Method of generating carbonate in situ in a use solution and of buffered alkaline cleaning under an enriched CO2 atmosphere

A method of cleaning a food processing surface with a CIP technique comprising:

• forming a cleaning composition comprising:
• (a) an alkali metal carbonate present between about 0.5 wt. % and about 2 wt. %,
• (b) a nonionic surfactant present between about 0.01 wt. % and about 2 wt. %,
• (c) an enzyme composition present between about 0.035 wt. % and about 1.75 wt. %;
• and
• (d) water;
• applying said cleaning composition to the food processing surface as a use solution under an enriched CO2 atmosphere;
• monitoring the pH of the use solution during the applying step;
• adjusting the pH of the use solution to maintain it between about 8 and about 12, wherein said adjusting comprises recirculating the use solution, adding a secondary alkalinity source, or both recirculating the use solution and adding a secondary alkalinity source;
• and
• generating carbonate in situ in the use solution.