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How to Clean a Copper Proofing Parrot
Before we get started, a reminder: Distilling alcohol is illegal without a federal fuel alcohol or distilled spirit plant permit as well as relevant state permits. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please read our complete legal summary for more information on the legalities of distillation.
Clean The Proofing Parrot After Each Use
A copper proofing parrot is an extremely helpful tool that can be used when distilling alcohol. A parrot is simply a device that holds a proofing hydrometer, making it very easy to proof the product coming out of the still. If you are not familiar with this tool, check out our article on "How to Proof Alcohol " for a more detailed description.
It is very important to clean and dry all distillation equipment, including the boiler, column, copper packing material, and proofing parrot from time to time. Since the proofing parrot is in direct contact with the distillate from the still, it is very important to clean the parrot at the end of the distilling process. If the copper parrot is not cleaned properly, it can build up copper salts and other undesirables, which can contaminate distillate with potentially hazardous compounds.
How to Easily Clean a Proofing Parrot
- Fill the parrot with PBW.
- Leave the parrot to soak for one to twenty-four hours.
- Scrub the parrot with a bottle and tube brush. Buy a set with a few different size brushes for easy cleaning.
- Rinse the parrot with clean water.
- Give the parrot another scrub with a bottle and tube brush.
- Rinse the parrot again.
- Dump the water out of the parrot.
- Dry off as much of the water as possible with a towel or rag.
- Leave the parrot to air-dry.
- Safely store the clean and dry proofing parrot until the next run.
Hello Fred…Did You figure out what PBW is? If not, go to your local homebrew store or online store and ask for Powdered Brewery Wash. Looks like powdered laundry detergent. Be careful with it, wear good gloves. It is highly caustic and will burn your skin at fairly low concentrations.
What is ( PBW ) I ask this question because I have a proofing parret and I need to clean it I red in your how to clean a proofing parrot but you did not go into what PBW WAS and where to get it.
Hello,
My wife got me the pre built copper parrot as a gift. While I found your post on how to clean it, I was wondering what you recommend for a first time cleaning before the first use.
Thank you for your time.
Darren
Use rye flour for the paste
after construction of your copper still, what should be done to remove any flux residue and post solder residue prior to your first run?
Need some help distilled last year but feel like i am losing to much by the sealing technique of not having the proper mixture of my flour or not applying it properly. starts out good but as pressure increases it starts leaking and blows out any help is appreciated.
Do you have a still that is completely put togeather