PET Carboys - Cleaning Agents Besides Oxy or PBW?

[Jiffster]

I know lots of folks use Oxyclean and/or PBW to clean their PET Carboys, but the Vintage Shop and Better Bottles both advise not to use such cleaners.

I assume they have good reason and this thread is not to debate PBW or Oxy.

Is anyone using any of the "recommended" cleaning products on their PET Carboys?

If yes, which one?

 

[pretzelb]

You can use pbw if you dilute it enough. Works for me.

 

[RmikeVT]

I've been using poor man PBW (3 parts oxiclean 1 part TSP-90) for years now to clean my PET carboys. I have 2 Better Bottle brand and 4 Mid-west/Northernbrewer brand (Big Bubbler) carboys. One of the Better Bottles has developed kind of a cloudy haze on the plastic in some parts, which I assume is probably from using too high a concentration of my cleaner or too water, but the performance hasn't been compromised. I treat all my plastic carboys the same and the 1 better bottle is the only one that has developed any kind of issue. But again, I think it is only aesthetic because I have been using the thing for year since I noticed the white haze and I have had no ill effects that I could taste in my beer.

I actually prefer the cheaper knock-offs Big Bubblers:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/...lastic-carboys/the-bubbler-6-gallon-fermentor

The plastic seems sturdier and they haven't developed a haze like the one better bottle under the same conditions. They are a bit opaque around the top and neck, which bothered me at first, then I got over it and love them. Especially, when they go on sale 2 for 1, which effectively makes them less than half the cost of a Better Bottle.

 

[iijakii]

Better Bottles website says to be careful of concentrations and length of soak, nothing about not using it - http://www.better-bottle.com/technical.html

I cannot find anything on Vintage Shop's site.

 

[j1n]

always use pbw, never even knew they recommend to not use it. never had any issues. Works well too.

 

[Todd820]

I started with PBW and have since changed over to Oxyclean and to date have had no issues with either. I think you need to watch your soak temp though. I soak mine in reasonably warm water but not scorching hot. ends up taking a little longer this way, but I usually just keg in the evening and let it soak overnight. No issues at all doing this.

Personally, If I could not use Oxyclean I would probably shy away from these fermenters as they would be challenging to clean otherwise.

 

[z-bob]

I use washing soda and soak them. (not baking soda, that's different)

 

[Jiffster]

Better Bottles website says to be careful of concentrations and length of soak, nothing about not using it - http://www.better-bottle.com/technical.html

I cannot find anything on Vintage Shop's site.

Vintage Shop responded to an email stating they didn't recommend using PBW.

 

[masonsjax]

I use hot water only. On occasion if that's not enough, an overnight soak in oxiclean free has gotten any last bits of crud to come loose.

 

[coolharry]

I've always made a very weak oxyclean solution with warm water in my BBs, stuffed a microfiber towel in and swirled it around, drained and rinsed. If it's really bad I dump most the liquid out and swirl with just the wet rag. From what I remember they warn against overnight soaking or very hot water with PBW or Oxyclean, not using them at all.
Did vintage shop give you an alternative to PBW or just tell you not to use it?

 

[Germanbrewgal]

One step

 

[HBngNOK]

I have good luck swirling with crushed ice, or crushed ice and a micro-fiber towel if the crud's really bad.