Cleaning
This page follows the EU regulatory framework and Swedish market context described in the introduction.
Cleaning is not the same thing as sanitising, and the distinction matters in both directions. Cleaning removes organic soil — yeast residue, protein deposits, hop resins, beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution.. Sanitising reduces microbial load on a clean surface to levels that cannot cause infection — a process covered in detail in the sanitising guide. Sanitiser applied over organic contamination cannot reliably contact the microbial cells embedded beneath the soil layer. The sequence is non-negotiable: clean first, sanitise second.
The good news is that most infections in homebrewing trace back to inadequate cleaning rather than inadequate sanitising.1 A thoroughly cleaned surface that receives adequate sanitiser contact time is reliably safe. A sanitised surface that was not first cleaned properly is not.
The clearest illustration of this is the George's Beer beginner kit by Enolandia — a commercially distributed kit sold across Europe. Its instructions specify thorough washing and cleaning as the core hygiene step; sanitising solutions are mentioned briefly as optional. There is no dedicated sanitisation step in the procedure at all.2 This is not an oversight: it reflects a deliberate position that cleaning is the primary safeguard, and that a well-cleaned fermenter pitched immediately with an active yeast culture will produce clean beer. The Mr-Malt beginner kit3 takes the opposite approach and includes Sanipro Rinse with explicit sanitisation instructions — both kits work, and the difference is one of risk tolerance and product philosophy, not a fundamental disagreement about brewing microbiology.
Sanitising remains strongly recommended — it is low-cost insurance with no downside when applied correctly — but understanding why it works, and what it is and is not protecting against, is more useful than following the protocol as a ritual. The wider brewing community is broadly in agreement on this point.4
The Sinner Circle
The Sinner Circle — named for Herbert Sinner, who described it in the context of industrial cleaning in 19605 — is a useful mental model for all cleaning decisions. It identifies four factors that together determine cleaning effectiveness:
Chemistry — the cleaning agent and its mechanism of action. Alkaline cleaners hydrolyseHydrolysis The chemical reaction in which a molecule is split by water, typically at a bond that connects two parts of the molecule. In food contact materials, hydrolysis is the primary mechanism by which acid or alkaline cleaning solutions attack susceptible polymers — particularly those with ester linkages (PET, Tritan, PC) or ether linkages (POM). Polymers with all-carbon backbones (PP, HDPE, PTFE) have no hydrolysable bonds and are inherently resistant to aqueous chemical attack. proteins and saponifySaponify The chemical reaction between a fatty acid and an alkali to form soap (a soluble salt of the fatty acid) and glycerol. In brewing cleaning, alkaline cleaners saponify the lipid components of yeast cell walls and hop resins, converting them into water-soluble compounds that can be rinsed away. fats. Oxidising cleaners break apart organic soil through electron transfer. Mechanical action is not chemistry, but the cleaning solution must be chemically appropriate for the soil type.
Temperature — elevated temperature accelerates nearly every chemical cleaning mechanism. The exception in homebrewing is when temperature is constrained by vessel material — PETPET — Polyethylene terephthalate The plastic used in the FermZilla All Rounder, Oxebar mini keg, and PET bottles. Recycling code ♻️1. Extensively tested for food contact with carbonated beverages. Do not exceed 40 °C when cleaning., in particular, limits the cleaning temperature you can safely use.
Mechanical action — agitation, flow, turbulence, or direct scrubbing. Mechanical action supplements chemistry; it removes loosened soil and brings fresh cleaning solution into contact with the surface. Shaking a vessel, brushing threads, and using a bottle brush are all mechanical action.
One important constraint: mechanical action must be appropriate to the material. Abrasive pads, scourers, or stiff brushes scratch plastic surfaces, creating microscopic crevices that trap soil and microorganisms and are impossible to clean effectively. Scratched plastics also release more microplastic particles into the next batch. For all plastic equipment — PPPP — Polypropylene A semi-crystalline polyolefin plastic widely used in fermenter buckets, lids, taps, and airlocks. Excellent chemical resistance across all homebrewing chemical environments. EU Regulation 10/2011 compliant. buckets, PETPET — Polyethylene terephthalate The plastic used in the FermZilla All Rounder, Oxebar mini keg, and PET bottles. Recycling code ♻️1. Extensively tested for food contact with carbonated beverages. Do not exceed 40 °C when cleaning. fermenters, HDPEHDPE — High-Density Polyethylene A polyolefin plastic used in fermenter taps and spray bottles. Slightly better chemical barrier properties than PP. EU Regulation 10/2011 compliant. taps — use only soft cloths, soft sponges, or purpose-made bottle brushes with soft bristles. For stainless steel, soft brushes are still the better choice: abrasive pads used against the grain can damage the passive chromium oxide layer that protects stainless from corrosion, requiring re-passivation before the surface recovers. Soft bottle brushes used with the grain are fine on stainless. Glass is genuinely unconcerned by any brush.
