What's the best and easiest way to clean copper chiller?
Hot water and a microfibre cloth do it for me. Maybe soak in some oxiclean if it's really sticky.
Well it's not dirty ... just want to restore initial shine :)
I seem to remember reading about using acetic acid i.e. white vinegar to bring up a shine.
Does it not come out shiny after every brew or are you talking about the bits that haven't been submerged?
Quote from: shiny on August 09, 2013, 11:30:41 AM
Does it not come out shiny after every brew or are you talking about the bits that haven't been submerged?
Nope. That's the thing. It's getting darker & darker every time.
Tried to soak it in the bucket of starsan for a night with no results :(
Need to get metal scrub and try it but was thinking about some chemicals if anyone can recommend something.
I would NOT use any form of metal polish on it as you would get a pretty nasty flavour I'm sure.
Can you use a scotch brite (pan scourer) to physically clean it with a bit of soapy water?
If you can't physically clean the pipe then stry the steeping in vinegar trick
Quote from: Will_D on August 09, 2013, 11:51:51 AM
Can you use a scotch brite (pan scourer) to physically clean it with a bit of soapy water?
That's what I meant by 'metal scrub' :)
Quote from: Will_D on August 09, 2013, 11:51:51 AM
If you can't physically clean the pipe then stry the steeping in vinegar trick
How much vinegar is needed for 5 gallons of water?
Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2013, 11:37:20 AM
Quote from: shiny on August 09, 2013, 11:30:41 AM
Does it not come out shiny after every brew or are you talking about the bits that haven't been submerged?
Nope. That's the thing. It's getting darker & darker every time.
Tried to soak it in the bucket of starsan for a night with no results :(
Need to get metal scrub and try it but was thinking about some chemicals if anyone can recommend something.
That's weird, mine gets dark/dull in the weeks (4-8) between a brew and then when I put it in for the last 10 minutes and subsequent cooling it comes out all shiny every time and all I do is rinse it under the tap. I have been paranoid that the darkness/dullness is a chemical leeching into my beer. I would prefer to be in your situation to be honest!
Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2013, 10:59:13 AM
What's the best and easiest way to clean copper chiller?
Don't
Now chaps we have done this to death already here :D
http://nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,273.30.html
You want oxides to build up on your copper so that its doesn't interact with your wort.
Just a rinse with water and leave it to its own devices, so NO SS, acetic acid or anything else that will strip the oxides off
I know the process is against our inbuilt grain but just remember, shiny not good, dull good ;D
Thanks for info!