Monthly Archives: July 2025

Not all Tanker Lorries are Equal

Tanker trucks are an essential part of the transportation industry. They are responsible for safely moving large quantities of liquid materials from one location to another. These large commercial trailers come in various shapes and sizes, and each one of them is designed for specific purposes. In addition to this, the systematic cleaning of tankers is a very important activity as the cleanliness of a tanker can not only have a crucial impact on consumer health, but poor cleaning could be an environmental risk as well.

So, what is a tanker? 

A tanker is a motor vehicle designed to transport liquid or gas cargo in bulk. Like all trucks and trailers, these tank trailers can come in different sizes and are made of durable materials like stainless steel, aluminium, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic.

  • Fuel Tankers – these trucks are used to transport different types of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel from refineries to gas stations or airports. A fuel tanker usually has a cylindrical shape with a capacity ranging from 5,500 to 11,600 gallons. They are equipped with special safety measures to prevent any spills or accidents during transportation. These trucks often have multiple compartments to carry different types of fuels at the same time. These tanks can be specially designed to handle the low temperatures and high pressures associated with these substances.
  • Chemical Tankers – these tanks are specially designed to transport hazardous chemicals and liquids including industrial chemicals, acids, corrosives and often require specialized tanks to ensure safe transport. They have specialized compartments and tanks made from highly resistant materials to safely transport these substances. The sizes of chemical tankers can vary from small trucks to large trailers.
  • Water Tankers – these tanks are used to transport potable water to areas in need, such as construction sites, rural communities, or emergency response situations. These trucks have cylindrical tanks with a capacity ranging from 1,000 to 11,000 gallons. They also have pumps and hoses attached to the tank for easy distribution of the water. 
  • Food Grade Tankers – these tankers are used for liquid bulk transport such as milk, juice, oil and other beverages. These tanks are typically made from stainless steel to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination. They also have special heating systems to maintain the temperature of the product being transported. Food-grade tankers must adhere to strict hygiene standards and regulations to ensure the safety and quality of the food products.
  • Bulk Dry Tankers – these tankers are designed for transporting dry materials such as cement, grains, and powders. These trailers have specialized compartments with a capacity of up to 1,500 cubic feet. They also have pneumatic systems that use air pressure to load and unload the cargo. Dry bulk tankers are commonly used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and mining.

 

Tanker Truck Cleaning…why it’s essential

The main reason tanker truck cleaning is essential is hygiene. As we’ve seen, tankers carry a wide range of materials, from food-grade liquids like milk and juices to chemicals and petroleum products. Ensuring that these tanks are thoroughly cleaned after each use is vital to prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of the transported materials. Not only that, but the cleanliness of a tanker can also have a crucial impact on consumer health. 

It is extremely important to systematically clean the inside of the tank from impurities. Tank cleaning nozzles, often used in conjunction with high-pressure washers, play a pivotal role in this process. These specialized nozzles are designed to deliver a powerful and consistent spray of water or cleaning solution, effectively removing residues and contaminants from the tank’s interior surfaces. This level of cleanliness is crucial for industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where even a small amount of contamination can lead to product spoilage or compromise consumer safety.

 

Does your tanker need a clean?

Don’t worry, this is where we come in! Here at Fleetclean our top-quality UK facility offers state of the art high pressure cleaning for road tankers. Our uniquely designed high-pressure cleaning system, combined with unrivalled industry expertise, enables us to clean tanks thoroughly and ensures compliance with EFTCO standards for normal cleaning procedures. In addition to this, we provide the flexibility to implement tailor-made cleaning processes to meet individual customer requirements, such as sterilisation procedures or Kosher cleaning procedures. 

We offer food grade tank cleaning in line with customer, EFTCO (European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations) and HACCP requirements. We are also proud to be approved by the rabbinical board for Kosher certification and as such offer a recognised Kosher tanker cleaning service. Our operating site comprises 3 specialist food cleaning tanker washbays, 1 specialist food cleaning IBC washbay and 1 general purpose cleaning IBC washbay. This gives us the capacity to clean a large number of tankers and IBC’s a day using our ultra-efficient high pressure omni-directional spinner cleaning heads. 

Tanker trucks play a vital role in the transportation industry. They allow the safe and efficient movement of various liquids and dry materials. From fuel tankers to food-grade tankers, each type is designed with specific features to meet the unique needs of different industries and contribute to economic stability and growth. Ensuring these tankers are cleaned thoroughly between uses is of vital importance and should be a high priority for companies. If you require more information about our tanker cleaning services and how we can help you, get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more. 