Time — contact time determines how completely the chemistry and temperature can act on the soil. Longer contact time can compensate for reduced chemistry, temperature, or mechanical action — up to a point.
Reducing any one factor requires increasing one or more of the others to achieve the same result. This trade-off is not arbitrary — it means there is no single correct cleaning protocol, only protocols appropriate to the equipment, soil level, and constraints in play.
In homebrewing, temperature and time are often in tension with material tolerance. PETPET — Polyethylene terephthalate The plastic used in the FermZilla All Rounder, Oxebar mini keg, and PET bottles. Recycling code ♻️1. Extensively tested for food contact with carbonated beverages. Do not exceed 40 °C when cleaning. vessels cannot be cleaned at the hot temperatures that work best for alkaline cleaners, and time itself becomes a risk factor rather than a free variable — extended soak times can degrade PETPET — Polyethylene terephthalate The plastic used in the FermZilla All Rounder, Oxebar mini keg, and PET bottles. Recycling code ♻️1. Extensively tested for food contact with carbonated beverages. Do not exceed 40 °C when cleaning. even at lower temperatures. The response is appropriate chemistry at the highest safe temperature the vessel allows, within the contact time the material tolerates.6
Choosing a cleaning method
The single highest-impact cleaning action is an immediate cold water rinse immediately after emptying any vessel, before organic soil has had time to dry. This applies to everything that held wortWort Liquid extracted from malted grain during mashing and boiling, before fermentation. The starting point for beer. or beer: kettle, fermenter, keg, bottles, hoses, and any other contact surfaces. The detail of how to rinse each type of equipment is covered in the relevant equipment and process pages — the principle is universal and the timing is the point.
Dried yeast cake, dried beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution., and dried hop resin all require substantially more chemistry, temperature, and time to remove than fresh, wet residue. Rinsing immediately after use — while residue is still liquid — reduces cleaning effort for every subsequent step by an order of magnitude. It is the most efficient use of 30 seconds in the brewing process.
Beyond the immediate rinse, cleaning methods exist on a spectrum. A cold water rinse alone removes wet residue mechanically but does not kill microorganisms, does not remove dried deposits, and is not a substitute for a cleaning product. Water plus a small amount of household dish detergent and a soft cloth is a legitimate cleaning method for smooth, accessible surfaces — a PPPP — Polypropylene A semi-crystalline polyolefin plastic widely used in fermenter buckets, lids, taps, and airlocks. Excellent chemical resistance across all homebrewing chemical environments. EU Regulation 10/2011 compliant. bucket, a glass carboy, a stockpot used for BIAB. The limitation of dish detergent is formulation uncertainty: fragrance and rinse-aid additives can affect beer flavour if not fully rinsed, and the chemistry is not optimised for dried hop resin or beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution.. For those soils, or for narrow-geometry components like tap threads and keg posts where mechanical access is limited, a dedicated brewing cleaner is meaningfully more effective.
The sections below cover the three main categories of dedicated brewing cleaners. For each category, the mechanism of action is explained first, followed by a product-by-product comparison of options available in the Swedish market.
Alkaline percarbonate cleaners
The dominant cleaning chemistry for homebrewing is alkaline percarbonate. Dissolved in water, sodium percarbonate (Na2CO3*H2O2) releases hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate. The hydrogen peroxide provides oxidative action — breaking apart protein bonds, denaturing enzymes, attacking biofilm matrix. The sodium carbonate provides alkalinity (pH 10-12 in solution, depending on formulation) that saponifiesSaponify The chemical reaction between a fatty acid and an alkali to form soap (a soluble salt of the fatty acid) and glycerol. In brewing cleaning, alkaline cleaners saponify the lipid components of yeast cell walls and hop resins, converting them into water-soluble compounds that can be rinsed away. lipids and accelerates protein hydrolysisHydrolysis The chemical reaction in which a molecule is split by water, typically at a bond that connects two parts of the molecule. In food contact materials, hydrolysis is the primary mechanism by which acid or alkaline cleaning solutions attack susceptible polymers — particularly those with ester linkages (PET, Tritan, PC) or ether linkages (POM). Polymers with all-carbon backbones (PP, HDPE, PTFE) have no hydrolysable bonds and are inherently resistant to aqueous chemical attack..7 This mechanism is well matched to the soil profile of brewing equipment: yeast cells are protein and lipid; beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. (calcium oxalate and calcium tartrate) dissolves in alkalinity; hop resins are partly saponifiableSaponify The chemical reaction between a fatty acid and an alkali to form soap (a soluble salt of the fatty acid) and glycerol. In brewing cleaning, alkaline cleaners saponify the lipid components of yeast cell walls and hop resins, converting them into water-soluble compounds that can be rinsed away..
Beyond the shared percarbonate base, products in this category differ significantly in their secondary components, and those differences matter:
Alkaline booster — sodium metasilicate raises pH higher and more aggressively than sodium carbonate alone. High metasilicate formulations produce solutions above pH 12 and are more effective on heavy protein deposits and hop resin, but are also more corrosive to skin and carry a higher classification hazard. Formulations where metasilicate is a minor component rely primarily on carbonate alkalinity and sit in the pH 10-11 range.
