Ready to elevate your home distilling game? Well, grab your favourite scrubbing brush and get ready to keep your distilling equipment spotless. Trust us, a squeaky-clean setup isn't just about aesthetics – it's a key aspect of ensuring a successful distillation. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning and sanitation, shall we?
Why Cleanliness is the Spirit of Success
Think about it – your equipment is the canvas on which you paint your masterpieces. Just as a painter wouldn't start on a dirty canvas, you shouldn't start your distilling process with dirty equipment. Every nook and cranny of your setup can harbour unwanted bacteria, wild yeasts, or residual flavours from previous batches. These uninvited guests can wreak havoc on your carefully crafted recipes, turning what should be a smooth, flavourful spirit into something that's less than desirable.
With the right cleaning routine, you'll be setting yourself up for success every single time you fire up your still. So, let's break it down and tackle each part of your distilling setup, ensuring that every piece is primed and ready to help you create your next great batch.
Tackling Your Fermentation Fleet
First things first, let's talk about your fermentation gear. This includes everything that gets up close and personal with your wash during the fermentation process – your fermenter (and all its bits and bobs), airlock, mixing tools, and even your trusty hydrometer.
Here's our fail-proof cleaning routine that'll leave your fermentation equipment gleaming:
- Start with a thorough scrub using a quality cleaner. Cleaners are needed to break down any soilage that can harbour contaminating microorganims. Check out our range of cleaners, here.
- Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water. .
- Follow up with a sanitiser. A sanitiser kills microorganisms that remain on the surfaces post cleaning. This is so the yeast you pitch for the fermentation are the only ones contribing to the final flavour of the spirit. Check out our range of sanitisers, here.
- Let everything air dry.
Now, a word to the wise: always choose cleaning products that play nice with your equipment's materials and are specifically designed for distilling or brewing. And please, always follow the manufacturer's instructions – they know their stuff!
Distilling Equipment: Keeping Your Still Spotless
Alright, now let's move on to the star of the show – your still. Depending on what type of still you're using, the cleaning process might vary a bit. But don't worry, we've got you covered no matter what setup you're working with.
Air Still Care
For all you Air Still enthusiasts out there, here's your cleaning checklist:
- Before first use: A simple rinse will do the trick. You're just looking to remove any manufacturing residues.
- Pre-distillation: Another quick rinse to freshen things up. This helps ensure you're starting with a clean slate for each batch. You don't need to do this if you've just done the before-use rinse.
- Post-distillation: Now's the time for a proper scrub with a stainless steel-friendly detergent. Pay special attention to any areas where residue might have built up during the distillation process.
- Every 5-10 uses: Give your still a spa day with a water distillation clean. This helps remove any stubborn build-up and keeps your still in tip-top shape.
Turbo 500 TLC
Turbo 500 users, listen up – here's your cleaning regime:
- First-time prep: Rinse thoroughly, paying extra attention to the column. This is where a lot of the magic happens, so you want to make sure it's well rinsed.
- Before each use: A quick rinse to start fresh. This helps ensure no dust or debris might have settled between uses. You don't need to do this if you've just done the before-use rinse.
- After each use: Scrub that boiler clean! This is where a lot of residue can build up, so give it some extra love.
- Every 5-10 distillations: Wash those saddles. These little guys play a big role in the quality of your spirit, so keep them clean.
- Every 20 distillations: Time for a deep clean with a citric acid solution. This helps remove any mineral build-up and keeps your still running smoothly.
Alembic Dome & Condenser Cleanse
For the Alembic aficionados out there:
- Initial clean: Hot water is your best friend here. It helps remove any manufacturing residues without the need for harsh chemicals.
- Pre-distillation: A simple rinse will suffice. You're just looking to remove any dust or debris that might have settled.
- Between distillations: Break out the hot water again and opt for a brewery cleaner. This helps remove any residual flavours or aromas from your previous batch. Make sure it's safe for use with copper!
Stubborn stains giving you grief? Try a vinegar solution or a citric acid soak. Your equipment will thank you!
The Devil's in the Details
Now, let's talk about some of the finer points of cleaning your distilling equipment.
First off, always pay attention to the temperature of your cleaning solutions. Hot water can be great for removing stubborn residues but be careful not to use water that's too hot on plastic components – you don't want to warp them.
When it comes to scrubbing, be gentle. Use soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges to avoid scratching your equipment. Scratches can harbour bacteria and make future cleaning more difficult.
Don't forget about your tools! Your thermometer, hydrometer, and even your bottle filler need love too. Clean these after each use to ensure accurate readings and contamination-free bottling.
And speaking of bottling – make sure your bottles are squeaky clean too. Even if they're new, give them a quick rinse before use. You don't want any dust or manufacturing residues tainting your carefully crafted spirit.
The Importance of Drying
After all that cleaning and sanitising, proper drying is crucial. Air drying is usually the best option, as it reduces the risk of introducing new contaminants. Store your equipment in a clean, dry place away from dust and potential contaminants.
For pieces with hard-to-reach areas, consider using a fan to circulate air and speed up the drying process. Just ensure the air is clean to avoid dust on your freshly cleaned equipment.
Wrapping It Up
Cleaning your distilling equipment might seem like a chore, but it's an essential part of the craft. Think of it as part of the creative process – you're setting the stage for your next great batch. Plus, there's something oddly satisfying about seeing your equipment gleam after a good clean, isn't there?
So, here's to crystal-clear equipment and even clearer spirits! May your stills always be spotless, and your spirits always be smooth.
MYO Drinks
Helping you to make your own Great Batch from Scratch.