If you like keeping track of your food intake, you probably already own a weighing scale.
To make sure it lasts many years of service, it’s important that you learn how to clean weighing scale instruments properly.
This is true not only for kitchen scales but also for bathroom scales and any other similar equipment.
Similar to appliances in your home, your weighing scale gets constantly exposed to dust and other elements.
Therefore, cleaning it is a big part of its longevity, especially if you want it to work as designed.
Why Is a Clean Weighing Scale Important?
Implementing preventive or periodic maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your weighing scale.
While trained professionals can do many forms of maintenance activities on your equipment, there are some you can do yourself.
One example is cleaning.
Keeping your weighing scale clean prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt on the device’s compartments, junctions, and electrical components.
In turn, this will allow your instrument to function as it should and give you an accurate reading every time.
If you have a health condition or follow a specific diet and need to weigh your food, this is very important.
Cleaning it properly not only maintains its accuracy but also extends its lifespan when done the right way.
Plus, these instruments are subject to normal wear and tear, just like any other device.
Still, regular and proper cleaning will keep the damage that it incurs over time to a minimum.
How Often Should You Clean Your Weighing Scale?
Before we talk about the steps outlining how to clean weighing scale instruments, you’ll have to decide how often to do it first.
In that case, it would be best to consider the following:
Environment
The first thing you need to look at when it comes to cleaning your weighing scale is the environment in which it is placed at.
For instance, a kitchen is a busy place where liquids spill and things get pretty messy.
The more often your weighing scale gets dirty, the more frequently you should clean it.
Another example is the bathroom.
The steam from the shower can really do a number on the spring and other mechanisms in your weighing scale.
Since most models aren’t resistant to water, make sure that you keep it dry at all times.
Lastly, your approach to cleaning will depend to some extent on the conditions of your weighing scale’s storage place.
Usage
What you measure with your weighing scale will also affect how and when you should clean it.
Ask yourself, do you use your scale to weigh liquid ingredients for cooking or preparing drinks?
If so, there is a good chance it could get wet.
When this happens all the time, that means you need to clean it more frequently than if you use it to weigh dry food.
Dry items do not leave too much mess, especially when compared to wet ingredients.
Weighing Scale Components
As you can imagine, the materials used on the components of your weighing scale will also impact how you clean it.
For example, if it is stainless steel, you’ll know that it can tolerate direct contact with water, making it safe to wash.
Otherwise, it would be best to use the appropriate cleaner and clean cloth.
How To Clean Weighing Scale
As mentioned, how often you clean your weighing scale will depend on how frequently and where you use it.
However, as a general rule of thumb, you should give it a wipe down immediately after each use.
It is important not to let spills sit too long on the weighing scale to minimize the risk of damage.
Materials To Prepare
To clean your weighing scale, you need the following:
- Soft, non-abrasive cloth
- Tissue
- Soft bristle brush
- Mild detergent or cleaning agent
How It’s Done
Cleaning your weighing scale is very important, but it is a pretty easy job to do.
Here’s what you should do after preparing all the materials you need to perform the task:
Step 1: Remove dirt and debris under and around the scale.
Once you are ready, you can start the cleaning process by brushing the surrounding area to remove all dirt and debris.
If you have a floor scale, carefully lift it and sweep the surface beneath it as well.
Step 2: Wash with water and mild detergent.
For washdown-safe scales, scrub it down with water and mild detergent to remove dirt and oil residues.
For non-washdown-safe scales, wipe it with a clean piece of cloth and a suitable cleaning agent.
For a kitchen scale, you can start the cleaning process the same way.
Then, after cleaning the surrounding, check if the scale has a removable splash guard.
If it does, simply remove this and wipe it with the cloth and cleaning agent.
Otherwise, turn the instrument off and remove the top pan, drip tray, and other removable parts.
Next, clean the weighing scale using a cloth, tissue, or soft brush.
Which material you use will depend on the accessibility of the part you are cleaning.
Do not blow on the equipment to remove dust in the gaps, as this could push the particles deeper.
Next, wipe each removable component clean with a cloth and mild detergent before putting them back into their original positions.
Finally, make sure that everything is in good working condition by trying your weighing scale out.
Cleanliness Affects Accuracy
Your weighing scale can help you monitor your weight, ensure you are eating healthily, and assist you in following a recipe to the T.
It has a simple job, but it is an important one, nonetheless.
Make sure that you keep it clean, so it gives you the correct information.