Chelating agentsChelating agent A molecule that binds to metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium) at multiple points, forming a stable ring-like complex that holds the ion in solution and prevents it from precipitating or redepositing. In brewing cleaners, chelating agents dissolve beer stone and prevent scale from reforming on surfaces after cleaning. Common chelating agents in brewing cleaners include EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and TKPP (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate). — EDTA and TKPP (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate) sequesterSequester To chemically bind and effectively remove an ion from active participation in solution, typically by chelation. Sequestering agents in cleaning products prevent calcium and magnesium ions from causing scale deposits or interfering with the cleaning chemistry. In brewing, sequestration is the primary mechanism by which chelating agents prevent beer stone redeposition. calcium and magnesium ions. This matters for beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. removal and for preventing scale redeposition on surfaces after cleaning. Some formulations contain EDTA alone, some contain TKPP alone, and the most comprehensive formulations contain both.
Surfactants — reduce surface tension, allowing cleaning solution to penetrate hydrophobic soils such as hop resins and lipids, and prevent removed soil from redepositing. DDBSADDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid The active surfactant in acid-based no-rinse sanitisers (ABNS). A long-chain anionic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes at low pH. Non-volatile — it concentrates on surfaces as water evaporates. (the same surfactant as in ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitisers) appears in some formulations; non-ionic surfactants in others. Some products contain no surfactant at all.
Enzymes — one product in this category contains confirmed enzyme content. Enzymes — proteases, lipases, amylases — directly break down the biological components of brewing soil: yeast cell walls, proteins, and starches. This is the most targeted approach for organic soil but has no advantage over percarbonate for beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. or mineral scale.
All alkaline percarbonate cleaners require thorough rinsing after use — this is not just a recommendation but a safety and quality requirement with three distinct justifications.
ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitiser efficacy. Alkaline residue left on surfaces will neutralise the phosphoric acid in ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitisers, raising the pH above the effective working range and reducing sanitising efficacy. Rinsing to neutral pH before sanitising is the correct sequence; incomplete rinsing can give false confidence that equipment is sanitised when it is not.
Flavour. Sodium metasilicate and sodium carbonate residues in beer produce a bitter, soapy, or alkaline character at detectable concentrations. The flavour threshold is reached well before any health concern, which means off-flavour is the practical early warning of inadequate rinsing.
Chemical incompatibility. The Brewtaurus retailer page for StellarClean carries the explicit warning: "Do not mix with acidic or chlorine-based cleaners."8 This is the same chemistry underpinning the chlorine-acid warning covered in the section below: alkaline + acid = neutralisation at minimum; alkaline + chlorine source + acid = chlorine gas. Thorough rinsing between cleaning and sanitising eliminates this risk entirely.
Neither KegLand's docs page nor KegLand's product page carries this warning. This is the documentation gap problem in practice: the same product, different retailers, different safety information. The incompatibility is a chemical fact regardless of which product page you find it on.
See the sanitising guide for the complete clean-then-sanitise sequence.
Material compatibility with cleaning chemicals — which materials tolerate which cleaners, at what temperature and contact time — is covered in the materials register. The profiles below note material-specific guidance where it is documented by the manufacturer; the materials register is the place for the full treatment.
Products available in the Swedish market
Dosage, temperature, contact time, and compatibility information shown in these profiles reflects sources available at the time of writing. Always read and follow the current product instructions — manufacturer guidance takes precedence over anything stated here.
