Combi ovens contain mixed residues of water scale, grease and sometimes rust. A mild acid, like Citrajet or Citranox, is ideal for routine maintenance cleaning. Used at a higher concentration the detergent can repair rusted stainless steel. If you’re not using a pump system, use Citranox. If using the internal cleaning system of the equipment, use Citrajet. Citrajet will not foam and if using a pump system, the low-foamer is preferable.
For critical cleaning, do final or all rinsing in distilled, deionized or purified water. For food contact surfaces, rinse with potable water.
How To Clean Areas of Stainless Steel With Corrosion:
- Use 2 cups (460g) of detergent per 6 cups (1.4L) of hot water.
- Using a mild abrasive pad, clean corroded areas until corrosion is
gone. - Rinse immediately with fresh water.
How To Clean Large Areas of Stainless Steel With Corrosion:
- Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
- Mix 3 tbsp (43g) per 1 gal (4L) of hot water.
- For difficult soils, raise water temperature and use more detergent.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Rust Removal:
- Use Citranox or Citrajet at a minimum of a 30% solution.
- For really deep or stubborn rust, the Citranox or Citrajet can be used at full strength.
- If making a solution, use the hottest water available.
- Soak the affected area with the detergent solution until the rust hydrates. It will look wet and darken slightly in color.
- Use a mild abrasive pad for stainless steel, and begin to rub the rust. After removing the topmost layer of rust, re-soak the rust with more solution.
- Allow to sit for a few minutes and rub with the pad again.
- Repeat this process until the rust is no longer visible.
Stainless Repassivation:
- For full repassivation, the detergent needs to be in contact with the already cleaned area for a minimum of 20 minutes at 140° F.
- If the rusted parts of the equipment can be removed, and there are appropriate facilities at the location, a bath of Citranox or Citrajet can be made. A Tilt Skillet or Braising Pan is perfect for this. A large stock pot can also be used.
- Make the 30% (or higher) solution in the tilt skillet and set the temperature to 140° F.
- Remove the affected parts and allow to soak in the heated solution both to remove the rust and then to repassivate the steel.
- If cleaning a combi oven with liquid detergent-based cleaning, the Citrajet can be attached to the oven and sprayed through the oven in place of the regular cleaner.
- Set the oven to 140° F and then using the Service Mode, energize the pump to spray the Citrajet inside the interior of the oven. Repeat every few minutes.
- Remember, the Citrajet needs 20 minutes of contact time with the affected areas at 140° F or higher to heal the steel.
Before & After
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After
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