Grainfather Conical Fermenter Cleaning Guide

[@luclaferriere8017]

Thanks for sharing this David. Very efficient methode yet simple.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers Luc 🍻🍻🍻

[@wrongway2001]

Great video, very useful. Like Jan I have been removing the tap after every fermentation and dismantling it. I will try your method and only do the full dismantle after 2 or 3 brews. I usually remove the controller or display whichever I am using as it's so easy to knock it off. It's fallen off a few times when I have forgotten, but so far been lucky and no damage done.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great, thank you :) The full dismantle is probably not necessary but I like the idea of the extra insurance. This method is potentially more effective and quicker. I have been using it for many years with other things like kegs.

[@robertbailey8012]

Very efficient method, thank you for sharing. I had a quick question if you wouldn't mind sharing your advice. If i was to store the fermenter for 4-6 weeks between brews would recommend leaving cleaning solution or sanitizer in there for that length of time or leave it empty with the valves open to allow air flow then just a quick freshen up before the next batch?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hey Robert, great to hear 🍻🍻🍻 For sure leave the FV empty. These types of solutions will eat into plastic and after a while their effect will go off unless they are stored totally airtight. The best way is to clean and sanitize them then seal them ready for the next use. I would then sanitize again to be totally confident. 🍻🍻🍻

[@lisacarruthers9649]

Please could you do a first clean video? I've just had my first beer in mine spoil because I cleaned with PBW but it didn't get all the oils off. Now I have metallic tasting undrinkable beer. It seems from others on the forum it's very difficult to get all the engineering oil off these without harsher chemicals.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Lisa, I actually covered this just recently in the Brewmonk wifi first look video. Pbw should work just fine and you do not need much. Ensure that you clean all internal parts in this case, including the bottom tap. After this follow with a good rinse.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Great video as always David! Cheers! 🍻

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks alot Brian :)

[@MaartenEssenburg]

Hey David, Thanks a billion again for all your content. Truly love it and learned so much. 🙏 I've got an annoying issue with my GF30 pro fermenter and I was wondering if you might have some advice for me. The cooling lines inside the wall of the fermenter seem to be stuck. I can't pump anything through it anymore. I've tried using the pump kit to pump cold water (no glycol yet) through the lines, to cool my beer down. Just clear water in a bucket with some ice. But when I recently plugged in all the lines again, to start a fermentation, the water output stayed dry. Nothing came out. The pump itself is not broken. It works. What I've tried so far: - pump some PBW solution to clean out potential crap inside the tubes - blow the lines with an air compressor Nothing helped. What would you recommend me to do now? And is this a common issue? Hope to hear from you! Best regards from a true GF fan, Maarten

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Maarten, sounds like you have a fault there. The very best thing is to contact where you bought it and they can start a support case with Grainfather. If it cannot be resolved then hopefully you have some warranty left :)

[@MaartenEssenburg]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks for getting back to me. Much appreciated! While setting up another test to record it on video and sent it to GF for further investigation, I found the issue! One of the golden-colored connectors had a blocked pin, that basically did not open when attaching the hose on it. Which means it did not let water go through. I’ve taken it apart and let it sit in vinegar for a while. It cleaned up and the pin was able to spring again. I’ve run another test and now the water flows again 🙌. So no worries and happy brewing 👋

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear 🍻🍻🍻

[@henriklarsen5719]

Just to be sure - you simply leave the cleaning solution in the fermenter instead of leaving it dry and then a quick star San on brewing day?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, I do this alot with stainless steel.

[@jansearle5088]

I always remove the dual tap & disassemble it completely to completely clean & sanitize it. I do worry about the controler & wonder if should be removed during cleaning. I also worry about bending the pins on the controller when replacing it on the fermenter.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

You can do that Jan but its not entirely needed to be quite honest. The method I show here will cover things. The removal I do every few brews is just to satisfy my ocd :P You can leave the controller on, no problem there. I worry more about knocking it off, hence why I remove it.