StellarClean
Manufacturer: KegLand · SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.: EU REACH/CLP v2.0, Swedish9
- Formulation: sodium percarbonate 25-40%, sodium metasilicate 25-40%, DDBSADDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid The active surfactant in acid-based no-rinse sanitisers (ABNS). A long-chain anionic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes at low pH. Non-volatile — it concentrates on surfaces as water evaporates. 10-15%, citric acid 1-3% · pH above 12
- Mechanism: the high metasilicate fraction raises pH aggressively and targets protein and hop resin soils. DDBSADDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid The active surfactant in acid-based no-rinse sanitisers (ABNS). A long-chain anionic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes at low pH. Non-volatile — it concentrates on surfaces as water evaporates. improves penetration of hydrophobic residues. The citric acid component likely moderates effective surface alkalinity — this may contribute to the manufacturer's claim that StellarClean is safe on polycarbonate
- Temperature and contact time: effective cold or warm. For PETPET — Polyethylene terephthalate The plastic used in the FermZilla All Rounder, Oxebar mini keg, and PET bottles. Recycling code ♻️1. Extensively tested for food contact with carbonated beverages. Do not exceed 40 °C when cleaning. vessels, KegLand limits contact time to 30 minutes for FermZilla;6 David Heath (KegLand) recommends a maximum of 15 minutes for the Oxebar10
- Chemical incompatibility: do not mix with acids or chlorine-based products — rinse thoroughly before applying ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitiser
- Documentation note: the KegLand docsDoC — Declaration of Conformity A manufacturer's written statement that a food contact material or article complies with the applicable EU regulations (primarily 1935/2004 and 10/2011). Required at each stage of the commercial supply chain, but not legally required to be provided to end consumers at retail. page lists sodium silicate as the alkaline booster; the EU SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. v2.0 confirms this is incorrect — it is sodium metasilicate
- Dosage: 10 g/L.11 Also available in 50 g single-use sachets — each makes 5 L of solution, with no weighing required
PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash)
Manufacturer: Five Star Chemicals · SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.: US/Canada v1.0 · EU REACH/CLP v6.0, Swedish12
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Formulation: sodium carbonate 30-60%, sodium percarbonate 10-30%, tetrasodium EDTA 10-30%, sodium metasilicate 1-3% · pH 11.55 at 10%
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Mechanism: the primary alkalinity source is sodium carbonate — the SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. shows metasilicate at only 1-3%. The substantial EDTA content (10-30%) is the distinguishing feature: it sequestersSequester To chemically bind and effectively remove an ion from active participation in solution, typically by chelation. Sequestering agents in cleaning products prevent calcium and magnesium ions from causing scale deposits or interfering with the cleaning chemistry. In brewing, sequestration is the primary mechanism by which chelating agents prevent beer stone redeposition. calcium and magnesium ions, making PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations. particularly effective at dissolving beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. and preventing scale redeposition
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Temperature and contact time: designed for hot use — Five Star specifies 54-82°C for CIPCIP — Clean-in-Place A method of cleaning the interior of pipework, vessels, and equipment without disassembly, using pumped cleaning and rinsing solutions. Standard in commercial and microbrewery settings. Requires dedicated CIP equipment and is out of scope for small-batch homebrewing. and 60°C for soak, where it performs best on heavy soiling in stainless equipment. It is less effective at cold temperatures than at its intended working range. For PETPET — Polyethylene terephthalate The plastic used in the FermZilla All Rounder, Oxebar mini keg, and PET bottles. Recycling code ♻️1. Extensively tested for food contact with carbonated beverages. Do not exceed 40 °C when cleaning. vessels, limit to cold or slightly warm water with a 30-minute maximum
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Chemical incompatibility: do not mix with acids or chlorine-based products — rinse thoroughly before applying ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitiser
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Dosage: 7-14 g/L in warm to hot water (31-71°C); soak 15-30 minutes; maximum contact time 30 minutes.13 Also available in pre-measured tablet formats:
- 2.5 g tablets — one tablet per litre of solution
- 10 g tablets — one tablet per 4 litres of solution
The tablet format eliminates weighing entirely — practical for small-batch cleaning at any scale, similar in convenience to espresso machine cleaning tablets
ChemClean
Manufacturer: Chemisphere · SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.: EU REACH/CLP14
- Formulation: sodium metasilicate pentahydrate 20-50%, sodium percarbonate 20-50%, sodium carbonate 20-50%, DDBSADDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid The active surfactant in acid-based no-rinse sanitisers (ABNS). A long-chain anionic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes at low pH. Non-volatile — it concentrates on surfaces as water evaporates. 1-10% · pH above 12
- Mechanism: high metasilicate alkalinity combined with percarbonate oxidising action and DDBSADDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid The active surfactant in acid-based no-rinse sanitisers (ABNS). A long-chain anionic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes at low pH. Non-volatile — it concentrates on surfaces as water evaporates. surfactant — similar in mechanism to StellarClean. The DDBSADDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid The active surfactant in acid-based no-rinse sanitisers (ABNS). A long-chain anionic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes at low pH. Non-volatile — it concentrates on surfaces as water evaporates. is the same surfactant as in ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitisers and carries no additional compatibility concern after thorough rinsing
- Temperature and contact time: effective cold or warm
- Chemical incompatibility: SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. Section 7 states explicitly: do not mix with other products, and keep away from acids. The chemistry is consistent with all high-metasilicate alkaline cleaners — alkaline reacting with acid produces neutralisation; if a chlorine source is also present, chlorine gas can result. Rinse thoroughly before applying ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitiser
