firkin cleaning

[neil smith]

hi all, i have got 3 stainless firkins that i need to clean out, i have got a spinning ball nozel that i have fixed to a stand and washed out with this and they look clean but can i fill with a cleaner and let soak, if so what and for how long, then should i just rinse out and spray with starsan just before filling.
cheers Neil

[Blackaddler]

Once clean, use a sanitizer of your choice. You don't need to fill the cask, about a gallon is enough, just agitate and turn it every so often... say 20 minutes. Some cleaners [such as soda or oxi], if left soaking overnight, can leave a residue which is very difficult to rinse off.

Then a good rinse with clean water. Drain as much as possible. If not required straight away, press in a keystone and shive by hand, and store.

Rinse with water again before use, and let any chlorine smell vent off before filling.

[neil smith]

could i use bleach to clean then rinse out well then when ready to fill spray with my starsan solution.
cheers Neil

[Blackaddler]

I've not used that combination myself, so can't comment.

[neil smith]

i think i will just get some soda chrystals this time.
cheers Neil

[neil smith]

hi, went to buy some soda crystals but they ran out so got some caustic soda and it works a treat all sparkly clean but you must rinse well, i use a spinning ball on a hose for about 10 mins then drain and seal until sat when i will treat with starsan before filling.
cheers Neil

[Blackaddler]

Caustic is better... especially when used hot. Take care when using it, though, it's strong stuff.

[neil smith]

hi, i uaed in cold water as that is what it said but will try hot next time as i get lots of hot water for free after running wort through plate cooler.
cheers Neil

[Blackaddler]

I'm forgetting that it's exothermic, and heats up once you add it to cold water.