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It is essential for farms around the world to really focus on biosecurity in this time of worry about infection rates. This means not just disinfecting the arm itself and its equipment, but farm vehicles as well. A professional-grade power washer is the best tool to do this. Keep reading to find out four of the key principles to boost biosecurity by disinfecting vehicles and then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 to learn more about hot water pressure options.

1. Do Not Wait

The first principle is not to wait to clean the vehicle. As soon as you can possibly clean it, you should clean it. This helps reduce the pathogen load so that nothing can adhere to the vehicle, and it prevents the vehicle from moving through the farm and moving these pathogens. Ideally, wash the vehicles immediately before they enter your property.

2. Do Not Leave Organic Matter Behind

You must be sure that you are washing trailers with a high-pressure washer and soap before you disinfect. There should be zero organic matter left behind. This means a very thorough cleaning because though disinfectant can make a big difference, there is only so much it can do to remove pathogens that are hiding within dirt and debris on your vehicles.

3. Use the Right Disinfectant and Follow All Directions

Once the surface is clean and you are ready to apply the disinfectant, make sure you are choosing a disinfectant that is designed for your specific type of farm or livestock. Read the label to find the right concentration and follow the directions on volume. There are also likely contact times that require the disinfectant to be applied for a certain period before being rinsed off. If you want it to work correctly, then it is essential that these tips are followed.

4. Do Not Move the Vehicle Until it is Completely Dry

Once it has had enough time for the disinfectant to cure and you have rinsed the vehicle, you then still need to wait for the vehicle to dry. You can speed up this process with towels and a little elbow grease, but remember that if you move the vehicle while it is wet, then you are increasing the chance of risk.

At Hydro Tek we respect that these are hard times for businesses all over the world. That is why we believe it is more important than ever to continue providing fair prices on high-quality products. To learn more, call us at 800-274-9376 .

The rules of farm disinfection are not the same in 2021 as they were in 2019. As the coronavirus has made it clear how important it is for surfaces to be entirely clean, there are new rules and best recommendations. At Hydro Tek, it is our goal to help our clients with biosecurity by offering everything from commercial-grade hot water pressure washers to water recycling systems. Keep reading for tips that have been updated for 2021, and then give us a call at 800-274-9376 to find out how we can help.

You Must Clean the Entire Building Before You Disinfect

One of the most important things to remember is that you should not attempt to disinfect your farm until you have thoroughly cleaned it. All repairs must be complete. When dirt or organic matter is present, disinfectants are not nearly as effective. Professional pressure washers are a great way to get this job done as quickly as possible.

Choose the Right Disinfectant

This is not a surprise, but it is important to think about when you last checked to see if the disinfectant you used is the right choice. If it was approved for use by regulatory agencies a few years ago, it might not be approved today. You are looking for a disinfectant agent that is specifically made for pathogens of bacterial and viral origin and that are approved by the relevant regulatory agency.

Use the Right Machinery to Apply Disinfectant

You should apply your disinfectant, preferably with a pressure washer, or, if your farm is small, a backpack sprayer might work. If you choose a foaming disinfectant, it will have a greater contact time with the surface it is disinfecting. Heating the rooms to higher temperatures temporarily can also help disinfectants work more efficiently.

External Areas Must Also Be Cleaned Thoroughly

You cannot clean and disinfect a poultry house or other indoor farm area without also cleaning the exterior thoroughly. Remember that ideally you would have three to ten feet of gravel that surrounds the structure, but if you cannot do that then at a minimum you should make sure it is free from vegetation, well-drained, and that does not have machinery or equipment being stored there.

Pay Special Attention to Certain Areas

There are certain areas that you must take special care to look at. This includes underneath ventilators and extractor fans, under feed bins, along access routes and on door surrounds. Make sure you wash and disinfect all concrete areas, and sanitize any evaporative cooling or fogging systems. If you have questions about finding the right equipment, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 for help.

