Cleaning Carboys

[AZ Kevin]

I saw a few threads about cleaning a carboy after fermentation, but my question is a bit different. I haven't used these is quite a number of years and they have calcium on the inside. I tried brushing them with very little luck and then bleach. Same results. I have now attempted vinegar with warm water. I am awaiting the results of that. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks for any tips.

 

[day_trippr]

Vinegar or Citric Acid would be my go-to for that.

Cheers!

 

[IslandLizard]

Glass carboys can be scrubbed with some Barkeeper's Friend or even Comet.

Plastic ones will scratch when brushing, so remove calcium deposits only by dissolving with an acid. You could add a small rag to it and swish, for some extra friction in stubborn/hazy areas.

 

[AZ Kevin]

Glass carboys can be scrubbed with some Barkeeper's Friend or even Comet.

Plastic ones will scratch when brushing, so remove calcium deposits only by dissolving with an acid. You could add a small rag to it and swish, for some extra friction in stubborn/hazy areas.

These are glass. I was concerned about using something like Comet or other cleanser, but this may help. I do have a bottle brush that connects to a drill. I wasn't very impressed with it at first, but with the vinegar, it may do the trick. Thanks.

 

[Pappers_]

Acid is our friend. The vinegar is a good start. Soaking it in Star San (also acid) will remove some build ups sometime - you can make it much stronger than you would for no-rinse sanitation.

 

[EdGrog]

I saw a few threads about cleaning a carboy after fermentation, but my question is a bit different. I haven't used these is quite a number of years and they have calcium on the inside. I tried brushing them with very little luck and then bleach. Same results. I have now attempted vinegar with warm water. I am awaiting the results of that. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks for any tips.

Did you get it cleaned I have a stubborn one the vinegar helps but I still have calcium stains going to try more vinegar to see if it looks better second time

 

[MrBJones]

I saw a few threads about cleaning a carboy after fermentation, but my question is a bit different. I haven't used these is quite a number of years and they have calcium on the inside. I tried brushing them with very little luck and then bleach. Same results. I have now attempted vinegar with warm water. I am awaiting the results of that. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks for any tips.

These are glass. I was concerned about using something like Comet or other cleanser, but this may help. I do have a bottle brush that connects to a drill. I wasn't very impressed with it at first, but with the vinegar, it may do the trick. Thanks.

Did you get it cleaned I have a stubborn one the vinegar helps but I still have calcium stains going to try more vinegar to see if it looks better second time

Try a cup or so of straight vinegar without water and "roll" the carboy to coat the inside. Should do the trick.

 

[Teufelhunde]

I'm not really sure that a calcium stain would hurt anything.....

YMMV