What Does a Sanitizer Test Kit Measure?

Equipment, utensils, and other objects must be clean in both restaurants and laboratories. Restaurants must comply with national and local requirements to guarantee that tools and utensils are cleaned at high temperatures while also using the right concentrations of sanitizers. Of course, it might be challenging for professionals in the food service industry to verify the sanitizer levels of solutions or the temperatures of running dishwashers. To help you comply with the regulations for offering hygienic and secure services, Weber Scientific offers a selection of sanitizer test kits and sanitizer test strips. Here's a closer look at why checking your sanitizers is so important, some of the most frequent queries about these test kits and strips, and the kinds of products Weber Scientific provides.

Why it’s so Important to Check Sanitizers Daily

It is well known that a particular concentration can be obtained by adding a specified amount of sanitizer to water. So why is using sanitizer test kits and strips to check your sanitizers every day so crucial? Here are a few justifications on why it's so important.

1. Chemicals deteriorate. You might not be aware that these chemicals might degrade over time even though your sanitizer is meant to create a certain concentration. This is particularly true if there is a lot of sanitizer on hand. If you keep sanitizers in warm or hot conditions, they will decay much more quickly. Testing every day is essential since sanitizers lose potency as they age and are no longer as effective as they once were.
2. Food particles affect the sanitizer. If damp cleaning cloths are kept in containers, the right amount of sanitizer must also be present in those containers. The active component will be impacted if any food debris enters the sanitizer, the cloths, or both. As a result, you'll need to utilize test strips to make sure the sanitizer level stays at the proper level in addition to changing these containers a couple of times every day.
3. Dishwashers may not work correctly. Dishwashers that employ sanitizer may seem to be operating, but if the sanitizer isn't being delivered properly, tools and utensils aren't being sterilized as they ought to be. Even if a washer had previously operated, it can malfunction the next day. In order to ensure that the sanitizer is effective and reaching the surfaces of the equipment effectively, it is crucial to inspect both the dishwasher and the sanitizer.

Common Questions About Sanitizer Test Kits and Strips

1. Why should I test my sanitizers? Food service organizations are required to sanitize equipment in accordance with Food and Drug Administration rules, which differ depending on the kind of sanitizing agent you use. You can check the pH, strength, and temperature of your sanitizing agents with sanitizer test strips to guarantee that your equipment is adequately sterilized. We also offer solutions that enable you to monitor the temperature of a dishwashing machine to make sure that it is getting to the proper level for sanitizing flatware, dishes, and other equipment.
2. How should I use sanitizer test strips? You must follow the directions that come with each set of strips that you buy. For the majority of strips, however, you only need to come into contact with the sanitizing solution. The strips will eventually change color, and that color will indicate the potency of the sanitizer you are evaluating. You can use the comparison scale on the tube or box of the strips to determine the strength of your solution and whether any adjustments are necessary.
3. What are dishwasher test kits? Dishwashers used in the food service sector (as well as other sectors) must reach and maintain specific temperatures to adhere to FDA regulations. To be sure your dishwasher is operating at the proper temperature and sanitizing your dishes and other things fully, use specialized test strips.
4. What’s the difference between test kits and strips? Sanitizer test kits typically include several more useful items in addition to the test strips. Those extras vary depending on the particular kit you purchase, but a few examples include strip dispensers, wall mounts for those dispensers, and posters with wall-mountable instructions. Kits are made to make testing simpler so that you and your staff can regularly stay up to date on testing solutions and equipment. Keep in mind that routine testing not only keeps you in line with FDA standards, but also increases the safety of your customers.