- Dosage: 2.5 g/L.15 Also available in 50 g single-use sachets — each makes 20 L of solution
ChemiPro Wash
Manufacturer: Brouwland · SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.: EU REACH/CLP v2.0, Swedish16
- Formulation: sodium metasilicate 30-50%, sodium carbonate 15-30%, sodium percarbonate 15-30%, TKPP 1-10%, EDTA 1-10%, non-ionic surfactant 1-10% · pH 11-12
- Mechanism: the dual chelator combination — TKPP targeting calcium scale and EDTA providing broader metal ion sequestrationSequester To chemically bind and effectively remove an ion from active participation in solution, typically by chelation. Sequestering agents in cleaning products prevent calcium and magnesium ions from causing scale deposits or interfering with the cleaning chemistry. In brewing, sequestration is the primary mechanism by which chelating agents prevent beer stone redeposition. — makes this the most comprehensively specified formulation for beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. in this category. The non-ionic surfactant assists soil penetration
- Temperature and contact time: effective cold or warm
- Safety and chemical incompatibility: classified Skin Corr. 1 (H314) — use appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection). Do not mix with acids or chlorine-based products; rinse thoroughly before applying ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitiser
- Dosage: consult product instructions for dosage.17
Enzybrew 10
Manufacturer: not confirmed · sold via olbryggning.se and MaltMagnus · SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.: EU REACH/CLP v1.0, Swedish18
- Formulation: sodium carbonate 30%+, sodium percarbonate 30%+, sodium metasilicate under 5%, enzymes (type not individually disclosed) · detergent label (Regulation 648/2004): 30%+ oxygen-based bleaching agents, enzymes confirmed
- Mechanism: the enzyme content — proteases, lipases, and amylases confirmed by detergent label — directly targets the biological components of brewing soil: yeast cell walls, proteins, and starches. This is more targeted for organic soil than percarbonate alone, but enzymes provide no advantage over alkaline or chelating chemistry for beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. or mineral scale. The low metasilicate fraction means lower pH and a less aggressive hazard profile
- Temperature and contact time: effective cold or warm; enzyme activity may be reduced at higher temperatures
- Chemical incompatibility: do not mix with acids or chlorine-based products — rinse thoroughly before applying ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitiser
- Dosage: consult product instructions for dosage.19
Phosphate-based alkaline cleaners
Phosphate-based cleaning is the traditional professional brewing chemistry, predating percarbonate products. The primary mechanism is sequestrationSequester To chemically bind and effectively remove an ion from active participation in solution, typically by chelation. Sequestering agents in cleaning products prevent calcium and magnesium ions from causing scale deposits or interfering with the cleaning chemistry. In brewing, sequestration is the primary mechanism by which chelating agents prevent beer stone redeposition.: sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) chelatesChelating agent A molecule that binds to metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium) at multiple points, forming a stable ring-like complex that holds the ion in solution and prevents it from precipitating or redepositing. In brewing cleaners, chelating agents dissolve beer stone and prevent scale from reforming on surfaces after cleaning. Common chelating agents in brewing cleaners include EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and TKPP (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate). calcium and magnesium ions in water and in deposits, dissolving beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. and preventing scale redeposition on surfaces. This makes phosphate cleaners particularly effective at targeting mineral scale — an area where percarbonate cleaners without chelators are less efficient.
Grainfather High Performance Cleaner
Manufacturer: Grainfather · SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.: EU REACH/CLP v4.0, Swedish20
- Formulation: sodium sulfate 60-90% (inert filler, provides no cleaning action), STPP 10-30%, sodium metasilicate pentahydrate 1-10% · detergent label (648/2004): 15-30% phosphates
- Mechanism: the cleaning action comes entirely from STPP and trace metasilicate. STPP chelatesChelating agent A molecule that binds to metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium) at multiple points, forming a stable ring-like complex that holds the ion in solution and prevents it from precipitating or redepositing. In brewing cleaners, chelating agents dissolve beer stone and prevent scale from reforming on surfaces after cleaning. Common chelating agents in brewing cleaners include EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and TKPP (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate). calcium and magnesium ions, dissolving beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. and preventing scale redeposition. The sodium sulfate is an inert carrier and contributes nothing to cleaning
- Temperature and contact time: designed for hot use — the product is marketed for use in the Grainfather system at operating temperatures. For heavy soiling of kettles and mashMashing Soaking crushed malted grain in hot water at a controlled temperature to convert starches to fermentable sugars. tuns at lower temperatures, extend soak time
- Chemical incompatibility: incompatible with acids — rinse thoroughly before applying ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitiser
- Safety: classified Skin Corr. 1B (H314), Eye Dam. 1 (H318), STOT SE 3 (H335) — the metasilicate component drives the corrosive classification despite its low concentration. Use appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection)
Oxidising cleaners
Oxidising cleaners address biofilm, persistent organic staining, and hop resin build-up that alkaline cleaners alone do not fully address. The mechanism is direct electron transfer — breaking apart the molecular structure of organic soil through oxidation rather than hydrolysisHydrolysis The chemical reaction in which a molecule is split by water, typically at a bond that connects two parts of the molecule. In food contact materials, hydrolysis is the primary mechanism by which acid or alkaline cleaning solutions attack susceptible polymers — particularly those with ester linkages (PET, Tritan, PC) or ether linkages (POM). Polymers with all-carbon backbones (PP, HDPE, PTFE) have no hydrolysable bonds and are inherently resistant to aqueous chemical attack.. This is particularly effective against the cross-linked polymer matrix of biofilm and against pigmented deposits such as beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. discolouration and hop resin staining.
