cleaning tanks

[PATheron]

Ive always been apprehensive about what to use cleaning milk bulktanks for the first time becouse of what could have been in them and the possability of contaminating the sap with the cleaning agent. What do you guys do? Theron

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

I clean mine the same way I did with milk. Rinse, then a mild soap solution (manual bulk tank cleaner from the local farm store)then rinse really well again. Didn't contaminate the milk, it won't contaminate the sap. A bulk tank brush is also handy, a four foot handle to reach way in, also available at the farm store.
Doug

[dano2840]

i agree w/ ttf if it doesnt contaminate milk it shouldnt do a thing to sap, i had an uncle 2 years ago who hired a lady from a nearby farm who cleaned all his lines for him, she took bulk tank cleaner and pumped it through the lines, he said they havent been cleaner and he maid some of the best syrup ever

[ennismaple]

We use hot water and elbow grease. At both the start and end of the season we throw about 10 gallons of hot water into the tank and throw the smallest guy (not me) into the tank with it to scrub all the stainless steel. After we drain it we rinse with another jug of hot water and it's good to go.

[maple flats]

I do the same as ennismaple except I do it all from the outside. After the hot wash and rinse I also use my sap pump with fresh water and I made a nozzle to sort of pressure wash. The nozzle is an old irrigation nozzle in 7/32". This under about 75-80# makes a good pressure wash.

[Haynes Forest Products]

I use water and the brush and then let sap run in as we tap and then wash the tank with that. dump and tighten valve with big hammer.

[michiganfarmer]

Hot soapy bleachy water and a brush. On my 1500 gallon tanks, I have my 11 year old son climb in them to scrub them.

[Acer]

No first hand experience but when I go stainless its what I'll use.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_34589_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1



Dean

[Russell Lampron]

Dean,

Have you checked to see if the Concord store carries it?

[Homestead Maple]

That Dairyland cleaner seems like it would do the job very well.

[Jim Brown]

Guys that milk stone remover you buy at TSC is HOT!!! I use it to clean my evporator .Works wonders on sugar sand but mighty hard on the hands. I think it is about 50-75 % acid

Jim

[Acer]

Dean,

Have you checked to see if the Concord store carries it?

Russ,

They don't stock it in Chichester but can get it.
Funny they had a couple other requests today......

Dean