Once it's cleaned as mainebrewer describes, ideally you shouldn't use any cleaners on it. Give it a thorough rinse with hot water immediately after each use. Over time let it acquire a dull, reddish brown finish, like an old penny; this passive oxide layer will ensure that the copper is not reacting with wort. Either alkaline cleaners or acids will occasionally be needed if corrosion or other stubborn gunk builds up, as has happened with yours in storage, but they remove this passive finish. You don't really want bright, shiny copper! If there is a deposit of material from hops, wort, etc. that won't just rinse off with a hot spray hose after use, first try dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge before resorting to stronger cleaners. And welcome back to brewing, have fun!
Topic: Cleaning an old copper IC (Read 919 times)
