Confused about cleaning...

[AndrewNSachs]

So I'm a very new brewer (Done a batch with my Dad, and have my first solo brew in the primary) and I've been doing a LOT of reading on these forums, which are amazing by the way. Reading through everything here, I went out and bought some OxiClean Free at Target this afternoon to use to clean my equipment. Everybody here seems to use it and rave about it. But then I came across some people on the internet that were warning not to use it because it leaves a cake of film behind afterwards? Has anybody had problems like this/does it really even matter? I just want to make sure I'm not messing stuff up this early in my brewing lifetime

 

[Ryush806]

I've haven't been brewing for a super long time...a little over a year. I've been using OxiClean Free the entire time and haven't had any issues with build up. One of the more veteran members might have something different to say but I'm thinking if I haven't noticed it after a year it isn't a big deal. The only thing you DO need to worry about with OxiClean is not to leave metals soaking in it too long.

 

[Germelli1]

I soak stuff in oxyclean free overnight if it has gunk caked onto it...I have soaked bottles and equipment for 2 weeks!

The only time I got film was when I mixed up a strong batch for moldy bottles. The films comes right off with a weak vinegar-water rinse!

 

[gcdowd]

Oxyclean is great and I've had no problems with it. Just make sure you rinse well after you use it. Then before you use your equipment again, be sure to sanitize with a good sanitizer. I use star san.

 

[runningweird]

oxyclean free is fine, but it still has some fillers I believe. If you want the best thing( I have found) http://reviews.walmart.com/1336/139...tain-remover-powder-30-oz-reviews/reviews.htm I get mine from a dollar store near my house and mix it with Trisodium Phosphate( or the replacement stuff) from the hardware store to make my own version of Powdered Brewery Cleaner. Its just Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Percarbonate.

When using oxyclean/any oxygen cleaner make sure to rinse well with hot water and sterilize afterwards with something like starsan(my favorite) or idophor/bleach.

I have heard that extended exposure of oxyclean stainless steel will lead to pitting or something but I can't say for sure. Nothing I have has soaked more than overnight in it.

 

[wolfstar]

Pbw

 

[Golddiggie]

Pbw

+1 on PBW... Not about to make my own version of it when I can simply get it already made up with a 100% working formula... Does an unreal job of cleaning pretty much everything and is 100% safe for everything that you brew with. I fill my BoilerMaker kettle with it (or about 8 gallons worth) for a nice soak of it as well as my silicone tubing, and all fittings that need to be cleaned. I run it through my beer lines for the taps in my brew fridge too. Just run water through after to rinse, followed by a StarSan run to sanitize and they're ready for the next keg.

I mix PBW up by weight (not scoop) since that's how the directions on the container break it down...

While oxy[whatever] does a good job of cleaning, I know PBW won't leave anything behind with a decent rinse. I use a feel test to determine when the rinse is done. Anything that's going to touch the wort post boil gets sanitized on brew day. IMO, no reason to pre-sanitize anything (except for empty kegs that you'll be filling) prior to that.