Removing limescale of Element.

Discussion in 'General Brewing Discussions' started by Trialben, Mar 18, 2023.

  1. Trialben

    Trialben Well-Known Member

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    #1 Trialben, Mar 18, 2023
    Gday brewers got the kettle out today to brew and this is moi Element 20230318_115338.jpg
    I thought oh gee a bit of build up on there.
    I think it's lime scale or?
    The water is pretty low in bicarbonates here which is what I believe would cause the whitish looking build up on the element.

    Now I can remove it and give it a good scrub
    Or can I just clean in place

    Maybe some barkeepers friend or I do have some pool hydrochloric acid I could water Down 10:1 and soak the element in that for an hour...

    A bit extreme that's how I clean my chlorinator on the pool...

    Anyhow might be a useful discussion for electric brewing and how to clean your elements from time to time.

    I usually just clean in place after brew day or next day after transfer with Brew cleaner Sodium percarbonate heat this till 50c and recirculate while I give everything a good scrub with plastic scrubbing brush then it's a hot rinse after this.
    Storage is upside down air dry all valves open.
     
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  2. Zambezi Special

    Zambezi Special Well-Known Member

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    #2 Zambezi Special, Mar 18, 2023
    Plain household vinegar works well
    Just white vinegar & water.
    Bring to a boil
    Let stand
    And Bob's your uncle :)

    (I don't have any build up of lime, but in town, it's really bad)
     
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  3. Craigerrr

    Craigerrr Well-Known Member

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    #3 Craigerrr, Mar 18, 2023
    Probably a good practive every few brews to keep the buildup from becoming more difficult to remove.

    Let us know what you do and how it comes out Ben
     
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  4. Minbari

    Minbari Well-Known Member

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    #4 Minbari, Mar 18, 2023
    I have used CLR product. Soak 10 minutes and shines like new.

    Fur the most part, I cip with pbw after a brew and never an issue
     
  5. Donoroto

    Donoroto Well-Known Member

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    #5 Donoroto, Mar 18, 2023
    If it's hard and stuck on, yep, it's lime scale. You can chip it off some with a wooden wedge, but don't, the element won't like it.

    Hydrochloric Acid is a bit harsh, it eats the element with the lime. The vinegar is a good idea, but go easy on the scrub, you don't want to have to buy a new one every year.
     
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  6. Daniel Parshley

    Daniel Parshley Active Member

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    #6 Daniel Parshley, Mar 19, 2023 at 1:57 AM
    Some vinegar in the dishwasher works well on the heating elements, and throw in any any glassware getting spots. The coffee makers recommend a 50/50 solution of vinegar for cleaning the elements. Likely the safest bet.
     
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  7. Trialben

    Trialben Well-Known Member

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    #7 Trialben, Mar 19, 2023 at 2:15 AM
    Cool yup that's my process this elements probably 60 brews on I've just noticed it's started to show up lately.

    Looks like it'll be getting some vinegar soak 50/50

    Thanks all:)
     
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  8. Minbari

    Minbari Well-Known Member

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    #8 Minbari, Mar 19, 2023 at 9:51 AM
    That don't look too bad for that many then.
     
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  9. Trialben

    Trialben Well-Known Member

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    #9 Trialben, Mar 19, 2023 at 10:30 AM
    Give or take its around 3 years old 20 brews a year 60 ish:).
     
  10. The Brew Mentor

    The Brew Mentor Well-Known Member

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    #10 The Brew Mentor, Mar 19, 2023 at 10:33 AM
    Really just about any diluted acid and a soak will work.
    You could even put old star San in the pot and let it sit for a long time.
    Then just a gentle brush and you should be good to go.
     
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  11. Trialben

    Trialben Well-Known Member

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    #11 Trialben, Mar 19, 2023 at 10:37 AM
    Well you'd know better than me Brian I'm just asking for advice thankyou.
     
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