Dirty, muddy, dusty farm equipment comes with the territory. After all, dirty equipment is a sure sign of use. But it shouldn’t stay that way. Farm equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed after use to preserve the materials and mechanical components inside. Some may argue that there’s no use in cleaning your farm equipment if it’s just going to get dirty again. While it may sound like a valid argument on the surface, there are actually several reasons to keep your machinery sparkling clean:

1. Cross-Contamination. Using your machine in one field and then immediately moving to another without washing in between can present cross-contamination concerns. From crops to weeds, it’s best to keep everything as separate as possible.
2. Risk of Fire. With organic material such as dirt, grass, and weeds clogging up the internals, the risk of fire increases exponentially. If machinery is unable to operate as intended, it has the potential to combust, presenting a real threat to equipment operators.
3. Material Deterioration. Farm equipment is nothing but a combination of metal, plastic, and intricate machinery. If these materials are not cleaned, they may be in danger of rusting or peeling. A buildup of dirt and mud can actually cause physical damage to your equipment if left untended.

Now that we’ve established the reasons behind keeping your farm equipment clean, let’s dive into the details. How should you go about cleaning your machinery? Read on to find out.

• Leaf Blower When it comes to a buildup of grass, leaves, weeds, or chaff, a simple leaf blower will often do the trick.
• High-Pressure Pre-Rinse. A high-pressure hose will help rid your vehicle of large dirt clods before the deep cleaning begins.
• Alkaline Detergent. When using a cleaning detergent on your equipment, be sure to use an alkaline solution. Anything more acidic could cause further damage to the materials or the machinery. Apply the solution with a foamer.
• Bleach Sanitizer. Very low-concentration bleach solution should be used to sanitize vehicles of any germs or bacteria. Apply and let sit for 20 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.
• Rinse. Whatever cleaning you do and whichever solutions you use, be sure to rinse with water thoroughly afterward.

Keeping up with your farm equipment can be exhausting, especially when it needs to be done so frequently. Manual cleaning is time-consuming and typically quite inefficient. Why not try Neptune Wash Solutions’ innovative wash stations? Built for efficiency and flexibility, our customizable wash stations will keep your farm equipment clean as a whistle. No more wasted time, no more missed spots.

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