The Hidden and Invisible Risks of Chemicals in Reefer Cleaning – and How to Avoid Them
When a reefer container leaves the depot, it’s expected to be clean, odour-free, and ready for its next journey. But what’s left behind after the cleaning process isn’t always visible. The chemicals and methods used during washing can quietly eat away at copper coils, stainless steel panels, and aluminium parts – leading to costly corrosion and unexpected failures down the line.
During visits to 14 depots in Costa Rica and Guatemala, reefer specialist Henriette Wase Hansen and Star Cool Service Manager Giancarlo Vettorazzi observed cleaning routines and collected samples of washing water and detergents. Their findings revealed extreme pH levels and high chloride content in some depots. One location was using a solution with a pH of 0.3 and chloride levels exceeding 27,000 mg/l – conditions that can severely damage sensitive materials.
“We found that well-intended cleaning practices sometimes do more harm than good,” says Henriette Wase Hansen. “Strong chemicals may seem effective, but they create long-term problems for both the reefers and the environment. Simple changes in depot routines can make a big difference.”
The aftermath of China’s 2021 fumigation requirements offered further evidence: a sharp increase in corrosion-related service calls caused by exposure to high-strength disinfectants.
Best Practices for Reefer Cleaning
To protect reefers, personnel, and the environment, MCI strongly recommends:
✅ Use warm water only for routine cleaning.
✅ If odours are present, use mild lemon-oil-based detergents, properly diluted, followed by a thorough rinse.
✅ Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
✅ Apply detergents only where strictly necessary, and never pour chemicals through fan grilles or onto evaporator fans.
🚫 Avoid aggressive acids, strong alkaline detergents, or products with high chlorine content, as these can corrode components and shorten the reefer’s lifespan.
🚫 Do not remove the backplate for routine cleaning unless contamination is present.
Safer Alternatives Exist
For more challenging cleaning tasks, safer options such as diluted degreasers or citrus-based detergents are recommended. Depot teams should consider whether aluminium stain removal is essential for customers and, if so, restrict treatment to aluminium surfaces only.
A Shared Responsibility
Reefer durability depends on collaboration between manufacturers, service providers, and depots. While MCI continues testing components for resilience, real-world depot practices make all the difference. By adopting safer cleaning routines, the industry can extend reefer lifespans and safeguard operational reliability.
You can find more information on the subject in below Star Cool bulleting:
