14 replies to this topic

[positiveContact]

soaking some smaller pots in oxiclean and soaking my copper IC in some strong starsan.  this beer will be so very clean.

[positiveContact]

hmmmmmm - how long does it take for this starsan to do the job?  not much happening yet.

[HVB]

On the copper? If you want to get it shinny use vinegar.

[positiveContact]

On the copper? If you want to get it shinny use vinegar.

Hmmmm, maybe next time. I left it overnight so whatever I get off of this thing I get off I guess

[positiveContact]

So the starsan worked but this still took many rounds with the green scrubby. Not hard to remove really but so much surface area that I keep finding spots I missed. There had to be an easier way!

[positiveContact]

Also while we're here I've discovered somewhere in the drain hardware on my mash tun there must be a spot that traps crud. I'm not sure how but the first stuff I drain out of there smells kind of like vomit. So when I mash I add the hot water first and then the grain so today I drained a little bit water prior to mashing in and just tossed it down the drain. After this the water coming out smelled fine.

What I don't get is where the issue is. Right after I'm done with my mash tun I rinse it with hot water and then fill it out way with hot water and throw in some oxiclean. The entire pickup assembly is submerged so really the only part not getting soaked is the stuff after the shut off valve but I even scrubbed that with a brush. Any thoughts?

[HVB]

Do you have a one piece ball valve on it?  If so I bet something is getting trapped behind the ball.  Do you open close and partially open the valve while cleaning?

[positiveContact]

Oh, no I do not. What do I need to do?

[HVB]

I recirculate but it should be a matter of just opening and closing several times when draining.  I would also store it partially open.

 

You could also go this route 

https://www.brewersh...Ball-Valve.html

[positiveContact]

So half way between full open and full shut? Basically handle at 45 degrees?

[HVB]

So half way between full open and full shut? Basically handle at 45 degrees?

yes.  That should allow for drying from both sides

[positiveContact]

yes.  That should allow for drying from both sides

 

okay.  I opened and closed the valves multiple times while running water in and out of it.  right now everything is soaking in oxiclean but maybe tonight or tomorrow I'll drain everything out and do some more open/close repetitions, rinse with more open/closes and then leave to dry like you mentioned.

[positiveContact]

so it seems like this took care of the problem.  no weird smells coming out of the mash tun valve.

[HVB]

#winning

[Gusso]

I should clean my taps today. I haven't really noticed any off flavors yet but it's been a while since I've cleaned them.