[@MrMetalxty]

What diameter of hose have you got on the dump valve? I need to get some as it’s difficult to get even a pint glass between the legs 🦵 (thats what she said) The legs on the conical are a touch on theshort side! Anyone got any ideas on how to lengthen them safely?!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Haha, Hi Chris :) You will need 19mm ID hose. Sure makes things easier.

[@MrMetalxty]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew cheers 🍻 man!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

🍺🍺🍺

[@perry42]

Hi David, thanks for another excellent video. I wonder if you might be able to help - I have disassembled my valve and while cleaning it, some of the o rings came out of their locations. It is not immediately obvious to me where they should all go and I can't seem to find a diagram anywhere...

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Perry, great to hesr :) I believe that there is one in the manual?

[@perry42]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Hi David, thanks for the reply, there is a diagram of the valve assembly in my instructions but it doesn't feature any of the o rings...

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Ahh I see. I found this:- goo.gl/images/GEUzHJ Hope it helps :)

[@perry42]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Spot on, thanks!

[@vederkvegelse]

Hi David. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, much appreciated. I have some questions I have washed the fermentation tank thoroughly with PBW and rinsed with both cold and hot water. All parts have been removed and left in the PBW mixture for 30 minutes. After rinsing parts, the parts are back in place. The tank has a clean smell, there is no smell of yeast or brew. Usually I have stored the tank with PBW mix between 24 hours and a week, but this time I did store it with Starsan. 10L with Starsan mix was added in the steel tank to disinfect. This was left overnight, now it is bubbling in the air-lock. How can this happen? I did notice a slightly miss coloration in the triclamp silicon ring at the bottom valve, could this ring contain living yeast after PBW, rinse in 85C water and starsan? I have never had any infections or bad taste in the beer, I just wonder why it did start bubble and why it now smells like yeast in the conical fermenter. Will yeast survive the massive PBW cleaning and a strong starsan mixture for hours ? (all mixes with PBW and Starsan is in line with the instructions) Do you David, or anyone here have any recommendation in how to proceed?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi , The silicon ring will degrade faster when exposed to strong chemicals overnight, however they are very cheap. As for the airlock this is simply air pressure and a good reminder that the airlock cannot be trusted in showing fermentation starting 🍻 Yeast will not survive this cleaning, no. I hope this helps.

[@vederkvegelse]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thank you David.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

🍻🍻🍻

[@NathanKraemer]

Grainfather and I recommend removing the entire dual valve assembly and disassemble it for cleaning each time. It will also help you understand how it is put together and ensure it is assembled well before you put your precious brew in.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Each time? Thats not something ive seen GF recommend. Ive been using mine for years and only do a strip down occasionally. Never had an issue.

[@julianwilliams4750]

Hi David. Is their a CIP spray ball option for cleaning the Grainfather Fermenter do you know. Would make life a lot easier. Thanks

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Julian. Not that I am aware of sadly.

[@mikeseaman7739]

Another great video David. Thank you. If you are using the glycol chiller do you have a recommendation for dealing with the glycol that remain in the fermentor while cleaning? Do they make a cap or something so you can keep it in place?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Many thanks Mike, much appreciated :) I simply leave mine in the fermenter. Top up when needed. After 6 months to a year it's worth replacing. You should be able to disconnect it and the glycol will stay in. If not you have the old valves. I would suggest you reach out to GF for the updated version that is self sealing.

[@mikeseaman7739]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew thanks for the response but I was interested in how you deal with the glycol that remains in the fermenter while cleaning.Im guessing you disconnect it from the chiller while cleaning. Does it spill out?

[@carmighinsberg5402]

Hi David, sometimes after a fermentation ends I have a nice stubborn ring of dirt left at the top of the fermenter where the yeast and wort were active. Sometimes even hot water is not enough to remove it. Can I use something to scrub this? Something that is safe to use on the fermenter stainless steel? Thank you!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Carmi, for the tougher stains like this I use “Bar keepers friend stain remover”. It can be bought in different forms and is sold in some supermarkets in the UK. These says I import it as I live in Norway, there is nothing else that I have found to be as good here.

