Detergent vs PBW

[Grog]

I had three 6.5 gallon glass primaries that were pretty grungy and I ran out of PBW. I decided to use Costco laundry detergent as my last resort and I must say I was absolutely floored with the results. Ate up all the yuck and the carboys were sparkling.

Since PBW is $5 per pound and the Costco laundry detergent is about 32¢ per pound is there any reason I should consider not to continue using the laundry detergent?

BTW - The laundry detergent sat for 2 days and I used 1/2c (as opposed to 1/4c of PBW). And I rinsed very thoroughly, no scent whatever.

[Tweek]

I would be concerned that there would be a film left behind that could show up in flavor. Or perhaps even be damaging to the yeast. Though in glass I am not real sure.

[Grog]

Even if it was thoroughly rinsed?

Wouldn't the same issue hold for PBW?

[Tweek]

yes, the film issue would be the same for PBW. However those types of products are designed for that application and the trace amounts left behind are not damaging (so they tell us :D)

Im not saying the detergent wont work for you in glass, I wouldnt do it in plastic for sure, I am just saying keep a keen eye out for anything that it could be doing to your beer.

[Grog]

The only thing I have left in my brewery that is plastic are racking canes and hoses (and if they get that gross, I can afford the $1.50 it costs to replace them). If my next few brews taste like a fresh spring day I will let you know ;) !

[c0nsumer]

I personally use plain old original Oxyclean, as it too is a sodium percarbonate-based cleaner. I had originally used B-Brite, and it worked well, but Oxyclean is *so* much cheaper. I've also taken to use it to wash all the glassware in my house, because after rinsing and air drying, they are just left sparkling with absolutely no residue.

It's also really good for getting dried on food off of dishes... Just let them sit in a sink of water + one scoop of oxyclean, and the food will lift right off.

In fact, I left my 6.5 gallon primary full of hot water and 1.5 scoops of oxyclean last night to dissolve the krausen remains from a extremely foamy primary.

[Grog]

I originally planned to use OxyClean, but we were out of that too, I am glad to hear it works though, the only thing that concerns me about the detergent is the fact that it is scented.

[c0nsumer]

I find that the scent dissapates within a few seconds of adding it to the water. I also haven't found this to be a problem, and I've now done three batches of beer using it as a cleaner, along with a whole boatload of dishes.

It'd probably be better to get straight sodium percarbonate, but that's a bit harder to locate most of the time...

I'd give it a try, and as with anything else, be certain to rinse well...

[toneyc]

Note: do not leave oxyclean in your corny keg for a week or two, it either etches the metal or forms a deposit, leaving a rough surface that I have not been able to figure out how to fix.

:)
Toney.

[c0nsumer]

Originally posted by toneyc
Note: do not leave oxyclean in your corny keg for a week or two, it either etches the metal or forms a deposit, leaving a rough surface that I have not been able to figure out how to fix.

Hmm, those are stainless, right? I wonder why exactly this happens... I'd imagine it's more of a pitting than a deposit, unless there's some sort of oxide forming?

Have you possibly tried CLR or Vinegar, in case it's some sort of deposit formed with minerals in your water?

-Steve

[toneyc]

I tried PBW and phosphoric acid. Wait, now I'm not sure, did I try the phosphoric acid solution? I have some CLR, maybe I can try that, if I can find that keg...

Thanks! :D
Toney.

[c0nsumer]

You sure the phosphoric acid didn't do any etching?

And, did you just use straight StarSan? That stuff, in the bottle, is 50% phosphoric.

I'd try either dumping vinegar or CLR (with some hot water) in there. Both will remove many mineral deposits...

[CampAjohn]

Good God, Toney, where did your wonderful beard go?? (he asked, stroking his not nearly so wonderful beard...)

[toneyc]

Well, see, I was trying to trim it and got confused with my left and my right in the mirror and ended up making a horrible mess of it so I shaved and then wifey said "Hmmmm...." in that special way and that was the end of the beard. I really am a simpleton sometimes.

:)
Toney.