Cleaning Syrup Equipment

[Troutman10]

Is there a certain way everyone cleans their equipment? Does hot water work? I'll take any tips people have to offer! Thanks in advance!

[500592]

Hot water and white vinegar don't use bleach whith ss it is bad

[Ren]

Same here. White vinegar and water for my pan. I usually bring it to a simmer then let it sit for awhile. I clean my buckets and spiles with a very weak bleach and water solution. Then rinse really good.

[MapleMike]

What is the ratio bleach to water that you use. I've got some plastic 55 and 30 gallon drums that I use for sap storage and they look a little nasty when I pulled them out of the barn.
Can you use the bleach/water solution to clean lines as well?
Thanks for your help.

[Ren]

I use about 1tbsp of bleach per 1gallon of water. For my storage barrels I put in a few gallons and slosh it around inside. I then let it sit for a while and rinse a couple of times. I guess that you could use a stronger bleach solution. You just have to make sure rinse it really good after. Not so sure about tubing as I do not really use that much of it. I am sure some one else will answer that one.

[sugar ED]

What is the ratio bleach to water that you use. I've got some plastic 55 and 30 gallon drums that I use for sap storage and they look a little nasty when I pulled them out of the barn.
Can you use the bleach/water solution to clean lines as well?
Thanks for your help.
Maple Mike ,"Can you use the bleach/water solution to clean lines as well?" Most will say "throw it away" As there a beach to clean ! But I'm not into filling our landfills/dumps with plastic,that with some time can be cleaned .
All my lines are rinsed (ratio 1tbsp bleach/1 gal water) after sap season ,and just before season again , I use a tube washer I made ,Just two inlets ,1) water/bleach ,2)air compresser ,both with shut off valves and going to a tee ,out to hook up hose Just big enough to slide the 5/16 line inside ..Open water valve than shut open air valve shut ,and do over ,Most of the time... just a rinse with just water .and done . But sometimes (now this is the crazy part ,and most will LOL ) But if it's not spotless (inside hose) I cut scrubby pads in 1/4 inch strips 2" long and stick them in end of 5/16 line and push though with hose washer... anything in the line (dirt ,mold ,ect.) will be gone !
I was useing just high water presser, but the air made it alot better/easyer . Hope this helps ,Good luck Sappin !!!