Tips for Keeping Your Ice Bin Hygienic & Safe
Summer is in full swing, but unfortunately Coronavirus (COVID-19) has not gone on vacation quite yet. With the increase in temperatures, ice is used almost universally in any outdoor or indoor dining areas.
Ice machines by themselves are not an environment where viruses, like COVID-19, can grow because a virus requires a living cell in order to reproduce. It is, however, quite possible to transfer Coronavirus to a patron by someone using an ice bin. We’re here to tell you that there are ways to ensure that this doesn’t happen.
In this article, we will go over some safe methods of preventing the spread of Coronavirus by using/cleaning your ice bin & offer up some IMC products that can aid in mitigation. Let’s start.
Ice Bin Scooping
Using your ice bin means you have to scoop your ice out manually with a dedicated scooper. This is where the human element comes into play. Here are some useful hints for operating your ice bin:
- Always remember to wash your hands before using the scooper. Anything you have touched before will no doubt be transported to the ice scooper.
- Keep the ice scooper located outside the ice bin. The handle of the ice scooper may be infected & that infection can be transferred right into your ice if left inside the bin.
- Keep the ice bin door closed while not in use to prevent any tampering.
- Like all tools, your ice scooper should be sanitized regularly with strong cleansers.
- Most importantly, never put unused ice back into the ice bin.
Cleaning the Interior
At the end of a shift, your ice bin will need to be cleaned internally. This is to make sure there is no room for any mold or slime to grow. Here is the proper cleaning method:
- Spray the entire interior with a solution of 8 ounces of bleach to one gallon of water.
- Wipe away scrap or debris until the surface is clean.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water & air dry.
- Sanitize with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water.
Cleaning the Exterior
Sanitizing the exterior of the ice bin is just as important as cleaning the inside. Here’s how to get the job done:
- Wipe the entire exterior with a solution of 8 ounces of bleach per one gallon of water.
- Let the solution sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water & allow the surface to air dry.
- Sanitize with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water.
With the above cleaning methods in place, your ice bin is ready for service. Remember that a strict preventative maintenance schedule will be your best weapon in combating COVID-19.
The Scoop on IMC Ice Bins
We’ve spoken before about our ice bin offerings & which one is right for you based on your needs & requirements. As a refresher, let’s do a brief rundown of each of our 3 products:
IBP-1 Mobile Ice Bin – Your standard, compact ice bin fitted with casters for maximum mobility. A hinged door safely encloses your ice when not in use. An ice scooper is included. An ice scooper holder is on the front for easy storage & prevents users from leaving the scoop in the ice.
ITRC Mobile Ice Cart – This larger unit comes equipped with a push handle & undershelves for full service. The bin itself is covered with a hinged top cover to keep your ice safe. The ice bin liner can also be removed for cleaning.
IBT-36 Mobile Ice Station – The ultimate ice bin solution. The product not only holds your ice, but it can hold your beverages, napkins, straws, etc. for complete use during service. The unit also has a 12″ wide utility shelf mounted on fold down brackets. If extra storage is what you need, IBT-36 is the perfect piece of equipment for you.
At IMC/Teddy, we continue to manufacture products to help you maintain facility safety & hygiene. With the recent outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to be your teammate in fighting back against the virus as much as possible. For a closer look at IMC ice bins & other transport carts, click here.
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