[Breedan]

Hi, can someone please help me? I have a large steel ice cream machine that seems to have attracted very tiny white bugs. I have cleaned the machine thoroughly and even after cleaning the bugs are there. They are much too small to count legs or anything like that. They just look like specs but they move. I have tried to use bug spray around the machine but it didn't help. I have tried using water and vinegar again to no use. Please can someone tell me how to get rid of them or even tell me what they could be.. Thanks

[Catsmine]

A couple of questions arise from what you posted. You said you "thouroughly" cleaned the machine. Does that mean disassembly and cleaning and sanitizing the individual pieces, what restauranteurs call "deep cleaning?"

Secondly, have you tried any cleaning products stronger than vinegar? A bleach solution is simple, safe, and effective. Half a cup of bleach mixed in a gallon of water (It used to be a quarter cup, but generic companies have cut the strength of their retail product.) makes a good disinfectant to spray on after you have cleaned the counter and machine. Ammonia products such as Windex or Glass Plus also are good disinfectants. The best disinfectant, and completely organic, is 350 degree steam, but that equipment is expensive.

Around food preparation equipment, pesticides are the absolute last resort. Aside from getting poison in the food, most pesticide residues will totally ruin the flavor.

[Breedan]

I have emptied the machine and washed and sanitized all the parts in the machine. I wasn't sure what products I could use so the vinegar and hot water was the only thing I knew that would be safe for my kids. I am thinking that I should also pull the sides off the machine and clean in and around the motor. Thanks

[Catsmine]

I am thinking that I should also pull the sides off the machine and clean in and around the motor. Thanks

Absolutely. The dust and debris which collects around motors can easily provide food and breeding sites for many insects. Without a visual identification, which can often take a microscope, all I can advise you on is sanitation standards.

I assume this is an electric motor, so let me recommend cleansers that do not leave residue, as that residue can cause short circuits. The ammonia disinfectants, particularly the window cleaners that advertise not leaving streaks, are good in this case. Be sure that any plastic/rubber components are wiped as clean as possible.