What do you do with the steam wand towel?
Pretty straight forward question.
I've seen people put it in a pitcher for between uses
I've seen people use a sanitizer solution
Do you find it gross to use it to wipe of the espresso from the drip tray?
This has been a discussion of late in our shop. You know; separating preference vs properness.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by olivier dutil on
-
i do about the same but the cloth need to be change every hour minimum
-
Permalink Reply by Kathryn Markham on
-
Definitely a damp towel ONLY for wiping the steam wand that is rinsed or changed often. In a past shop, we had a lot of difficulty with this subject and the health inspector. We were required to wipe the steam wand with single use paper products (i.e. a damp paper towel or Wipe-z brand wet naps).
-
Permalink Reply by Jeremy Perrine on
-
The major issue of discussion was the exclusivity of the towel to the wand. I find it absolutely disgusting to use it to wipe of the drip tray. But I haven't been convincing.
-
Permalink Reply by Brian Bergman on
-
We use the steam wand towel ONLY for the steam wand and its a damp towel that sits on a tray next to the machine. We have a separate (dry) towel for wiping down portafilters to clear any debris. Any other cleaning is a separate towel entirely. It sounds like a lot of towels, but cleanliness is super important.
-
Permalink Reply by Nathanael May on
-
This is actually a place where Starbucks is right on the money - every place I've been since the 'Bux has not had as elegant a solution. There was a plastic tray with a little mild sanitizer solution in it slid under the espresso machine, with 2 towels in it. The towels were changed regularly, as was the solution. We would wring a towel out, wipe the steam wand, purge it, replace the towel in the tray, and slide the tray back under the machine, where nothing could fall or spray into it.
Anytime anyone questioned why we didn't use those towels for anything else, I suggested they lick the surface they wanted to wipe with the steam wand towel. If they weren't willing to do that, then they shouldn't be using the steam wand towel to wipe it (and yes, if it weren't for the heat, I'd be willing to lick the steam wands - that's how clean they should be).
-
Permalink Reply by Fraser Jamieson on
-
Actually, I'd like to think that everything in that general area of the machine is lick-clean...even the drip tray!
-
Permalink Reply by BreAnn Veldstra on
-
changed every hour minimum agreed .........also rag should be kept out of sight from the customer I have a thing about reading customer's facial expressions in between interactions and I never want to see them have a moment of wonder (I wonder if that rag is clean) lol details.... details... details....
-
Permalink Reply by Laura Campbell on
-
We have a bench cloth (for wiping machine and the barista bench in front), a milk cloth (exclusively used for the steam wand) and a dry portafilter tea-towel which hangs from our dump box and is used for wiping our the PFs. They are regularly washed (especially the bench and wand cloths) and ne'er the twain shall meet. It's a big no-no to use them for anything other their designated use. Sometimes they get chucked through the steriliser as well to keep them spiffy. We tuck the bench cloth under the edge of our La San Marco, keeps it out of the way when not in use, but handy for a quick wipe and invisible to the customer.
Besides, if you use a milk cloth to wipe an espresso machine, any residual milk makes it all streaky and yuck.
-
-
In our area it is a requirement from the Health Department that there is an exclusive towel only for wiping the steam wand.
Jeremy Perrine said:
The major issue of discussion was the exclusivity of the towel to the wand. I find it absolutely disgusting to use it to wipe of the drip tray. But I haven't been convincing.
-
-
Found out early on that I worked with a bunch of morons who were using cloths to the steam wand as well as counter tops. Saw it. Face turned red with. Lost it. Nearly had a brain hemorrhage. It hasn't happened since.
-
Permalink Reply by Terika on
-
If the baristas wouldn't put expired shots into a drink, why would they be willing to put expired shot residue/grounds into a drink? That is what essentially is happening when they clean the drip tray and the steam wand with the same towel. Maybe I'm assuming too much about the shots to begin with... ;)
Jeremy Perrine said:
The major issue of discussion was the exclusivity of the towel to the wand. I find it absolutely disgusting to use it to wipe of the drip tray. But I haven't been convincing.
-
Permalink Reply by luke hudek on
-
Depending on your area, I thought it was required to be in sanitation solution? Again depending on your area I would also imagine you may not be allowed to clean your tray with it.
Barista Exchange Partners
Barista Exchange Friends
Keep Barista Exchange Free
Are you enjoying Barista Exchange? Is it helping you promote your business and helping you network in this great industry? Donate today to keep it free to all members. Supporters can join the "Supporters Group" with a donation. Thanks!
© 2024 Created by Matt Milletto.
Powered by
