How to clean new ball valves before FIRST use?

[pinemarten]

Hi Folks,

I'm curious to hear how people clean ball valves before the first time they are used. I know all about cleaning them once they have been in use. I am concerned about any oils or chemicals left behind from the manufacturing process only. SS Brewtech says:

"It is important that PRIOR TO FIRST USE THAT YOU THOROUGHLY CLEAN YOUR BALL VALVES using TSP and hot water. You'll need to disassemble the ball valve itself (loosen 3 of the retaining bolts) to get inside the valve. The main purpose here is to remove any residuals from the manufacturing process and prevent off flavors in your beer."​

That sounds fair enough, but is TSP really necessary? It seems to me what is supposed to happen is the valves need to be de-greased, not sanitized. Regular dish soap is formulated for that exact purpose. I am aware what soap residue can do to beer, but I guess I have never really believed that you can't get all the soap off stainless steel before brewing if you rinse very well with cold water.

I was thinking it would be sufficient to wash all of them with dish soap, rinse well and then give them a soak in alkaline wash. Am I missing something?

Thanks!

 

[jekeane]

I disassembled mine. soaked them in a un scented dye free dish soap bath. rinsed them thoroughly then soaked in a oxyclean free bath and rinsed the thoroughly.

 

[BrunDog]

I think the dish soap is good. I use the orange degreaser stuff.

 

[IslandLizard]

Use (homemade) PBW and a brush.