Primary Fermenter

[earl]

When I cleaned out my primary fermenter I used the sanitizing solution and a clean rag. I scrubbed pretty good, got all of the visible spots off. I rinsed with hot water then put it in my basement. I noticed the other day that the fermenter still has the smell of the last batch in there. Is this o.k.? Will this smell change the character of the next kit I do?


I can't imagine a way to get the smell out of there. If I use dish soap or some other cleaner I would just be trading one smell for another.


earl

 

[PolishWineP]

Don't worry about it. You're right, you'll just trade one smell for another smell. Ours almost always smell something like wine and it hasn't seemed to make a difference. It's not in the primary long enough ususally to have much of an effect on it. As long as you're using good sanitation practices you should be just fine.


We use B-Brite to clean our equipment for storage. That needs to be rinsed with COLD water for a complete rinse.

 

[rshosted]

I've always noticed the smell in mine too, never had a problem or noticed any difference in flavor or smell to the product.

I've always heard to be careful how hard you 'scrub' the plastic, you could possibly put deep scratches that will 'hold' onto old product and harbor bacteria. (you are probably fine with a rag, just don't pull out the old scrub pad to clean your primary fermenter)

oh yeah, stay away from dish soap, too many added scents and it's too hard to clean out completely. Just use good acid cleansers and you'll be good. If you feel really vigilant, you may use a good sanitizer that requires a rinse after it's use.

Edited by: rshosted

 

[bilbo-in-maine]

You can also try filling the bucket up with water and your sanitizer
and let it sit a day or two to soak, then gently scrub again.

 

[masta]

I have the same primary buckets used for over 4 years and after transferring to the secondary I just rinse well with hot water or maybe use some C-Brite with a very soft bristle brush to clean. The smell is fine and it is all wine red,white,grape,fruit,even mead!

 

[earl]

Thanks for all the replies.


Does anybody take the spigot off the bucket for cleaning. It seems to me that this would only wear it out. I just ran a bunch of sanitizer through it.


earl

 

[masta]

I always remove mine since I think stuff can get behind the gasket and cause an issue later on.

 

[bilbo-in-maine]

Same here

 

[geocorn]

I take the spigot out regulary to clean it. It really depends on how often it is use. There have been times when I went from batch to batch, so I did not worry about taking it out. Now I don't seem to have the time to make as much wine, so I spend more time on cleaning.