanitizing & Drying Removable Components

• Washing: Use warm water and FDA-approved food-grade detergents.
• Rinsing: Ensure no chemical residue remains.
• Mandatory Drying: All parts must be 100% dry before reinstallation.

Risk Mitigation: Residual moisture is the primary cause of mold growth and "flash rust" on non-stainless components.

 

Step 7: Exterior & Control Cabinet Maintenance

• Action: Wipe down stainless steel covers and the production platform.
• Electrical Safety: Use a dry cloth for the control panel. Never spray water near the PLC or frequency inverter.
• Ventilation: Clear dust from the motor's cooling fans to prevent overheating during long production cycles.

 

Step 8: Component Inspection & Food-Grade Lubrication

Post-cleaning is the best time for Preventive Maintenance (PM).

• Checklist: Inspect for screw wear, seal integrity, and bearing noise.
• Lubrication: Apply food-grade lubricating grease to the drive splines and moving parts as specified in your manual.

Expert Tip: Proper lubrication at this stage can reduce mechanical friction loss by up to 5%.

 

Step 9: Reassembly & Validation Run

• Verification: Ensure all bolts are torqued correctly and no tools are left inside the chamber.
• Test Operation: Perform a 5-minute "Dry Test Run."
• Monitoring: Observe noise levels, vibration, and the alignment of the cutting system.
• Final Step: Resume full production only after the pellet shape and discharge rate meet your quality standards.

 

 

4. Inspection Checklist (Post-Cleaning)

Before reassembling, perform this "Mikim 5-Point Quality Check":

1. Screw Integrity: No visible pitting or cracks on the flights.
2. Seal Condition: Check the O-rings between the barrel sections for wear.
3. Die Alignment: Ensure the die sits flush against the barrel to prevent leakage.
4. Dryness: Confirm no moisture remains in the barrel (prevents "rust-locking").
5. Lubrication: Apply food-grade grease to the drive shaft splines.

 

5. Troubleshooting: Common Cleaning Mistakes

• Mistake: Spraying water on the Control Panel.
• Result: Short circuits and PLC failure. Use only a damp cloth for the exterior.

 

• Mistake: Reassembling while damp.
• Result: Causes "flash rusting" or material clumping during the next start-up.

 

• Mistake: Neglecting the Gearbox Vents.
• Result: Overheating. Ensure the cooling fans and vents are free of flour dust.

 

6. FAQ

 

 

Q1: How often should a dry type dog food extruder machine be cleaned?

A: Basic cleaning should be performed after every production run, including removing residual materials from the hopper, feeding system, and external surfaces. A complete deep cleaning, including screw removal, die soaking, extrusion chamber cleaning, and drying, is recommended at least once a week. For high-fat pet food formulas, more frequent cleaning may be required to prevent oil buildup and microbial growth.

 

Q2: Can I use a high-pressure washer to clean the Dry Type dog food pellet machine?

A: A high-pressure washer should only be used on removed stainless steel components, such as screws, dies, and other washable parts. Never spray high-pressure water directly onto the main body of the pet food making machine, motor, gearbox, or electrical cabinet, as water intrusion may damage sensors, bearings, and electrical components.

 

Q3: Can I wash the Dry Type dog food pellet maker machine directly with a water hose?

A: Only the external surfaces can be cleaned with a water hose. Internal extrusion components should be cleaned using brushes, scrapers, and food-grade cleaning cloths. After cleaning, all parts must be completely dried before restarting the machine to prevent corrosion and material contamination.

 

Q4: Why is my production capacity lower even after cleaning the Dry Type dog food maker machine?

A: If production output remains low after cleaning, check for screw and barrel wear. Excessive clearance between the screw and barrel reduces compression pressure and causes material slippage inside the extrusion chamber. As a result, the machine may lose output capacity even when the equipment is clean.

 

Q5: How can I prevent cross-contamination between different pet food formulas or flavors?

A: After deep cleaning, run a small "sacrificial batch" using the new formula and discard it before starting normal production. This process removes remaining particles from the previous formula and ensures that the production line is fully primed with the new ingredients.

 

Q6: What type of detergent should be used for cleaning a Dry Type pet food extruder machine?

A: Always use food-grade detergents and food-safe disinfectants approved for food processing equipment. Avoid chlorine-based cleaners or highly alkaline chemicals, as they may corrode metal components and leave unwanted residues that could affect pet food safety.

 

Q7: Which parts of a dry type dog food extruder require regular cleaning?

A: The main parts that require regular cleaning include the hopper, feeding system, screw and barrel, die plate, cutter, extrusion chamber, and discharge outlet. Removing material residues from these areas helps prevent blockages, maintain stable output, and ensure consistent pellet quality.

 

Q8: What happens if a Dry Type pet food making machine is not cleaned properly?

A: Poor cleaning can cause lower production capacity, uneven pellet quality, material blockage, and cross-contamination between formulas. Regular cleaning also helps reduce component wear and extend the service life of the pet food extruder machine.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Maintaining a Dry Type Pet Food Making Machine is a balance of technical skill and consistency. By following this guide, you ensure that your Tianjin Mikim equipment delivers premium, safe, and uniform pet food for years to come.

 

 

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