While it has always been important for people and businesses to find ways to improve sanitation, COVID has shown us just how important it is. If you are an individual or company that wants to ensure you are as sanitary as possible, consider these three ways a pressure washer can help you achieve that goal. Then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 to learn about your options.

1. Pressure Washers Help Keep Allergens at Bay

When you think about ways to help improve allergies, going out and buying a hot water pressure washer is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. That said, using pressure washers regularly is a great way to prevent and reduce allergens – and other issues. How? Consider that mold and pollen are two of the most common allergens in the world. The siding and roof of your home are likely covered in invisible pollen. Washing it regularly with a power washer is a great way to prevent that pollen from coming in through the vents and causing issues.

2. Pressure Washers Get Rid of Algae, Lichens, and Other Irritants

Unless you make it a practice to get on your roof and check it every once in a while, you might have no idea that there are likely algae, moss, lichens, and other potential irritants up there. You might think they do not matter if you cannot see them, but they can actually damage your roof’s shingles because these organisms use certain types of shingles as sources of food. Once they begin, you will have a hard time getting them to stop.

The good news is that a pressure washer paired with the right setting and chemicals can get rid of them quickly. You can then use a treatment to prevent them from growing back.

3. You Won’t Have to Touch a Surface to Clean It

Are there other ways to clean these potentially dangerous areas? Yes, but most – if not all – of them require you to touch them to get rid of the allergen. Do you want to climb up on your roof and scrub it with a sponge? Do you want to get close to the allergens on the exterior of your siding to get rid of them? Power washers let you get the job done from far away.

Call Now for Help Finding the Right Pressure Washer

If you are in need of a pressure washer that can help keep your home or business in top order, then you are in need of making a phone call to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 . We are standing by and ready to help you find the right pressure washer and accessories.

If you are looking for ways to reduce germs but not sure where to start, then you are in luck. At Hydro Tek, we have created a simple five-step plan that will help reduce germs with a hot water pressure washer. If you have questions about it, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 for help.

1. You’re Already Taking the First Step

The first step is actually to make a plan. Make sure you take stock of what you have, what you are cleaning, and what you need. Do you need an industrial pressure washer or will a commercial option be enough? The best way to get an honest assessment of what you need and what you don’t is to let us help you. We can go over the disinfectants and cleaners that might work for you, along with options to get rid of recycle water after the project is complete.

2. Find the Ideal Cleaning Pressure

All jobs are unique and require the right pressure. You must consider a wide range of factors to find the right pressure. This includes how much dirt you are trying to clean off, if there are other substances such as oil or grease on the surface, how much pressure the surface can stand without being damaged, and more.

3. Find the Right Temperature

You must be careful to find the right temperature. Yes, the hotter you make the water, the more germs and bacteria you can kill. However, if you set the temperature too high, you can damage the surface you are cleaning. This is why you are looking for the sweet spot – the highest you can set the temperature without it damaging anything. For most surfaces, this is somewhere between 185F and 212F.

4. Use the Right Detergent

In some cases, hot water is plenty and you do not need any type of detergent or cleaner. However, you might. Look into the regulations in your area to learn what detergents can and cannot be used. Remember that you must be careful with the runoff too, if you have a detergent. Once you find the detergent you want to use, you will soak the surface for the amount of time the detergent recommends.

5. Rinse the Surface and Disinfect It

Once it has soaked as long as is suggested, you will use the power washer to get rid of as much hot water and steam as you can. The final step is to add disinfectant. While the cleaning is essential, you will not get the full benefit without adding the disinfectant.

If you are ready to find the right hot water pressure washer for your needs, we invite you to contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 for help right away.

If you are like most agricultural companies that wisely invested in a professional pressure washer, it is very likely that you did your due diligence to make sure you found the right model. Now it is time to do the same thing when considering pressure washer accessories. Which are a waste of money and which are well worth the cost? Check out a few options and what they can do to determine the right choice for your company. Then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 if you need assistance.

