In food and beverage operations, baskets and trays are essential for moving ingredients, supporting baking and cooking processes, and storing finished goods. But when the washing and sanitation of these items falls short, it can cause serious issues. If your production operations are struggling to keep pace, your basket and tray washing process might be part of the problem.

Here are a few common issues to watch for, and how the right equipment can solve them.

Inconsistent Cleaning Results

If your baskets and trays come out of the wash with leftover debris, grease, or contamination, your operation could be at risk for food safety violations. Inconsistent cleaning often happens when washing systems don’t provide uniform spray coverage, proper temperature control, or adequate cycle times.

Solution: High performance basket and tray washers use strategically placed spray arms, high-pressure jets, and adjustable wash cycles to ensure every surface is fully sanitized—no missed spots, no re-washing.

High Water and Energy Consumption

Older or poorly designed washers can be incredibly wasteful, leading to skyrocketing utility bills. Without water recirculation systems or energy-efficient heating, you might be pouring resources down the drain—literally.

Solution: Look for industrial washers equipped with water filtration and recirculation, heat recovery systems, and smart energy management features. Efficient models not only reduce costs, but also support sustainability goals.

Bottlenecks in Production Flow

If washing takes too long—or if trays and baskets pile up waiting for cleaning—you risk slowing down your entire production process. Manual washing methods, undersized machines, or outdated systems can all create costly bottlenecks.

Solution: High-capacity basket and tray washers are designed for fast cycle times and continuous processing. With the right system, you can wash large volumes of equipment quickly, keeping your operations running smoothly and profitably.

Labor-Intensive Processes

Manual cleaning requires significant labor, exposing employees to repetitive strain and increasing overall staffing costs. It can also lead to inconsistent sanitation outcomes, depending on operator performance.

Solution: Automated basket and tray washers dramatically reduce manual handling, improve worker safety, and free up labor for more valuable production tasks.

Damage to Baskets and Trays

Not every washing system is gentle enough for all types of materials. Harsh chemicals, excessive pressure, or poor rack design can lead to cracks, warping, or coating damage, shortening the life of your trays and baskets.

Solution: Advanced industrial washers are designed to balance cleaning power with protection. Adjustable settings and specialized racking ensure that both stainless steel and plastic items are cleaned safely and effectively.

Ready to Upgrade Your Basket and Tray Washing Systems?

We understand how critical it is to maintain a clean, efficient production line. CTG offers a full range of basket washers, tray washers, and industrial washing machines designed specifically for food and beverage applications. Whether you’re upgrading an old system or planning a new facility, we’ll help you select equipment that improves hygiene, saves time, and reduces costs.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and request a customized washing system recommendation.