Karcher Logo Over B&W Photo of Old and New Karcher Cleaning Equipment

Kärcher & Fleetclean: A Long Term Partnership

Kärcher. A household name. An industry name. They are the world’s leading provider of cleaning technology, but that statement doesn’t go far enough. Karcher transcends the realm of a mere brand. They are a one-stop shop for conquering every cleaning challenge imaginable, big or small. From the very beginning, Kärcher has always been characterized by ingenuity and innovative thinking, rethinking systems and designs and always pushing forward and striving for better results. Today, they are the global leaders in cleaning technology, so how did they get here?

Behind the scenes…

The company was founded in 1935 by the inventor Alfred Kärcher, who began manufacturing and marketing his pioneering product ideas in the field of heating technology. The cornerstone of developing into the world’s leading cleaning specialist was laid in 1950 with the invention of Europe’s first hot water pressure washer. When Alfred Kärcher died in 1959, his wife Irene continued her husband’s life’s work until her own death in 1989. Alfred Kärcher, the innovative inventor. Irene Kärcher, the energetic businesswoman. Both were driven by the courage to break new ground, and together laid the foundation for Karchers success. Kärcher has remained a family-owned company to this day, headquartered in Winnenden, Germany. Their innovative philosophy has resulted in solutions with convincing performance, quality and handling that have enabled them to be one step ahead of the market and have transformed them into a confident brand and a global market leader.

Their mission statement – cleanliness is the best challenge in the world!

Karcher through time…

With a long- and well-established history, let’s take a look at some of the key moments of their success.

  • 1950 – Entry into cleaning technology

In 1950, Alfred Kärcher provides a breakthrough in cleaning technology with the development of Europe’s first hot water pressure washer (“DS 350” steam jet). The design for heating the water proves so forward-looking that it is still the basis of all burners today. This machine lays the foundation for the future of the company.

  • 1959 – Irene Kärcher continues the legacy

Following the death of Alfred Kärcher, his wife Irene takes over the business. With foresight, she orients the company toward “cleaning” as a basic need. She is awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her business management. The “Handelsblatt” trade journal posthumously lists Irene Kärcher as the first woman in its “Hall of Fame”.

  • 1974 – Focus on pressure washer technology

The early 1970s are times of change for Kärcher. The era of the steam generator, previously a significant revenue driver, is coming to an end. In 1974, management decide to take a courageous step and focus on pressure washer technology for professional users and no longer offer all other product groups. At this stage, the colour of the machines is changed from hammer finish blue to the now world-famous Kärcher yellow.

  • 1980 – Cleaning the Christ the Redeemer statue

In 1980, Kärcher starts its cultural sponsorship with the cleaning of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, more than 140 cultural monuments around the world have been cleaned. In the same year, there is a change in strategy to “cleaning” as a basic need. The product focus is adapted to the new agenda and initially transferred to transportation and building applications.

  • 1984 – Entry into retail business

In 1984, Kärcher introduces the world’s first portable pressure washers for private households. The motto “High-pressure cleaning – just like the professionals” attracts 5,000 customers in the first year. With more than 300,000 machines sold, the innovative “HD 555” unit forms the cornerstone for the successful retail business. For the first time ever, a Kärcher product was in hardware and DIY stores.

  • 1986 – Market launch of the first professional scrubber

In 1986, Kärcher sets standards in the professional area with the launch of the BR 450 floor cleaning machine. It has innovative roller brush technology which is used today in over 50% of all machines on the global market. The in-house development of professional floor scrubbers establishes the basis for one of today’s most important business segments.

  • 1997 – German Marketing Award

In 1997, Kärcher wins the German Marketing Award for the first time – as acknowledgement for outstanding work in marketing, which is the basis for the financial success of the company.

  • 1998 – Clean-up operation in St. Peter’s Square

Work on the 284 travertine columns and 88 pilasters of the colonnades of St. Peter’s Square in Rome as part of their cultural sponsorship initiative takes nine months. With a total area of 269,000 square feet, to this day it is the most extensive building cleaning project ever and receives an entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

  • 2003 – Entry into robotics

A completely new field is opened up in 2003: the first fully autonomous cleaning robot for households, the RC 3000, is launched on the market.