Get Big Results from Small Specialty Nozzles

Specialty nozzles are so small that it can be hard to believe they can make such a huge difference, but they can. Various nozzles have different spray patterns, and the pattern each one has affects both how strong and how wide the resulting spray is. For example, a 40-degree nozzle will offer a flat spray at 40 degrees. There are also 25-, 15-, and 0-degree nozzles. When you choose one, read the manual carefully to ensure you know how to best use it.

In addition to different sized nozzles, you also have variable fan nozzles that can vary the spray from zero to 40 degrees – all you have to do is twist it. This is great if you need more than one (or two) nozzles but do not want to deal with the cost of buying them all. It can also save a lot of time because you can keep the same nozzle on for all projects, instead of having to change them out between different materials.

Finally, there are specialty nozzles. They can do a wide array of things that can be helpful. One commonly sought after option is the rotary nozzle, which gives you the impact of a zero-degree nozzle but adds the fan coverage of a 25-degree nozzle.

A Variable Pressure Wand Allows You to Quickly and Easily Raise and Lower the Pressure

Known as well as a dual lance, a variable pressure wand offers just that – the ability to vary the pressure. Just twist the handle and you can raise and lower the pressure of the spray. You can then attach a chemical injector, which the power washer automatically uses to suction chemicals into the water when the pressure is lowered.

What does this mean for you? It means you will not have to stop what you are doing, change the pressure, try out a small area to see if you have the right option, and then move on. Instead, you can skip the need to change the water pressure over and over again and instead just do it once – all while the detergent is automatically injected into the water.

To learn more about the many accessories available for your power washer, contact Hydro Tek and let us help you find the best options.

Biosecurity has never been so important to the success of your facility. The good news is that there are effective ways to reduce germs and in turn improve biosecurity. Keep reading to find out the five steps we suggest you take, then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 to find out how to get the right industrial power washer for your needs.

1. Formulate a Plan

The very first thing you must do is to make a plan. Make sure you know what you have and what needs to be cleaned. Can you get by with a standard power washer or do you need a professional model? Do you need pressure washing accessories to make the job easier? The good news is that we can make it easy: just call us and let us know what your situation is. We will provide an honest assessment of your situation and suggest the right tools.

2. Find the Right Cleaning Pressure

Every job you do is unique and will require its own pressure level. You must consider a number of factors to determine the right pressure. For example: how much dirt is there on the surface? Are you dealing with oil or grease? What type of material is the surface made of? How much pressure can it stand? Your pressure washer’s manual will give you advice on how to set the right pressure for various situations.

3. Set the Temperature Correctly

When you set the temperature, it is important to know that the hotter the water is, the more successful it will be in killing germs and bacteria. If you want to get rid of most types of bacteria, you should plan to heat it to between 185 – 212F. If you want to get rid of 100% of germs, then the temperature needs to reach 311F. However, most surfaces cannot handle this heat, so choose the temperature that is safe but gets the job done.

4. Select the Right Detergent

Next, you will choose the detergent that is best for your project. Which one you will choose depends on what you are attempting to remove. In some cases, hot water is enough. However, you might need detergent to get rid of harder stains or specific substances. Make sure that you are consulting the local and state guidelines on what you can and cannot use, and that you are using the detergent per the manufacturer's recommendations.

5. Rinse Off the Surface and Apply Disinfectant

After you have allowed the detergent to soak as long as the manufacturer recommends, you will soak the surface with either hot water or steam. Get rid of as much dirt as you possibly can. Know that cleaning is important, but it just part of the process. You also need to add disinfectant.

For advice on the best hot water pressure washer, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 right away.

Coronavirus is just the latest wake-up call to companies in the agricultural field that biosecurity should be a top priority. At Hydro Tek, we offer equipment to help improve biosecurity, and today we are here to answer some of the most basic questions farm operations often have. If you are ready to invest in a hot water pressure washer and pressure washer accessories, we invite you to contact us at 800-274-9376 to learn more.

What Exactly is Biosecurity?