[@carmighinsberg5402]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew David thank you for the quick reply. Can I use a soft bristle brush? In the official Grainfather G30 cleaning video they show the use of such brush, will it be safe to use this on the fermenter stainless steel?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes. Anything that will not scratch stainless steel is fine.

[@nicholasm.9270]

David, thank you for the video. I haven’t found anything out there with instructions for disconnecting the glycol chiller in order to clean. Do you know of any resources on this, or is there a process you recommend? Thanks!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sure, I simply remove power, let it cool and then use a vacuum cleaner in the vents and run a damp cloth over it.

[@nicholasm.9270]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew David, thank you; what I meant to ask was whether there is anything one needs to do when disconnecting the glycol tubes from the fermenter. Are there leaks of glycol from the internal fermenter cooling coil? Does this create issues with air in the glycol lines when reconnecting and restarting the glycol chiller? Do you need to drain the fermenter glycol coil before cleaning? Thanks, and my apologies for the previous miscommunication.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

No there should be no leaks, unless you have the very early valves. No need to drain. Just top up as needed. Nice and easy :)

[@jamiemusclip1606]

Hi David, you vids help loads! Really, thank you:) I would like to ask how you proceed with the hoses that connect the fermenter to the chiller. When you take them off to clean do you do something to not lose the glycol thats in the hoses? Thank you in advanced!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear Jamie. After removing the hoses I let the glycol that is in them out into a bucket. It is usually a very small amount if anything.

[@jamiemusclip1606]

Thank you very much for your answer, have a great day!!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

No problem, same to you :)

[@danielebarnabo43]

Nice video David! Do you know if I can use the grain father cleaner on plastic as well?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks. Yes, no problem there according to the company.

[@yannismonastiriotis7067]

Hey David it is me again :D. First of all thank you for all the help and the great videos they helped me a lot for my first batch. But yesterday after watching closely the grainfather conical fermenter inside there is a black ring that i could not see it for some reason after i cleaned it. iI tried recirculating hot water with PBW and watering it, and with a soft sponge for about an hour. I am going to leave it to soak again for a second time but as i left it i kinda saw it there a slight marking again the same ring. Is there something else to do ? Or some specific cleaning agent for it ? Again thank you for all the help

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi, This is from manufacturing oils. Give it a good clean and scrub and it will be fine.

[@andrewm3734]

Hi David, I am cleaning my Grainfather conical fermenter for the first time after my first batch of a West Coast IPA, ready-made wort kit. Everything seemed to go alright, but after bottling, there was a blackish ring at the top inside the fermenter. Any idea what that might be? I have filled the fermenter with water and PBW to sit for a few days, but will I be able to use some sort of sponge or scrub pad to try to remove that black film?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Did you clean it before use? If not then it is likely that oils from manufacture are present.

[@andrewm3734]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Yes, I cleaned it according to your video instructions before first use. I have since hosed all the krausen off, and filled with PBW and emptied through both valves. I refilled it with water and PBW and will let this sit for 3-4 days before the next batch. The dark ring discoloration seems to have gone after soaking for a day, and from what I read this has to do with oils in stainless steel fermenters, which will hopefully dissipate the more I use and clean. Thanks again for your help and videos.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Ok, thats great to hear then :) All good then :)

[@BillForgette]

With the conical, are the gallon/liter measurements true from the absolute bottom, or does it take into account an area for the trub? I hope that makes sense.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, they are very accurate :)

[@kentinglis]

Hi David, love your videos, they're helping a new brewer get into the game :-) I have some questions from this video: 1- When you say you make up the cleaning solution just above the height of the tap, do you use a full dose of powder to a lot less water for passing through the taps? Then when you fill the fermenter up and leave it, is it a normal strength solution, say 4 tablespoons of Grainfather cleaner to 30L of hot water? Or because it's being left for so long is it a more diluted solution? 2- You leave the fermenter soaking for ages, is it ok to soak non stainless items in cleaning solution for long periods too? I.e. silicone tubing, funnel, beer and gas lines, airlock and bung etc?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Kent, great to hear, thank you. 1) Full strength for the volme. No need for more unless there is an issue. 2) plastic items will degrade, so be careful not to soak them for very long. SS will be just fine :)

[@kentinglis]

Rock star, thanks!

