PBW Powdered Brewery Wash – Heavy-Duty Alkaline Cleaner for Home Brewing, Winemaking, and Fermentation Equipment
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PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) is a powerful, professional-grade alkaline cleaner trusted by home brewers and commercial breweries alike. Developed by Five Star Chemicals, this oxygen-based cleaner is safe on soft metals, tough on grime, and fully biodegradable—making it the gold standard for deep-cleaning all your fermentation gear.
- Deep Cleans Fermentation Equipment: Breaks down stubborn organic deposits, krausen rings, hop residue, and fermentation crud.
- Safe for Metals & Plastics: Compatible with stainless steel, aluminum, rubber, and plastic surfaces—no corrosion or damage.
- Non-Caustic, Non-Hazardous Formula: Gentle on hands, safe to use with pumps, kegs, fermenters, and more.
- Environmentally Friendly: Biodegradable and non-toxic, making cleanup easy and guilt-free.
- Works in Hard Water: PBW remains effective even in high-mineral water environments.
- Multi-Purpose Cleaning Power: Perfect for homebrewing, winemaking, mead, cider, soda making, and general brewery equipment maintenance.
- Hot or Cold Use: Effective in both hot and cold water—ideal for overnight soaks or fast same-day cleaning.
Important: PBW is not a sanitizer and must be rinsed thoroughly with water. To sanitize your equipment after cleaning, we recommend using Star San No-Rinse Sanitizer.
PBW Frequently Asked Questions
What does PBW actually clean?
PBW is formulated to remove tough organic and protein-based soils—think krausen rings, yeast residue, hop debris, and stuck-on grime from fermenters, kegs, carboys, tubing, and brew kettles. It even works great on wine and mead residue.
How do I use PBW properly?
Mix approximately 1 oz of PBW per gallon of warm water. Soak or circulate the solution through your equipment for 30–60 minutes. Scrub if needed, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. For heavier buildup, use a stronger concentration and hot water.
Can I use PBW with pumps or kegs?
Absolutely. PBW is non-caustic and ideal for CIP (clean-in-place) systems. It's safe for use with brewing pumps, keg lines, ball locks, and draft systems. Just rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Is PBW the same as a sanitizer?
No—PBW is a cleaner, not a sanitizer. It removes organic residue and prepares your equipment for sanitizing. To sanitize effectively after cleaning, we recommend Star San No-Rinse Sanitizer.
Is PBW safe for wine, mead, and cider making?
Yes! PBW is widely used across all fermentation styles. It’s perfect for cleaning fermenters, siphons, carboys, and tubing for wine, mead, and cider—just be sure to rinse thoroughly before use.
