Apparatus and method for the controlled lubrication and cleaning of conveyors

A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.