Whenever you’re handling food, whether in a restaurant, food truck, or even at home, sanitation isn’t just a nice-to-have or a box to tick; it’s non-negotiable. Trusted in kitchens around the world, Steramine tablets have become a go-to solution for simple and effective food-safe sanitizing. With just a tablet, a gallon of water, and a few simple steps, you can maintain tip-top hygiene standards that meet all the FDA and USDA guidelines.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to use Steramine tablets properly and why they’re a popular choice for sanitizing all food preparation surfaces.
What Are Steramine Tablets?
Steramine is a no-rinse sanitizer made from quaternary ammonium compounds, also commonly known as “quats”. These are powerful disinfectants that kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. Conveniently packaged in tablet form, mix the tablets with water and start sanitizing! Use Steramine as the essential final step in your cleaning process for all dishes, utensils, and prep surfaces.
Important info:
- Steramine is not a cleaner. Always wash items with soap or detergent first.
- There’s no rinse required. When diluted properly, Steramine leaves no harmful residue behind.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions about Steramine here.
Where Steramine Is Commonly Used:
- Commercial kitchens and restaurants
- Bars (especially for glassware)
- Food trucks and mobile vendors
- School and hospital cafeterias
- Farmers markets
- Mobile caterers
- Home kitchens
How to Mix Steramine Tablets Safely
Steramine is easy to use, but it’s essential that you get the dilution ratios right.
Mixing Instructions:
- Fill a clean container with 1 gallon of cool or lukewarm water.
- Add 1 Steramine tablet.
- Stir until the water turns light blue.
- Use QUAT test strips to confirm the solution strength. You want a reading of 200 ppm (parts per million).
- If the reading is low, add half a tablet, stir, and test again.
Pro tip:
Make sure to mix a fresh batch of Steramine daily, or whenever the solution appears dirty or the concentration falls below 200 ppm.
How to Use Steramine on Dishes and Surfaces
Steramine is ideal for sanitizing a wide range of items that come into contact with food and drinks. Just remember: clean first, then sanitize.
For Dishes, Glassware, and Utensils:
- Wash and rinse all items with detergent.
- Submerge them in the Steramine solution for at least 1 minute.
- Remove and let air dry, no rinsing or towel drying needed.
For Counters, Cutting Boards, and Prep Equipment:
- Clean surfaces with soap and water.
- Spray the surfaces with the Steramine solution, or use a clean cloth.
- Allow to air-dry completely.
Storage and Safety Guidelines:
- Store Steramine tablets in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not mix with bleach, soap, or other cleaners – Steramine is powerful enough on its own!
- Wash your hands after use, or wear gloves if using the solution for extended periods.
Read a more detailed set of instructions on how to use Steramine here
Order your Steramine and test strips online
Steramine tablets are your new go-to for all your kitchen sanitizing needs. When paired with QUAT test strips, you can ensure every batch is mixed to the correct strength. Whether you’re running a busy kitchen or sanitizing at home, it’s a trusted solution.