When a tank cleaning cycle finishes and residue is still clinging to the walls, the instinct may be to run the cycle longer, add more chemical or follow up with manual scrubbing.

But poor cleaning performance often starts with the spray system itself.

Low pump pressure, insufficient flow, incorrect nozzle selection, poor tank cleaner placement and inadequate spray impact can all leave behind lees, tartrate and other stubborn buildup.

Here are four things to check before adding more time, water or chemicals to the cleaning process.

1. Pressure and Flow

Tank cleaners are designed to operate within specific pressure and flow ranges. If either falls below the recommended level, cleaning impact and coverage can suffer.

Pressure losses through hoses, piping, valves and fittings can also mean the cleaner is receiving less pressure than the pump rating suggests.

If cleaning cycles are taking longer than they used to, confirming the actual pressure and flow reaching the tank cleaner is a good place to start.

2. The Right Tank Cleaner for the Job

Not every tank or residue requires the same cleaning approach.

Static spray balls can work well for lighter cleaning applications, while rotary or higher-impact tank cleaners may be better suited for stubborn lees, tartrate or other difficult buildup.

The key question isn't simply whether the tank has a spray device — it's whether that device provides enough impact for the material being removed.

If cellar workers routinely need to hose down or manually scrub a tank after an automated cleaning cycle, the equipment may not be properly matched to the application.

3. Tank Cleaner Placement

Even the right equipment can underperform if it isn't positioned correctly.

Tank geometry, manways, agitators and internal fittings can create areas that the spray doesn't effectively reach. If residue repeatedly remains in the same spot, that can be a sign of a coverage issue rather than a problem with cleaning chemistry.

Proper placement helps ensure cleaning solution reaches the entire vessel instead of repeatedly washing only the easiest surfaces.

4. More Water Isn't Always the Answer

Longer cleaning cycles can quickly add up to more water, more chemicals, more labor and longer tank turnaround times.

If operators routinely compensate for poor cleaning performance by extending the cycle or manually finishing the job, it may be worth evaluating the spray equipment first.

Optimizing pressure, flow, coverage and impact can help improve cleaning effectiveness while reducing unnecessary resource use and manual cleanup.

Make Sure the Spray Is Doing Its Share

Spraying Systems Co. offers winery tank cleaning solutions ranging from static spray balls and rotary tank cleaners to higher-impact cleaning equipment for more demanding applications.

Their spray specialists can also evaluate vessel size, residue type, pressure, flow and equipment placement to help determine whether an existing cleaning system is performing as effectively as it should.

Before adding more water, chemicals or cleaning time, make sure the spray is doing its share of the work.