Some food-grade greases can handle steam cleaning, but resistance varies considerably between products. Steam combines heat and moisture, which can soften a grease, make it run and allow water to penetrate the lubricant film.
Interflon Food Grease EP has very high resistance to water, pressure and steam. It has an application temperature range of −20 °C to 170 °C and a dropping point of 265 °C (DIN 51801). The dropping point indicates when a grease turns liquid in a lab test and is not a working temperature. The grease is NSF H1 registered for incidental food contact, and NSF 537 (PFAS-free) and NSF 538 (MOAH-free) certified.
How the grease performs in practice depends on the steam temperature, how long the component is exposed and whether the steam is aimed directly at it. Relubrication after intensive steam cleaning may still be needed.
