11 replies to this topic

[Hammered]

Anyone have a tip for removing the hard, pink crud that sticks to crushers and destemmers after crush? Or is it just the "patina" of the trade?

[Howie]

After rinsing with a water hose, I then scrub it with a scrub brush and a pail of warm water with automatic dishwasher detergent, followed by another rinse.

[Whackfol]

Liike Howie, I've used elbow grease. I wondered last year whether a lime/scale remover would work or something like vinegar.

[bret]

I haven't used it for the pink buildup on a crusher yet, but this seems to work pretty good on other wine stains:
http://valleyvintner...1&Category_Code=

I'm guessing it might not remove an old, thick buildup without some scrubbing and re-applications, but maybe if it was used after every crush it might keep it at bay.

-Bret

[Hammered]

Liike Howie, I've used elbow grease. I wondered last year whether a lime/scale remover would work or something like vinegar.

Something about using vinegar on winemaking equipment just gives me the willies. I think scrubbing the destemmer shaft and paddles would take forever, so I'm hoping there's a solvent of sorts or maybe just don't worry about it?

I saw the same build up on the CD rental at our LHBO.

[Wade's Wines]

Please don't use vinegar!

[red_feet]

I use powdered dishwasher detergent to remove the fine discoloration from wine bottles. I've never used it on my crusher, which I rinse immediately after use, but I believe the detergent would do the job.

Ken

[Crazy Run Ranch]

Pressure washer takes it right off.

[Woods Wine]

I also use a power washer. It works great.
I have a relatively small electric power washer, not a gas engine model.
I actually run the c/d for a while while I'm power washing it, to get the rollers, hopper feed screw, and destemmer paddles clean.
This year I not only took the cover and destemmer screen out for washing, I also flipped the whole c/d upside down.
With the machine upside down, I got into nooks and crannies that I didn't get to in previous years.

[gregorio]

At the end of the season, break it down and drop the parts into a 44 gallon brute with hot water and percarbonate overnight. Pressure washer helps get the rest.

[Zinfull]

Elbow grease and lots of it lol I used hot water and PBW with a 3M scrubby pad also removed screen and turned upside down.
Still a pain but that's life.
I looked At th C/D the other day and seen where I missed lol.
It's this white hard film on the inside under the machine oops.
I will try gergoiro idea next year.

[running wolf]

I also pressure wash after each use. When I tear it apart I do as Gregorio said except I use b-brite.