Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:11 pm
by gronniger
Hey guys, New to the forum. I have a question regarding a new conical fermenter I purchased. I got this 7 GAL Stainless Steel Conical fermenter off of ebay and it is very pretty but I am having some issues cleaning it. It has a machine oil and some kind of pickling agent in it. I have used PBW, 1 STEP, Star San, and as a last resort dawn dish soap (to cut the oil) to attempt to clean it. I have literally scrubbed this for hours and I cannot get the funky oil smell out of it. I thought I had it clean and transferred a brew to it for secondary and it ruined the beer; it took on the machine oil taste and smell... After wasting what would have been a good batch of beer on it I have continued to clean it and try pouring water and/or beer in it and letting it sit for a while, then dispensing so that I can taste test. I CANNOT get the smell and taste out of this... Anyone purchased one of these? What was your experience, please help!?
Re: Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:36 pm
by Henning1966
Question have you used hot pbw? If not try that. If that has been done go to the can of bar keeps friend and a green scotch bright pad that will surely knock the oil off.
Re: Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:40 pm
by gronniger
Yes, I scrubbed about 3 gallons of very hot PBW in it little by little. Seemed to help, perhaps slightly. I just can't shake it! It is be the cleanest looking piece of SS I have in the house!
Re: Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:55 pm
by SoCalBrewer
Henning1966 wrote:Question have you used hot pbw? If not try that. If that has been done go to the can of bar keeps friend and a green scotch bright pad that will surely knock the oil off.
+1
A good over night soak in warm PBW and a scrub with a white scrubby pad should do the trick.
Re: Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:51 am
by Whitebeard_Brewer
Na, you are screwed......box it up and send it to me, I will dispose of it properly!!
Re: Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:47 am
by gronniger
Thanks for the tips guys, I will try soaking it in some PBW overnight, maybe over a few nights. I don't want to take anymore chances. I have this great looking conical sitting empty as I ferment in a plastic bucket...
Re: Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:46 pm
by Push Eject
Ouch! PM Palmer here for his suggestions.
Re: Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:15 pm
by foomench
+1 on the Bar Keeper's Friend. While oxalic acid is classified as a weak acid, it is pretty strong and great for cleaning stainless.