Cleaning your copper still properly is crucial for maintaining its quality and ensuring the purity of your distillate. Several effective methods exist, each with its own advantages.
Effective Cleaning Methods for Copper Stills
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Mineral Spirits: A cost-effective and efficient cleaner. Simply apply and scrub. (Source: various online articles)
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Vinegar and Salt Soak: Soak your copper parts in a solution of white vinegar and salt, followed by scrubbing with a soft cleaning pad like a Brillo pad. (Source: various online articles)
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Citric Acid Solution: A popular choice amongst distillers. A weak solution of citric acid can be used to clean the still, either alone or following a caustic soda wash. Multiple sources emphasize the importance of not using abrasive pads as they can damage the copper. (Source: homedistiller.org forum, American Distilling Institute forums) Remember to always thoroughly rinse after using citric acid.
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Homemade Paste: Combine salt, vinegar, and flour to create a paste. Apply this to the still, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. (Source: Clawhammer Supply blog)
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Caustic Soda (followed by citric acid): For more thorough cleaning, some distillers use caustic soda (a strong alkaline solution) followed by a rinse and then a citric acid wash. Caution: Caustic soda is corrosive; handle with care and follow safety precautions. (Source: American Distilling Institute forums)
Important Considerations:
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Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Harsh scrubbing with abrasive pads can scratch the copper surface, potentially impacting its longevity and distillate quality. (Source: American Distilling Institute forums)
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Thorough Rinsing: Always rinse your copper still thoroughly with clean water after each cleaning to remove any residual cleaning solutions.
Cleaning the Inside vs. Outside
The cleaning methods mentioned above can be used for both the interior and exterior of your copper still, though extra care is needed when cleaning the inside. Always ensure you completely remove any cleaning agents before using the still again. For stubborn stains, the vinegar and salt method or a citric acid solution may require longer soak times.
