Any thoughts on PBW?

pineknot · 01-19-2012, 11:22 AM

I have been using a one step, no rinse cleanser as part of my sanitizing routine. A fellow brewer suggested powdered brewers wash instead. Any thoughts? Which do you prefer and do you use PBW the same way as the one step. Thanks for any input!

pineknot · 01-19-2012, 11:30 AM

Maybe I should have posted this under "Equipment/Sanitation". My fault!

**unionrdr** · 01-19-2012, 11:38 AM

Many cleaners said to be one step questionably aren't. My LHBS re-packages PBW as no rinse. I ordered a 1lb jar from Midwest,& upon reading the label,must be rinsed. Not a problem,as it rinses pretty easy.
In varying strengths,PBW can soak just about anything loose. In higher concentrations,the label says it can even soak off baked/cooked on gunk. That'd gunna be interesting to try.
I use it to clean everything I brew with. Also for de-labeling,3-4TBSP in my fermenters filled wih water,& stirred. 5-7 days,& even smells soak out. But the spigots must also be removed & cleaned to accomplish this.
I use 3TBSP in about 4G of water in my homer cheapo bucket to clean & de-label bottles overnight. Then a dobie & bottle brush make short work of them next morning. Even the label glue is dissolved or very soft. Gunk inside bottles floats away.

barleyhole · 01-19-2012, 11:40 AM

I used to use just one-step or easy clean for the last 4 years. Never had any sanitation issues as long as I scrubbed the equipment right after use and then just used the one-step to sanitize before use. However I just got some PBW and started using it a few weeks ago to actually clean my equipment better after use (carboys, buckets etc). You still have to sanitize after using PBW, as far as I know.

Marlowefire · 01-19-2012, 11:41 AM

PBW is a cleaner. Must be rinsed. Star San,iodophor those are no rinse sanitizers that should help you out.

fwiw. Oxiclean free works like PBW and is cheaper. Some people will argue that it's not as good but I routinely switch between the two. Make sure your stuff is cleeeeean

**MalFet** · 01-19-2012, 11:43 AM

As they say in South Asia, "same same but different". They're similar chemicals. I believe PBW has a chelation additive. Both are similar to Oxiclean.

kh54s10 · 01-19-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlowefire

PBW is a cleaner. Must be rinsed. Star San,iodophor those are no rinse sanitizers that should help you out.

fwiw. Oxiclean free works like PBW and is cheaper. Some people will argue that it's not as good but I routinely switch between the two. Make sure your stuff is cleeeeean

+1 Oxyclean is cheaper. Walmart has a generic brand. Use it to clean. Then use Starsan or Iodaphor to sanitize. Do not rinse these off or the item is not sanitary any more.

**unionrdr** · 01-19-2012, 11:46 AM

I'm finding that the difference between oxyclean free & PBW is that oxyclean leaves film that's hard to remove if left to soak too long. Some use a vinegar solution to get the film off. PBW doesn't seem to have this issue so far...as long as the solution is clean.

JNOYES88 · 01-21-2012, 02:42 PM

I too have had problems with film on the oxy clean free. i actually used PBW to remove the film the oxyclean left in my carboy.

wailingguitar · 01-21-2012, 02:52 PM

The Birko non-caustic alkali cleaners are probably the best if you can find them (BruReze and CellRmaster), but PBW is quite good too. THese were designed with the brewing industry in mind, unlike Oxy Clean (which as some have noted can leave a bad film). However, they are NOT sanitizers. The only truly trustworthy cleaner/sanitizer I have found is bleach... and it requires rinsing. Theoretically, you could do a one step with PBW if you were able to rinse it with 180F+ degree water, of course that is not the easiest thing for a home brewer to do and is pretty dangerous without the right equipment... SO, best method in my opinion? Clean with PBW, rinse well, follow up with a no rinse sanitizer (Iodophor, Star San)