  • 2008 – Launch of the first window vac

With the introduction of the first window vac, WV 50, Kärcher closes a gap in the market and successfully establishes a machine for cleaning windows. To date, the window vac has more than 21 million satisfied customers.

  • 2011 – Ecological campaign

In 2011, the first resource-friendly ranges are launched on the market. The devices consume less energy and water, are made from recycled material and are at least 90 percent recyclable.

  • 2018 – Second marketing award

In 2018, Kärcher receives the German Marketing Award for the second time – unique in the history of the award. The award acknowledges the successful branding work of the last 10 years. An integrated marketing concept and the use of corresponding marketing instruments and technologies are decisive for the award. In 2018, Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG achieved a turnover of 2,525 billion Euro, the highest in its history. For the first time, over 13,000 employees are employed in 120 companies and 70 countries. Over 50,000 service outlets ensure uninterrupted supplies to customers all over the world.

Core Principles…

Karcher pride themselves on being makers! Their quick adaptability allowing them to meet challenges, demand and set new standards.

  • Renew – To achieve sustainability, a continuous process of renewing is required. The focus on continuously renewing is deeply embedded within the company and culture. This process of renewing sustains value while also creating space for new ideas, growth and development. Renewal is essential to survival.
  • Sustain – to take care of things, make them last longer and maintain their value. Sustainable business contributes to a clean world.
  • Together – culture unites and empowers, with each individual bringing their own background, perspective and expertise. By working closely together in diverse teams, this can have a greater impact and create new things together.
  • Clean – Cleaning is the core of the business. They help to clean the world with their innovative and unique cleaning solutions.

Industry today as market leaders…

Founder Alfred Kärcher aimed to always find new solutions for every challenge. To this day, Karcher have maintained this spirit of innovation. With more than 1,000 employees in research and development worldwide, they’re fully committed to developing new solutions.

Whether your work is in agriculture, the construction industry, the healthcare sector, or facility management – every industry requires its own unique cleaning solutions and Karcher have developed cleaning products for every scenario. If you need

  • Industrial cleaners
  • Commercial pressure washers
  • Scrubbers/scrubber driers
  • Industry sweepers
  • Industrial vacuums
  • Steam cleaners

Karcher are the name associated with the best!

Industry brings a whole new range of cleaning challenges and very specific cleaning needs, whether explosive, hazardous, oily, greasy or stubborn dirt. You can remove the most stubborn of dirt and coatings reliably with their range of ultra high-pressure cleaners, built to withstand the challenges from even the toughest of tasks. Perfect for industry, these ultra high-pressure cleaners really come into their own when a conventional high-pressure cleaning isn’t quite enough. Add to this Karchers patented applications, virtually any type of dirt can be removed safely and reliably, without damaging your systems.

A machine for every surface…

The floor coverings may vary but the task is the same, perfect cleaning and care of all hard or resilient floor coverings. The Kärcher system has an optimal solution for the deep cleaning, maintenance cleaning and care of all types of floor covering – dry or wet, by machine or with manual cleaning equipment. Karchers range of scrubber/driers and floor sweepers with ideally designed accessories and perfectly formulated cleaning agents offers everything needed for a deep efficient clean.

Carpets in office buildings, hotels and schools are subject to heavy traffic every day. Kärcher carpet cleaners, vacuum cleaners and sweepers have been proving their worth for decades. These robust, powerful and versatile machines are designed for deep cleaning, intermediate cleaning and spot-cleaning carpets and for removing stains from textile surfaces. They also clean deep into the fibres of blinds, upholstery and car seats.

Sweepers…

Walk-behind sweepers and sweeper vacuums are ergonomic and easy to use. Typically for courtyards, paths, workshops and halls. For caretakers, tradesmen, contract cleaners and industry. They sweep thoroughly with low dust development, even in corners.

Ride on sweepers are economical, clean and efficient on medium-sized and large areas. Kärcher sweeper vacuums meet all requirements, and special importance is always attached to the latest, customer-oriented technology as well as easy handling, access and service.

Kärcher industrial sweepers are reliable and efficient. They are designed for the toughest industrial use for large areas and increased dirt volumes. The award-winning filter system ensures a dust-free environment even in extreme cases.

Here at Fleetclean we are proud Premier Dealers of Karcher and specialise in Karcher models so let us find the perfect fit for your workplace. Whatever your industry needs, Karcher products and services aim to help you do the job simply, safely and with maximum quality so speak to our experts and discover how we can help you transform your industrial cleaning processes.