When used in conjunction with animal agriculture, biosecurity refers to a series of management practices that are in place to keep infectious agents into a herd or flock or to prevent any such infectious agents from spreading through a herd. Depending on the outfit and what livestock is present, a biosecurity plan could include screening and testing all incoming animals, isolation for new or returning animals, and a monitoring system to detect diseases early.

Why is Biosecurity So Important?

It is essential in a farm safety program because growers must be sure to keep their products of the highest quality – and that means keeping them clean. Biosecurity is also essential to keep animals healthy and productive. While the benefits of biosecurity to the agricultural community are many, the main ones are: keeping locations safe from disease and more efficient.

What Are the Steps in Developing a Biosecurity Plan?

First, you must assess your goals and concerns. You cannot create a plan unless you know what the purpose is. Determine which infectious agents you should focus on preventing and then look for the best practices as laid out by an organization you trust. Once you know the plan, implement it – and make sure everyone on staff understands it. Your plan is only as strong as your weakest link. Remember that it should be reassessed as new risks are found.

How is Risk Assessment Involved?

Risk assessments help determine the presence, distribution, and seriousness of various risk factors. Once you know what they are, you can take measures to control those risks. Of course, there is no way to get to zero risk. You must decide what acceptable risk is, and that will depend on the type of products and animals you have.

How Does Hot Water Pressure Washing Fit into a Biosecurity Plan?

Regardless of your plan, it is very likely that deep cleaning on a regular basis will be an important part of it. The fastest and easiest way to do this is with hot water pressure washing. Remember that hot water kills more germs and bacteria, dries faster, and gets the cleaning done faster. To learn more about which units might work best for your farm, talk to an experienced associate at Hydro Tek by calling 800-274-9376 .

If your agricultural company has made it successfully through this crisis so far, we commend you. It has been a difficult situation for everyone, and it is understandable that some companies have simply thrown in the towel. As you look for the right biosecurity regimen to increase your chances of success over the next few years, do not discount the hot water pressure washing equipment you can get from Hydro Tek.

Following the Three Increases in Cleaning

If you want to make sure your agricultural location is as safe as possible, you should be following three cleaning increases:

1. Cleaning more
2. Cleaning faster
3. Cleaning more efficiently

That often makes companies worry as it sounds like all three of those will require significantly more labor. Not necessarily. The key is to use a hot water pressure washer that can do it all: help you clean more, clean faster, and clean more efficiently. From floors to carts to pens, the right pressure washer can clean virtually anywhere.

There Are Three Reasons to Clean with Hot Water

No one would wash their dishes in cold water if they had a choice because cold water does not have the cleaning power that hot water does. That said, many people don’t know exactly why hot water is better. We have made it simple to see by listing the main three reasons you will want to use hot water:

1. You get better, faster results
2. Bacteria and virus counts are reduced
3. Fewer resources are required compared to cold water cleaning

Who wouldn’t want better results, faster, and in a more eco-friendly way?

Cleaning is Up to 75% Faster When You Use Hot Water

We know that our customers want facts – not just our opinion. That is one of the reasons that we teamed up with the Cleaning Technology Institute (CTI) to determine just how much time can be saved cleaning with hot water compared to cold. While cold water pressure washers have their place, when hot water can be used, it is an average of 40% faster. In situations in which oil was being cleaned up, hot water was as much as 75% faster than cold water.

As if that is not enough, hot water also dries faster. This is especially important in the world of agriculture, in which you do not have a lot of time to wait for floors, pens, and other surfaces to dry.

If You Need to Clean and Sanitize Then You Need a Hot Water Pressure Washer

If your outfit needs to clean and sanitize surfaces, then you need hot water pressure washers – it’s that simple. It’s also simple to find what you need – just contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 and we are happy to advise you on what we can do to help.

There is no question that biosecurity is one of the most important issues affecting agriculture today. As COVID-19 continues to infect people, they are increasingly worried about the safety of their food – and farmers are concerned about the safety of their employees. The good news is that there are agriculture biosecurity protocols that can help protect both employees and customers.