Oxidising cleaners are best used as a supplemental step for equipment with persistent soiling, or routinely in serving systems where biofilm prevention matters. For most batches from a clean starting point, alkaline percarbonate cleaning is sufficient.
StellarOxy
Manufacturer: KegLand · SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.: not available through confirmed EU retailers at time of writing
KegLand recommends StellarOxy as the primary cleaner for FermZilla PETPET — Polyethylene terephthalate The plastic used in the FermZilla All Rounder, Oxebar mini keg, and PET bottles. Recycling code ♻️1. Extensively tested for food contact with carbonated beverages. Do not exceed 40 °C when cleaning. vessels, with StellarClean as a permitted alternative at a maximum 30-minute contact time.6 StellarOxy is not currently available through KegLand EU or other confirmed EU retailers. Brewers in Sweden and the EU should use ChemiPro OXI as the functional equivalent.
ChemiPro OXI
Manufacturer: Brouwland · SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.: EU REACH/CLP v6.0, Swedish21
- Formulation: sodium percarbonate 50-100%, sodium carbonate 2.5-5% · no alkaline booster, no surfactant, no chelating agentChelating agent A molecule that binds to metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium) at multiple points, forming a stable ring-like complex that holds the ion in solution and prevents it from precipitating or redepositing. In brewing cleaners, chelating agents dissolve beer stone and prevent scale from reforming on surfaces after cleaning. Common chelating agents in brewing cleaners include EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and TKPP (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate).
- Mechanism: purely oxidative — the cleaning action comes entirely from hydrogen peroxide released by sodium percarbonate in water. Effective against biofilm matrix, pigmented deposits, and hop resin staining. No alkaline hydrolysisHydrolysis The chemical reaction in which a molecule is split by water, typically at a bond that connects two parts of the molecule. In food contact materials, hydrolysis is the primary mechanism by which acid or alkaline cleaning solutions attack susceptible polymers — particularly those with ester linkages (PET, Tritan, PC) or ether linkages (POM). Polymers with all-carbon backbones (PP, HDPE, PTFE) have no hydrolysable bonds and are inherently resistant to aqueous chemical attack. mechanism
- Temperature and contact time: use at or below 50°C — the percarbonate component decomposes above this temperature and loses effectiveness
- Chemical incompatibility: incompatible with acids and reducing agents — rinse thoroughly before applying ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitiser
Household detergents
Household dish detergent and dishwasher tablets are not recommended as replacements for dedicated brewing cleaners. Products like StellarClean, PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations., and ChemClean are specifically formulated for brewing soils — yeast residue, hop resins, proteins, beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. — with documented dosage, contact time, temperature, and material compatibility. With household products, none of those variables are known for brewing use, and this guide cannot tell you whether a specific tablet brand is safe for your equipment.
If you choose to use household products anyway, the following applies. Use at your own risk.
Dish detergent (washing-up liquid) is a surfactant-based cleaner. It can work on smooth, accessible surfaces with good mechanical action — a PPPP — Polypropylene A semi-crystalline polyolefin plastic widely used in fermenter buckets, lids, taps, and airlocks. Excellent chemical resistance across all homebrewing chemical environments. EU Regulation 10/2011 compliant. bucket washed with a soft cloth and dish soap is being cleaned. Fragrance and rinse-aid additives can affect beer flavour if not fully rinsed, and the chemistry is not optimised for dried hop resin or beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution..
Dishwasher tablets share sodium percarbonate as their core chemistry with dedicated brewing cleaners, but also contain fragrances, rinse-aid additives, and sometimes hypochlorite bleach activators in variable and undisclosed amounts. Always use chlorine-free tablets; chlorine-containing tablets react with ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitisers (see the chlorine section above) and are aggressive toward stainless and certain elastomers. Fragranced tablets leave residues that affect beer flavour. Rinse thoroughly after use.
The dishwasher itself is a different matter. For equipment the manufacturer explicitly describes as dishwasher-safe, the machine is a perfectly good cleaning system: consistent temperature, mechanical action, and rinse cycles. KegLand's 3-piece PP airlock is one example of brewing equipment explicitly marketed as dishwasher-safe. For small-batch brewing, a stainless steel or enamelled pot used as a BIAB kettle or mashMashing Soaking crushed malted grain in hot water at a controlled temperature to convert starches to fermentable sugars. tun is another natural candidate — the dishwasher handles it well and saves manual effort. Check the manufacturer's product page for each item before using it. Do not assume dishwasher safety; verify it.
A note on VWP and other chlorine-based cleaners
Chlorine-based cleaners are easy to miss as a category because the packaging rarely says "chlorine" prominently. The most common ones in homebrewing are:
- VWP (Coobra) — the most widely cited in UK and Scandinavian homebrewing communities
- Milton tablets and fluid (sodium hypochlorite or sodium dichloroisocyanurate) — baby sterilising products available in supermarkets, sometimes used by homebrewers
- Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) — the historical homebrewing sanitiser before ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. products became standard
- Any cleaner whose label lists sodium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), or active chlorine as an ingredient
All of these carry the same hazard for homebrewers using ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitisers.
