Cleaning and maintenance

Does the equipment need to be cleaned in any way before the first use?

• No, stills do not require any cleaning or so-called "technical processes."

What should be done with the first product received from the still? Pour it out?

•  There is no need for that. The first liter received can be used for the next distillation. It does not contain anything harmful.

Should the packing be removed or emptied and washed before the first process?

• Absolutely not. The filling is ready for use, and taking it out and refilling it "your way" can lead to flooding the column due to excessive compaction of the packing. Myths about the need to clean the packing come from manufacturers of cheap packing, who sell it covered with production oil. HENITOM scrubbers or prismatic packing does not have such oil, so there is no need to clean it before use. 

What should be used for the first distillation? Should I boil water?

• In the first process, it is not recommended to "test" the equipment with pure water - it has a different boiling temperature than the alcohol and still cannot stabilize at a lower temperature. Pour in the mash and possibly allocate the first liter of product to be poured out (only the first time).

Can I clean the equipment by boiling water with citric acid or vinegar?

• Absolutely not. Acetic acid forms toxic verdigris and should not be used to clean copper. Citric acid is not volatile, so such a process is a waste of time and energy. There is no need to conduct such "trial" quasi-cleaning processes.

I boiled water. The obtained distilled water has a metallic taste. What did I do wrong?

• Well... we mentioned not to boil water. Pour it out, pour in normal mash. The metallic taste will not be noticeable during work with normal mash containing alcohol.

I don't know how to clean my equipment - where can I find this information?

• In the user manual, in the "Cleaning and Maintenance" section. Copper equipment does not need special treatment, so don't worry about it. It will clean itself during the next process.

• Yes, in distilleries, sealed equipment is often not disassembled for decades. This does not affect the product - except for the questionable aesthetics of being in a room with dirty equipment and worsening the operator's mood.

• A solution of NaOH will be helpful - about 5 to 10%. Use gloves and protective goggles - it is a very strong caustic substance.

• Similarly - use NaOH or Naomscan Sepa. Afterward, rinse the tank thoroughly

However I know, that deep cleaning is not needed, what's the best way to clean the still with an acid solution?

Materials Needed:

• Citric acid powder
• Warm water
• A large container or bucket
• Soft cloths or sponges
• Soft-bristle brush (optional)
• Protective gloves
• Measuring cup
• Funnel (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Put on protective gloves to protect your hands from the citric acid solution.
   • Ensure the copper still is empty and disassembled as much as possible. Remove any detachable parts like the condenser, cap, and other fittings.

2. Mix the Citric Acid Solution:

   • Measure 1 cup (about 200 grams) of citric acid powder.
   • Pour 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of warm water into the large container or bucket.
   • Gradually add the citric acid powder to the water, stirring continuously until fully dissolved.

3. Cleaning the Still:

   • If the still is small enough to fit into the container, submerge the copper parts into the citric acid solution. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the level of tarnish and deposits.
   • For larger stills, use a funnel to pour the citric acid solution into the still, ensuring all internal surfaces are in contact with the solution. Let it sit for the same amount of time.

4. Scrubbing:

   • After soaking, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surfaces of the copper still. If necessary, use a soft-bristle brush to reach crevices and more stubborn spots.
   • Be gentle to avoid scratching the copper surface.

5. Rinsing:

   • Thoroughly rinse all parts of the copper still with clean, warm water. Make sure no citric acid solution remains, as it can affect the taste of future distillations.
   • For internal cleaning, you may need to fill the still with warm water and flush it out several times to ensure all the citric acid is removed.

6. Drying:

   • Dry all parts with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots and further tarnishing.
   • Allow the parts to air dry completely before reassembling the still.

Tips:

• Avoid abrasive materials: Do not use steel wool or harsh abrasives that can scratch and damage the copper surface.
• Storage: Store the still in a dry, cool place to minimize tarnishing.

By following these steps, your copper still should remain clean and shiny, ensuring the quality and taste of your distilled products.