Read on to learn about some of the best protocols. If you have not yet invested in a hot water pressure washer, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 . We can help determine the best machine for your specific needs.

Keep an Eye on Outdoor and Indoor Cleaning Needs

As you look to find the best protocols to keep your farm clean and disinfected, do not forget to consider all parts of your farm – both inside and out. This includes everything you use on your farm, such as vehicles and equipment for waste disposal. One simple example is using wash plates to make sure that the tires of vehicles coming in and out of your farm are disinfected.

Wash Bays and Areas Should Be Away from Livestock Areas

You need to prevent contamination that could happen if the wind and the spray get together in just the “right” way. Every time you load and unload animals, the vehicle they were transported in must be thoroughly cleaned. If you keep your wash bays and wash areas too close together, it is all too easy for cross-contamination to occur, which would only to work compound any issues you are already having.

Focus on Cleaning the Routes Between Buildings

Cleaning the routes between buildings on your property can prevent waste from building up, keep dirt and animal feed where they came from, and help prevent both vermin and dangerous feral animals. Simply following regular cleaning practices between properties could help reduce the chance of contamination, you might otherwise risk with wild animals.

Know Your Black and White Areas

It is important to keep black and white areas separate. White areas are places like walls, floors, showers, and locker rooms. These are areas that can be cleaned with steam cleaners, wet vacs, or regular vacuum cleaners. Black areas include changing rooms, stables, barns, sties, and all administration areas. These are areas that should be cleaned with high-pressure washers and a strong detergent.

Focus on Your Water Recycling System

Now might be a great time for you to use a water recycling system or it might be a terrible time – it all depends on what contaminates are in your water. If it’s possible to use it for your industry, you can save money, save time, and keep the environment safe and secure.

If you need help finding the right high-pressure washing equipment, accessories, or similar equipment, we welcome your call to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 .

Is there anything more important for a hog farmer right now than keeping their farm clean? There are so many things to protect right now, from workers to hogs to the bottom line. It might seem impossible to keep your farm clean, but with the right hot water pressure washing equipment and the right protocol, you might be surprised by how much easier it could be.

Once you have read our simple guide to keeping a hog farm clean, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 to get the equipment necessary to make the job much easier.

Your Farm and Your Livestock Areas Must Be Separate

First and foremost, you want to make sure that your livestock areas and farm areas are kept as far away from each other as possible. Yes, there are surely local recommendations for the distance between these areas – and there might even be regulations to follow in your area – but remember that these are just a starting point. With today’s world, it is wise to keep these spots as far away as possible to keep your space clean, safe, and hygienic.

Natural Water Sources Are Not Always the Answer

It is not uncommon for a hog farm to use natural water. This might seem smart from a financial and environmental standpoint, but remember that having large natural water sources is going to attack animals, birds, and pests. This can lead to contamination that is impossible to contain – especially if you have free-range breeding. You might consider water recycling options as a solution.

Have One Route for Ingoing and One for Outgoing

This is not always possible, but if you can have a separate route for incoming vehicles and one for outgoing vehicles, you will go a long way toward reducing cross-contamination. Look to avoid direct contact between vehicles and sensitize zones such as loading and unloading areas. When you do deep clean these areas, make sure you are providing a completely different ingoing and outgoing route cleaning.

Separate Controlled Access Zones from Restricted Zones and Make Those Zones Clearly Delineated

You likely have different zones at your farm. For example, you might have zones that are accessible only to employees and those that are available only to owners. Make sure these zones are kept entirely separate. One of the most important steps in doing so is to clearly delineate which is which. You can use gates, fences, signs – whatever it takes.

You Have Found Company That Can Help You Find the Right Equipment

When it comes to keeping your hog farm clean, it all starts with the right equipment. Whether you know exactly what you want and you need a company to help you get it, or you need a company to help you determine the right options, you can count on Hydro Tek. Feel free to contact us today at 800-274-9376 with any questions you have.