Trying to get rid of the funk? Here’s my current still cleaning steps:
Deep Cleaning
I use these steps for when the still gets really dirty of if it pukes on an initial run. The sulfides will be much worse with sugar washes, high temperatures, turbo yeast (just don’t!), inadequate yeast nutrients. In general a stressed yeast is going to make funk. Go for more volume in the wash and perform multiple stripping runs.
For stainless parts:
- Just throw these in the dishwasher if small. If larger then PBW soak.
- Citric acid can strip any hard-water deposits.
For Copper Parts
- Use PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) in normal strength but warm. This alkali (pH ~ 10-11) will strip some copper oxides giving a blue tint but most importantly it will break down the oils and other organic residues on the copper.
- Rinse really well. Want the alkali gone!
- Use citric acid – 1 oz/gal (pH ~ 2) This will strip any remaining copper oxides and will also be strong enough to break down any sulfides which the PBW won’t touch. Citric acid isn’t strong enough to strip copper quickly so when you’re clean this will come out clear, not with a blue tint. This is the indication that you’re done! This step will also strip any hard water deposits that may have built up.
- Rinse well again – any residual acid will continue to corrode.
- Dry – small parts can go in a warm oven, columns over a heater vent. By drying you’ll prevent excessive oxidation.