How to Clean Meat Slicer

Even though meat slicers are great simple tools that help us slice through meat and cheese easily, they can turn out to be very dangerous when not cleaned properly.

You also risk getting infections if you happen to injure yourself with a slicer that has harbored a lot of dirt and bacteria. However, be glad you are reading this article.

I am going to explain clearly the steps to be followed when cleaning a meat slicer. Do not be fooled to think that cleaning this tools involves dipping them in the dishwasher and letting them dry.

Proper cleaning of a meat slicer involves going through a stepwise procedure. The meat slicer should be kept clean to avoid food infection and poisoning.

This is why the FDA recommends that meat slicers be cleaned after every 4 hours of continuous use. The following procedure clearly explains the steps to be followed when cleaning a slicer.

 

What You Should Know Before Cleaning a Meat Slicer

 

There are a number of before-clean tips that every meat slicer owner should know. Forgetting them could lead to serious problems.

• Always put on protective cut-resistant gloves
• Never use steel wool or any other material that may scratch your meat slicer
• Carefully read the provided manufacturer instruction before cleaning your tool
• Don’t submerge your slicer

 

Step #1: Disconnect the Slicer from the Power

Removing the power cable from the socket should be the first step. Next should be to adjust the blade settings to zero. The reason for this is to adhere to safety guidelines and prevent harm.

 

Step #2: Prepare Sanitizing Solution

This step may come later in most reviews but should come earlier. Early preparation allows for enough time for the water to mix with the bleach.

Fill a bucket with hot water and add your bleach. Go through the provided manuals in order to know the right mixing proportions. Use thick rubber gloves to protect your hands from the hot water.

 

Step #3: Removing the Particles

Start by removing large meat or cheese particles using the sanitized cloth. Also, remember to get rid of all the buildup at the bottom of the meat slicer.

Alternatively, you can use a handheld brush and sweep off the crumbs.

Focus on ring guard and blade guard cracks where small particles fill. Where the particles do not come out easily use a knife blade but do it with caution not to scratch your slicer.

 

Step #4: Clean the Meat Slicer

Create a sink of bubbles in the sanitizing solution and use a double-sided sponge to clean the entire machine.

Carefully wipe the entire slicer from top to bottom while washing every part that has come into contact with food.

Involve circular wiping motions for a thorough cleanup. Finally, rinse the meat slicer to get rid of the soapy residue. If the water being used gets dirty, you can repeat the process using fresh water.

 

Step #5: Sanitizing

This is the most important step and should never be missed. It is the process that helps get rid of germs and prepares the slicer for next use.

Use 1 gallon of water and add 1 tablespoon of bleach to create a sanitizing solution. Use a spray bottle to spray the entire machine.

The next step should be to wipe dry the machine using a lint-free cloth. After you are done, cover the unit to prevent dust and other particles from landing on slicer parts.

 

Step #6: Reassembling

If you had disassembled any parts before cleaning your meat slicing machine, fix them back. This should be done to avoid feature malfunctions or failures.

This step should be undertaken before placing the machine back on the countertop.

 

Step #7: Cleaning the Countertop

Most meat slicer owners forget to clean the countertop. It can harbor a lot of dirty and pose health risks.

Firmly hold the machine and gently move it from its usual position. Afterward, clean the countertop, wipe it dry and set the slicer back to its position.

 

Step #8: Plug back the Power Cable to the Wall Outlet

You will definitely use your slicer after being done with the cleaning. First, turn off the appliance then plug it in.

 

Step #9: Additions

For optimal performance and adherence to safety guidelines, always replace the worn out parts after a given period of time. Additionally, carry out some maintenance practices.

 

You can read this too: How to Use a Meat Slicer