Keep Your Still Running Smoothly: The Art of Cleaning and Maintenance

"Hey there, Craft Spirits Enthusiast!

Welcome back to the Bridgetown Brew Systems Newsletter—your go-to resource for expert tips, industry insights, and strategies to help your distillery thrive.

Confession: I almost didn’t send this email. I was too busy scrubbing a still we’re about to ship to a customer (and crying over the fact that I can’t keep it for myself). But here I am. Let’s dive in!"

Why Cleaning Matters

“The Cost of Neglect: Why a Dirty Still is a Costly Still”
A dirty still isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a money pit. Over time, residue buildup can:

• Slow Down Production: Clogged columns and condensers mean longer distillation times. 

• Increase Energy Costs: A dirty still works harder, driving up your utility bills.

• Compromise Spirit Quality: Off-flavors and impurities can sneak into your batches.

• Lead to Costly Repairs: Neglect can cause wear and tear, shortening your still’s lifespan. (RIP, still. We hardly knew ya.)

The good news? A little TLC can go a long way. (Think of it as a spa day for your still.)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

“How to Keep Your Still in Top Shape”
You: “Cleaning a still sounds boring. Can’t I just do it next week?”
Me: “Sure… if you want your spirits to taste like regret.”

Here’s how to clean your still like a pro:

Cleaning Copper Stills

Copper is a favorite for distillers because it reacts with sulfur compounds, improving spirit quality. But it also requires careful maintenance to avoid damage.

1. After Every Run:

   • Rinse with warm water to remove loose debris. (Basic hygiene, people.)

2. Weekly Deep Clean:

   • Mix a solution of 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid per gallon of warm water. Aim for a pH of 2.5 to 3.0 (use pH strips or a digital pH meter to test).

   • Run a CIP (Clean-In-Place) for 10-15 minutes to dissolve residue. Avoid prolonged soaking to prevent corrosion. For smaller stills, soak components and gently scrub with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the copper.

   • Rinse thoroughly with hot water or, if using CIP, rinse until the discharge has a neutral pH and all acid has been removed.

   • Drain columns, open manways, and allow to dry.

3. Monthly Maintenance:

   • Inspect and clean any safety valves to ensure they are in working order. Lubricate safety valve seals and seats (excluding steam valves) with food-grade lubricant.

   • Check for pitting or thinning, which can occur over time due to chemical reactions.

Pro Tip: Avoid over-cleaning copper. A light patina (natural tarnish) is normal! Contrary to popular belief, PBW is not safe for copper because it is an active oxygen cleaner and will impregnate copper with oxygen, causing it to become brittle and porous.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Stills

Stainless steel is durable and low-maintenance, but it still needs regular care to prevent buildup and corrosion.

1. After Every Run:

   • Rinse with warm water to remove loose debris. (Even stainless steel deserves a little pampering.)

   • CIP or wipe down surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge.

2. Weekly Deep Clean:

   • Use PBW (Professional Brewers Wash), a food-grade cleaner, or a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda per gallon of warm water.

     • For PBW: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 1-2 oz per gallon of warm water). CIP or soak components for 15-30 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or non-abrasive pad.

   • Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry to prevent water spots.

3. Monthly Maintenance:

   • Inspect for cracks or discoloration. These happen very rarely but should be addressed immediately.

   • Check seals, gaskets, and wear.

   • Inspect and clean any safety valves to ensure they are in working order. Lubricate vessel safety valve seals and seats (excluding steam valves) with food-grade lubricant.

Pro Tip: PBW is highly effective for removing tough residues and is safe for stainless steel. Avoid bleach, which can damage the surface and cause cracking over time.

The Hidden Risk of RO Water in Cleaning

While RO (Reverse Osmosis) water is often praised for its purity, it can actually pose risks when used for cleaning copper and stainless steel stills. Here’s why:

Copper Stills:
RO water is highly aggressive due to its lack of minerals. When used for cleaning, it can dissolve copper from the surface, leading to thinning and pitting over time. This weakens the structural integrity of your still, making it more prone to damage over time.

Stainless Steel Stills:
While stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion, RO water can still cause issues. Its lack of minerals makes it more prone to creating micro-pits on the surface. Over time, this can compromise the stainless steel’s protective oxide layer, making it more susceptible to rust and contamination.

The Solution:
Stick to softened or filtered water for cleaning. If RO water is your only option, consider adding a small amount of mineral salts (like calcium carbonate) to balance its aggressiveness. Always rinse thoroughly with non-RO water to minimize any long-term damage.

The Danger of Over-Cleaning

Keeping your still clean is essential, but over-cleaning? That’s like over-scrubbing a cast-iron skillet - you risk stripping away the subtle flavors and character that make your spirit unique:

• Copper Stills: Excessive cleaning can strip away the natural patina, reducing the still’s ability to remove sulfur compounds. It can also lead to thinning or pitting of the copper over time.

• Stainless Steel Stills: Over-scrubbing or using abrasive materials can scratch the surface, creating areas where bacteria or residue can accumulate.

The Golden Rule: Clean your still thoroughly but not excessively. Focus on regular maintenance rather than aggressive cleaning.

Let’s Keep Your Still Running Smoothly

👉 Schedule a free consultation today (Or don’t. But your still will judge you.)

Disclaimer:

Always consult your equipment manufacturer’s guidelines for specific cleaning and maintenance recommendations. The tips provided in this newsletter are general best practices and may not apply to all stills or equipment.

Ending Section:

Want more tips? Hit reply and let us know! (We read every email… even the ones written at 2 a.m. after a long distilling session.)

P.S. If you replied with 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃, cheers to making my day! If you replied with 🥃… well, I’ll raise a glass (or maybe a shot) to trying harder next time. 🥂