Originally Posted by
maple flats
I stumbled on a method that i think will help those using orlon filters, either flat or cone shaped to clean the filter completely. I discovered it when I used one of those replacable head mops. Something stickey had gotten on the floor so it made a sticking sound as I walked, so I grabbed the mop. This mop has a head that when finished mopping the head cover is removed and cleaned, usually in a bucket because the water should then not be sent down the drain. Anyways, as I was cleaning it, my wife said she uses a little designated plastic sink plunger. I tried it , I simply had the mop cover in the bottom of a bucket with warm water in it, and pushed down several times using that little plunger. It did such a great job and quickly, that I immediately thought it would also be ideal for cleaning the orlon filters used for filtering maple syrup.
Getone of those little plungers, either at a dollar store or online. They are all plastic, stand about 6" tall and the bottom is about 4 or 5" in diameter. Use it exclusively for cleaning the orlon filter. To use it, once the filter has been drained as much as you have patience for, then put about 2 inches of clean water in the bottom of a food grade bucket. Then push down on the plunger forcing water in and out of the filter. Then dump the water (likely if still in season, put it into your next batch to boil, I suspect you can repeat 2 or 3 times and save the water to boil) If after the season, maybe save 2 or 3 batches, boil on the stove and use that syrup to cook with or in your coffee. Anyways, keep repeating and changing the water until as you work the plunger the water remains clean. Then let the filter drip dry (or squeeze then drip dry, never wring it, twisting breaks fibers in the filter and renders it useless.) Once totally dry, and only totally dry, store the filter in a container or bag, but if any moisture is still in it you will get a sour filter for next year.
Try this and let me know, while I've only used this method to clean a removable floor mop head, I'm convinsed it will do a great job cleaning an orlon filter. Enjoy the simplicity. My wife bought a few of those plungers I think she said they were $1.00 or 1.25 each (the new dollar store price).