VWP has been used by homebrewers for over 35 years and is actively marketed to the homebrew market by its manufacturer and by retailers. The product works. Its chlorine source (sodium dichloroisocyanurate) is an effective sanitising and cleaning agent, and decades of community use attest to this.
The problem is specifically the interaction with ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitisers. Five Star's technical documentation for Star SanSAN — Styrene-Acrylonitrile copolymer A transparent plastic used in some airlocks and equipment. The acrylonitrile content gives better chemical resistance than GPPS, particularly against DDBSA in acid-based sanitisers. Rated A for ABNS, unlike GPPS which is rated B/D. states explicitly that Star SanSAN — Styrene-Acrylonitrile copolymer A transparent plastic used in some airlocks and equipment. The acrylonitrile content gives better chemical resistance than GPPS, particularly against DDBSA in acid-based sanitisers. Rated A for ABNS, unlike GPPS which is rated B/D. must not be mixed with chlorinated cleaners because chlorine gas will result.22 The mechanism is well understood: phosphoric acid (the base of all ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. products) reacts with hypochlorite to produce chlorine gas. This reaction is also mandatory to declare on the VWP label itself as EUH031 ("develops toxic gas in contact with acid").23 Thorough rinsing prevents this reaction in practice, but the consequence of incomplete rinsing is chlorine gas production — not a flavour off-note.
Additionally, the VWP SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. (Section 1.2) states the product is for industrial use only in the Swedish regulatory context. The SDSSDS — Safety Data Sheet A standardised document providing detailed information on a chemical substance or mixture — composition, hazards, handling, and regulatory status. The primary source for confirmed chemical composition data. EU format governed by REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. and the manufacturer's consumer website tell different stories about who this product is for. This is the same documentation gap problem described elsewhere in this guide.
For homebrewers using ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. sanitisers — which is essentially all homebrewers — the safer choice is alkaline percarbonate cleaning, which carries no acid-incompatibility hazard. Chlorine-based cleaners are not recommended in this guide, not because they do not clean effectively, but because the acid-incompatibility risk with ABNSABNS — Acid-Based No-Rinse Sanitiser The class of acid-based sanitisers used in homebrewing, combining phosphoric acid with an anionic alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant. The acid creates a low-pH environment hostile to microorganisms; the surfactant disrupts cell membranes. Examples: Star San, Sanipro Rinse, StellarSan, Chemsan. Approved for use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing when used at the manufacturer's specified dilution. is a meaningful safety concern that alkaline percarbonate alternatives eliminate entirely.
Choosing a cleaner
For most homebrewing equipment and most batches, any alkaline percarbonate cleaner is appropriate. The differences between StellarClean, PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations., ChemClean, and ChemiPro Wash matter at the margins — for heavy soiling, persistent beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution., or equipment with documented material constraints — but for a standard fermentation vessel cleaned promptly after emptying, all of them work.
The more useful distinctions are by soil type:
General organic soil — yeast residue, protein deposits: any alkaline percarbonate cleaner. High-metasilicate formulations (StellarClean, ChemClean) are more aggressive on heavy deposits; lower-metasilicate formulations (PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations., Enzybrew 10) are gentler.
Beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. and mineral scale: ChemiPro Wash (TKPP + EDTA dual chelationChelating agent A molecule that binds to metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium) at multiple points, forming a stable ring-like complex that holds the ion in solution and prevents it from precipitating or redepositing. In brewing cleaners, chelating agents dissolve beer stone and prevent scale from reforming on surfaces after cleaning. Common chelating agents in brewing cleaners include EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and TKPP (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate).) is the most comprehensively specified. PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations. (EDTA) is the widely available alternative. Grainfather HPC (STPP) is the specialist phosphate-based option.
Hop resin and hydrophobic residues: StellarClean or ChemClean — the DDBSADDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid The active surfactant in acid-based no-rinse sanitisers (ABNS). A long-chain anionic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes at low pH. Non-volatile — it concentrates on surfaces as water evaporates. surfactant in both improves penetration of hydrophobic soils where surfactant-free products are less effective.
Biological soil — enzyme-targeted cleaning: Enzybrew 10, where the enzyme content directly targets yeast cell walls, proteins, and starches.
Biofilm, persistent staining, oxidative cleaning: ChemiPro OXI (or StellarOxy where available). Pure oxidising action; no alkaline mechanism.
Hot soak for heavily soiled stainless equipment: PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations. at 54–60°C is the standard effective protocol. No material concern with stainless at these temperatures; the choice is chemistry only.
Note that high-metasilicate products (StellarClean, ChemClean, ChemiPro Wash) carry documented contact time and temperature constraints for certain materials. The materials register is the place to check compatibility before use on equipment you are uncertain about.
