KROGER MULLS EXPANDED USE OF STEAM CLEANERS

LINDA PURPURA

CINCINNATI -- Kroger Co. here is considering expanded use of portable steam cleaners for its stores, particularly in the deli/bakery areas. Only a small percentage of its 1,100 stores currently use the cleaners.

While portable steam cleaners can be used throughout the store, they are particularly effective in the deli/bakery area where food can get trapped in difficult-to-clean areas. They are also helpful in cleaning heavy build-up on equipment such as ovens, and greasy or heavily soiled surfaces.

The cleaners being tested and used by Kroger do not use chemicals, only water. As a result, they require less maintenance than conventional cleaners. Once a month the water tank is flushed out to remove accumulated deposits, according to the source.

Currently, portable steam cleaners are optional of equipment that supplement Kroger's general sanitation program.

Kroger began testing the portable steam cleaners four years ago in a few stores. Since then, the retailer has been buying a few more each year.

"We are interested in it and are continually evaluating the merit of the equipment," said Tony Fazzio, senior procurement specialist at Kroger.

Kroger is using two models of steam cleaner, one from Amerivap Systems, Atlanta, and another from Marketing 10, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the exclusive distributor of a European-made model sold under the Robby name.