Do I need sodium metasilicate in my homemade PBW?

[ebbelwoi]

For the last year or so, I've been using a 70/30 combination of sodium percarbonate and sodium metasilicate. I've been happy with the results.

It's time to order more, and I'm wondering if I really need the sodium metasilicate. FWIW, I use this cleaner for kegs and fermenters, and I always fill them to the top and soak overnight. I also have very soft water.

Can I use straight sodium percarbonate?

 

[renstyle]

For the last year or so, I've been using a 70/30 combination of sodium percarbonate and sodium metasilicate. I've been happy with the results.

It's time to order more, and I'm wondering if I really need the sodium metasilicate. FWIW, I use this cleaner for kegs and fermenters, and I always fill them to the top and soak overnight. I also have very soft water.

Can I use straight sodium percarbonate?

Yep

 

[marc1]

Sure you can, but it might not be as effective with heavy soil. Try it see if it works for your application.

 

[IslandLizard]

I'd say so, it's a good cleaning booster.

After a good rinse out and a quick brushing, most of the dirty stuff is gone. So, I'd save the (cleaner) soaking solution for the next use and the next... especially when using kegs full of it. Sure, the oxygen has dissipated,* but the Metasilicate component remains active as can be. Especially when hot.

* You can always add another scoop of Oxiclean to it to replenish the oxygen power in the reused solution.