Summary table:
| Product | Type | Best for | Temperature | Material notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StellarClean | Alkaline percarbonate | General cleaning, hop resin, organic soil | Cold to warm | High metasilicate — see materials register for contact time limits |
| PBW | Alkaline percarbonate | Beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution., stainless hot soak | Warm to hot (best above 31°C) | Low metasilicate (1–3%) — less aggressive alkalinity profile than high-metasilicate products |
| ChemClean | Alkaline percarbonate | Heavy organic soil, hop resin | Cold to warm | High metasilicate — see materials register for contact time limits |
| ChemiPro Wash | Alkaline percarbonate | Beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution., comprehensive soil | Cold to warm | High metasilicate — see materials register for contact time limits |
| Enzybrew 10 | Alkaline percarbonate + enzymes | Biological soil (yeast, protein) | Cold to warm | Low metasilicate (under 5%) — less aggressive alkalinity profile — see materials register |
| Grainfather HPC | Phosphate-based alkaline | Beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution., mineral scale, kettles | Cold to warm | Phosphate-based; low metasilicate — see materials register |
| ChemiPro OXI | Oxidising | Biofilm, staining, oxidative cleaning | Below 50°C | No metasilicate; no strong alkalinity — most benign alkalinity profile of all products listed — see materials register |
For standard homebrewing in a single cleaner: any alkaline percarbonate cleaner from this page will handle typical soiling — yeast residue, protein deposits, light hop resin — on standard equipment. The formulation differences matter less at this level than using the product correctly: adequate contact time, thorough rinsing before sanitising, and not exceeding the temperature and time limits for your equipment. If material compatibility is a primary concern, the products with the most benign alkalinity profiles are PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations. (1–3% metasilicate, pH 11.55) and Enzybrew 10 (under 5% metasilicate) among the alkaline percarbonate cleaners, and ChemiPro OXI among the oxidising cleaners. Cost and availability are also genuine factors — a product that is easy to source locally and reasonably priced per litre of solution is often the right choice even if a more specialised product exists.
All alkaline percarbonate cleaners work at cold water temperatures — they dissolve and the chemistry is active. The practical consequence of using cold water instead of warm is reduced cleaning speed and effectiveness, particularly for beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution. and hop resin where alkaline hydrolysisHydrolysis The chemical reaction in which a molecule is split by water, typically at a bond that connects two parts of the molecule. In food contact materials, hydrolysis is the primary mechanism by which acid or alkaline cleaning solutions attack susceptible polymers — particularly those with ester linkages (PET, Tritan, PC) or ether linkages (POM). Polymers with all-carbon backbones (PP, HDPE, PTFE) have no hydrolysable bonds and are inherently resistant to aqueous chemical attack. does the heavy lifting. The Sinner Circle covers this: lower temperature means you need more time, more mechanical action, or both. For light soiling on a freshly rinsed vessel, cold water is adequate. For heavy deposits or beer stoneBeer stone A grey-white mineral scale that deposits on fermenter walls, taps, and heat exchanger surfaces from wort and beer. Composed primarily of calcium oxalate (from oxalic acid in malt) with some calcium tartrate. Resists plain water rinsing but dissolves readily in alkaline cleaners (PBW, StellarClean) and in acid sanitisers at working dilution., warm water makes a meaningful difference. PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations. is specifically designed for hot use and performs noticeably less well at cold temperatures than StellarClean, which has a DDBSADDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid The active surfactant in acid-based no-rinse sanitisers (ABNS). A long-chain anionic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes at low pH. Non-volatile — it concentrates on surfaces as water evaporates. surfactant that remains effective cold.
For small-batch brewing: the PBWPBW — Powdered Brewery Wash A sodium metasilicate and percarbonate-based alkaline cleaner widely used in brewing. Removes organic soil through alkaline hydrolysis. A-rated for all common homebrewing plastic and elastomer materials at working concentrations. tablet format is worth considering specifically here. One 2.5 g tablet makes exactly 1 L of solution with no weighing, measuring, or leftover powder to store — a practical advantage when cleaning a 5 L fermenter, a BIAB pot, or a handful of bottles. The convenience is the same reason espresso machine cleaning tablets exist. For a typical small-batch setup — a PPPP — Polypropylene A semi-crystalline polyolefin plastic widely used in fermenter buckets, lids, taps, and airlocks. Excellent chemical resistance across all homebrewing chemical environments. EU Regulation 10/2011 compliant. bucket or PETPET — Polyethylene terephthalate The plastic used in the FermZilla All Rounder, Oxebar mini keg, and PET bottles. Recycling code ♻️1. Extensively tested for food contact with carbonated beverages. Do not exceed 40 °C when cleaning. fermenter, rinsed immediately after emptying — a single tablet with room-temperature water and 15–30 minutes of contact time is enough for standard soiling. A quick rinse immediately after emptying can be enough on its own for light residue; the dedicated cleaner is insurance for everything the rinse misses. Detailed process sequences for specific equipment are covered in the process guides.