Did I mess up my Erlenmeyer flask?

[Machinedrum]

Life got in the way and I left the flask sitting in PBW for a week. Just tried cleaning it today with a brush and none of this stuff is coming off. I tried another round of PBW and a brush but nothing. It feels grimey and definitely has a texture to it.

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

That is weird. Was it supposed to be lab glass? Borosilicate?

 

[CodeSection]

Good timing. I just read on this thread, post #716 (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/homemade-pbw-recipe.467655/page-18#post-8545269) "3. PBW won't etch glass or stainless, but it can leave behind silicate scale that is sometimes perceived as etching. The only ways to get that off are abrasion and/or dangerous acids I won't mention here."

I would suggest you reach out to @bplipschitz, and ask at this point what they would recommend, if anything.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Machinedrum]

That is weird. Was it supposed to be lab glass? Borosilicate?

Yeah it is borosilicate. It was clear before. Been using it for 2 years and never had this problem.

 

[Machinedrum]

Good timing. I just read on this thread, post #716 (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/homemade-pbw-recipe.467655/page-18#post-8545269) "3. PBW won't etch glass or stainless, but it can leave behind silicate scale that is sometimes perceived as etching. The only ways to get that off are abrasion and/or dangerous acids I won't mention here."

I would suggest you reach out to @bplipschitz, and ask at this point what they would recommend, if anything.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Oh wow! I may just go get a new one and chalk this up to a lesson learned and make sure I clean up right away. I’m normally good about it but this was the one piece I let sit. I’m boiling PBW in it right now but I’m not thinking it’s gonna work

 

[Vale71]

Try with a weak acid and let it soak for a long time, it might help.

 

[bleme]

I'd do a vinegar soak. PBW is basic. If it put that stuff on, you need an acid to take it off.

 

[Machinedrum]

I'd do a vinegar soak. PBW is basic. If it put that stuff on, you need an acid to take it off.

Good idea. I’ll try that.

 

[Spartan1979]

Strange. I've left PBW in a flask for several days (maybe 5) and never had a problem.

 

[Vale71]

I think water hardness should play a role in scale formation, maybe you have very soft water?

 

[Machinedrum]

I think water hardness should play a role in scale formation, maybe you have very soft water?

We’re on well water and it’s a mess. Leaves stains everywhere. That’s most likely part of the problem.

 

[Vale71]

We’re on well water and it’s a mess. Leaves stains everywhere. That’s most likely part of the problem.

Agreed. You probably already know that but in your case money invested in a water softener would be money very well spent...

 

[Machinedrum]

Agreed. You probably already know that but in your case money invested in a water softener would be money very well spent...

Yeah, we're renting the house and there is a water softener installed already. We can only use the water for cleaning. If we want to drink it, or cook I have to get it from a water station at the grocery store. In one way it's a drag, but on the plus side I always have RO water on hand for brewing!

 

[Machinedrum]

I'd do a vinegar soak. PBW is basic. If it put that stuff on, you need an acid to take it off.

Looks like the vinegar soak is working! I emptied the vinegar into a bowl to take a look and it's looking crystal clear again. I put the vinegar back just to be safe, and I'm gonna let it sit a while longer. Thanks so much!

 

[Steveg229]

I have had this happen before and a star san solution soak took it off overnight.

 

[bleme]

Looks like the vinegar soak is working! I emptied the vinegar into a bowl to take a look and it's looking crystal clear again. I put the vinegar back just to be safe, and I'm gonna let it sit a while longer. Thanks so much!

You're very welcome. On a related note, once a year all my shower heads get pulled off and put in a ziplock bag of vinegar for an overnight soak. The next day they flow like new again!