Shake Machine Brush-Kit Cleaning Map SOP

Defines which brush is used for each port, seal, and machine component on soft serve and shake machines to prevent cross-use, reduce seal damage, and support consistent documented cleaning.

Steps

• Verify the machine is safe to clean
  The operator confirms the machine is locked out/tagged out or otherwise isolated from power, all moving parts have stopped, and the machine surface temperature is 50°C or below before cleaning begins.
• Inspect the brush kit for correct assignment
  The operator inspects each brush for: (a) bristle integrity—no loss >5% of total bristles, (b) color coding match to component label, (c) no visible contamination or discoloration; records pass/fail for each brush on the cleaning map; if any brush fails, escalates to supervisor before proceeding.
• Assign each brush to one component only
  The operator uses the cleaning map to match each brush to its designated port, seal, or internal component. The operator does not reuse a brush on a different component during the same cleaning cycle unless the map explicitly allows it.
• Clean the designated ports with the assigned port brush
  The operator cleans each designated port using the assigned port brush and the approved cleaning solution. The operator applies gentle, even strokes to remove residue from the port interior, then visually inspects the port under adequate light to confirm no visible soil, debris, or loose bristles remain. If residue remains, the operator repeats the cleaning once and records the result on the cleaning map.
• Clean the seals with the assigned seal brush
  The operator cleans each seal using the assigned seal brush and sanitizer, using light pressure to follow the seal contour without bending, tearing, or deforming the material. The operator inspects each seal after cleaning for visible soil, cuts, fraying, or distortion. If any seal shows damage or cannot be cleaned without force, the operator stops, records the issue, and escalates to the supervisor.
• Verify brush condition after use
  The operator inspects each brush after use for frayed bristles, missing bristle bundles, bent ferrules, visible contamination, or discoloration. Any brush with damaged bristles, contamination that cannot be removed, or wear that could scratch components is removed from service and marked for replacement. The operator records pass/fail for each brush on the inspection checklist.
• Escalate any non-conformance
  The operator reports any damaged seal, mislabeled brush, missing brush, unclear assignment, or cleaning deviation to the supervisor immediately and documents the issue in the cleaning record. The operator does not continue using the affected brush or component until the supervisor confirms the corrective action.
• Remove the equipment from service and notify the supervisor
  The supervisor or designated operator tags the affected machine out of service, prevents further use, and notifies maintenance or the responsible manager. The operator records the non-conformance and waits for clearance before the machine is returned to service.
• Record the cleaning map completion
  The operator completes the cleaning map by recording the date, time, machine identifier, brush assignments used, pass/fail results, and any deviations or escalations. The operator confirms the record is legible and complete before filing it according to site procedure.