[@Andrea-el6np]

Hi, do you know if is it possible to replace the heating system in case of damage?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, the element is easily accessed by unscrewing the base and is plugged in. Quick easy replacement.

[@Andrea-el6np]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew thank you!

[@mrkesu]

Hey David, is there any reason to leave the cleaning solution inside the fermenter? I'd prefer to just empty it out while storing, then do a little starsan rinse right before brewing.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hey :) Yes, by leaving cleaner in you get a deeper level of cleaning. It basically not only cleans but also removes staining bringing the ss back to new condition. I do the same with kegs. This is something I picked up on during commercial brewing. From time to time I do it for a shorter time within the bottom of the gf also. There is also the factor of spreading the cleaning time, which is nice.

[@gormkristianred5231]

Hi David. Is there a limit for how long the fermenter or a keg can be stored with the cleaning solution in it? (Love your videos btw.) :)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I know of kegs that have been left by others for 6 months plus without issue. Personally I think my max was 3 months with no issues. This is with PBW. I understand that with some cleaners that have chlorine in them, they can crystallize when left for prolonged periods. Oxiclean used to contain chlorine but I believe that is not the case now.

[@martinodonnel1533]

Is it ok to leave the grainfather official cleaner in for that amount of time? Thanks

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

No problem at all. I do this always.

[@Lofvenbeer]

Hi David, I made a huge mistake I thought I should ask you about. After cleaning the fermenter I drained the Saniclean (30 ml in 10 liter of water). What I did not remember to do was to drain everything through the dump valve. This means that I had Saniclean remaining in the fermenter when I added the beer. I don't know how much there is left in the cone. What do you think? Should I get rid of it?

[@Lofvenbeer]

I also should mention that I added 22 liters of beer.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

.

[@colonist6355]

You fill the solution up to the top? This means 30l of cleaning solution every time?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

It depends on the size of the brew you are cleaning really. If I am cleaning after a 15L brew then I go to 18L for example.

[@colonist6355]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew thanks for clearifying

[@jawkneebag]

Do you harvest the yeast?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, I do this with most brews :)

[@WexZG95]

Hi David! How do you clean and maintain a glycol chiller? I read of P.7 of a new chiller instruction (grainfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/V7_GF_GLYCOL_INSTR_WEB.pdf) to open a side panel and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the air filter. Since my chiller is from 2018. like yours, I suppose, I don't have that option. What do you do? Thanks.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Vedran, yes the design has changed. It really depends on the environment that you are running the chiller in. If it is an especially dusty area (maybe you mill grain close by) then taking a vacuum cleaner to the vents regularly is going to be a smart idea. The area mine is housed in is not subject to anything like this, so I only occasionally give the vents a vacuum. Ive never opened it up to clean but I do make sure it has room to ventilate on all sides. Hope this helps :)

[@WexZG95]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew It's basically my kitchen where's not much dust so I guess it should be ok! Good to hear that... I'll try to do just like you, vacuum from time to time. Thank you for your reply! :)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sounds good to me :)

[@pauljarvisphoto]

Hi David, I appreciate your videos to no end. With the dual tap on the fermenter, are you dismantling it at any stage? Mine seems to hold onto yeast muck and grub even after ringing through. Having trouble with this.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Paul much appreciated. I do from time to time but I am not seeing any much like you describe. Are you using hot water to clean it through before adding cleaning agents? I do this and I am sure to open both valves to wash all this through.

[@sendoprey]

Is the hole at the top of the fermener 1.5'? If so you could use this:www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/accessories/products/mini-cip-spray-ball-1-5-tc-assembly

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I am not a fan of these, generally they do not do the job intended properly.

[@sendoprey]

is the hole on top of the fermenter 1.5 inch?

[@sendoprey]

if it doesnt work, you either need a stronger pump, or a stronger cleaning solution, or more time or all three.

[@MsFalkens]

You have not thought about getting a pump and using a 1.5 "CIP cleaning

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

CIP for me has never impressed. Also when the cleaning time is split like this I am not really seeing the benefit even if they worked great.