Is there a better, easier, safer way of cleaning glass? I don't think so.

[Spy Car]

There are many reasonably good cleaning methods. Funny seeing PBW described as capable of pitting glass (it definitely can) but that it doesn't clean as well as ISO .


Ultrasonic cleaners have been used a number of ways on FC, as noted earlier many go with PBW & hot water in it.

I purchased some PBW. I do need to experiment more now that my move is finally over. But in initial testing the PBW did not clean nearly as well as the Iso/sous vide method.

The latter left stems (filled with balls) pristine, where a soak in PBW has not.

Room temp Iso soaks have performed poorly, leaving too much residue.

At 160 F/71 C, the results of a sous vide soak removes all the gunk. It is a game changer.

Bill

 

[CANtalk]

https://fuckcombustion.com/threads/pbw-the-chemistry-of-clean.7854/
(>14 years ago)

And Google,

For most cleaning tasks, especially when dealing with heavy-duty organic residue, PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) is generally considered a better cleaner than isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) as PBW is specifically designed for deep cleaning while isopropyl alcohol is primarily used for disinfection and light cleaning.


Why PBW is often preferred:

• Stronger cleaning power:
  PBW is an alkaline cleaner that effectively removes stubborn organic matter like protein and sugar buildup, making it ideal for cleaning brewing equipment or heavily soiled surfaces.
  
  
• Versatility:
  While isopropyl alcohol can only sanitize, PBW can both clean and sanitize when used correctly.
  
  
• Less harsh on surfaces:
  Depending on the concentration, isopropyl alcohol can be harsh on certain materials, while PBW is typically formulated to be safer on most surfaces.
  

When isopropyl alcohol might be better:

• Quick disinfection:
  If you need to quickly sanitize a small surface, isopropyl alcohol is a readily available option.
  
  
• Electronics cleaning:
  For cleaning delicate electronic components, a low concentration of isopropyl alcohol is often recommended.
  

Key takeaway: If you need a powerful cleaner to remove tough organic residue, PBW is the better choice, while isopropyl alcohol is more suited for quick disinfection.

>55 pages in the PBW thread link beginning in 2012, & I too was late it some years back now. Didn't have the mainstream access for years here.



Sous vide iso is simply hands off hot iso in a bag. I did hot iso in a bag for 4 years exclusively before trying & moving over to PBW. It's been a big difference.

I did typically reuse iso 3-4 times for affordability & green sustainability reasons, and that definitely had undesirable effects. While looking visually clean, with reused iso I found residue quickly accumulated (aka resin) and it affected flavors. Fresh iso every time gets pricey when regularly cleaning bongs and other large pieces. I even resorted to adding a hot water tap rinse cleaning 3-4 times in between the regular hot ISO cleaning (which was recommended here to me on FC, it did help but quickly become less & less effective). With PBW, it's so much cheaper, much more environmentally friendly & most importantly I get no noticeable or significant residue accumulation after far more vaping than ever before & it's all I need / do now. And it's simply PBW & hot tap water.

Most recently, I had 4 lbs of PBW last me 3 years. A quick calculation comes out to a cost of 14 cents USD per cleaning (not per use which would be much cheaper still). With another new PBW container & the latest cleaning routine, I expect it to last ~40% longer & cost in the range of ~8.5 cent USD / cleaning.

Over the years, I've adjusted my PBW cleaning routine in a number ways to optimize it. I'd even adjust cleaning advice I gave earlier in this thread; all I need now are two PBW cleanings w/ rinse for everything that I don't put into the ultrasonic cleaner. And two ultrasonic timer cleanings for what I put in there, though I usually go more because it's simply about pressing a few buttons (and adding a touch more PBW half way through). PBW being so cheap, fast & hands off allows one to keep everything uber clean by cleaning everything very often, much more than many / most vapers.

 

[TedJones]

I purchased some PBW. I do need to experiment more now that my move is finally over. But in initial testing the PBW did not clean nearly as well as the Iso/sous vide method.

The latter left stems (filled with balls) pristine, where a soak in PBW has not.

Room temp Iso soaks have performed poorly, leaving too much residue.

At 160 F/71 C, the results of a sous vide soak removes all the gunk. It is a game changer.

Bill

I’ve found very hot water makes PBW work better. I boil in a kettle and let it cool for a bit.

 

[CANtalk]

I’ve found very hot water makes PBW work better. I boil in a kettle and let it cool for a bit.

Yes, I used to boil stove top too. Simpler now fwiw has been hot tap water from higher heat settings on the water heater. And yes, still rinsing cold

Plus, the ultrasonic cleaner use works perfectly & easier, along with more regular hot tap water temps

 

[Spy Car]

I’ve found very hot water makes PBW work better. I boil in a kettle and let it cool for a bit.

To be fair to PBW, I don't think I've tried very hot water. If memory serves, I used warm water.

I'd like it to work for me.

Thanks for the tip.

Bill

 

[CANtalk]

https://fuckcombustion.com/threads/pbw-the-chemistry-of-clean.7854/
(>14 years ago)

And Google,


>55 pages in the PBW thread link beginning in 2012, & I too was late it some years back now. Didn't have the mainstream access for years here.



Sous vide iso is simply hands off hot iso in a bag. I did hot iso in a bag for 4 years exclusively before trying & moving over to PBW. It's been a big difference.

I did typically reuse iso 3-4 times for affordability & green sustainability reasons, and that definitely had undesirable effects. While looking visually clean, with reused iso I found residue quickly accumulated (aka resin) and it affected flavors. Fresh iso every time gets pricey when regularly cleaning bongs and other large pieces. I even resorted to adding a hot water tap rinse cleaning 3-4 times in between the regular hot ISO cleaning (which was recommended here to me on FC, it did help but quickly become less & less effective). With PBW, it's so much cheaper, much more environmentally friendly & most importantly I get no noticeable or significant residue accumulation after far more vaping than ever before & it's all I need / do now. And it's simply PBW & hot tap water.

Most recently, I had 4 lbs of PBW last me 3 years. A quick calculation comes out to a cost of 14 cents USD per cleaning (not per use which would be much cheaper still). With another new PBW container & the latest cleaning routine, I expect it to last ~40% longer & cost in the range of ~8.5 cent USD / cleaning.

Over the years, I've adjusted my PBW cleaning routine in a number ways to optimize it. I'd even adjust cleaning advice I gave earlier in this thread; all I need now are two PBW cleanings w/ rinse for everything that I don't put into the ultrasonic cleaner. And two ultrasonic timer cleanings for what I put in there, though I usually go more because it's simply about pressing a few buttons (and adding a touch more PBW half way through). PBW being so cheap, fast & hands off allows one to keep everything uber clean by cleaning everything very often, much more than many / most vapers.

*>55 pages in that FC PBW thread link beginning in 2012, & I too was late to it some years back now. There wasn't wide availability for a long time. And lots of detailed & helpful information on the thread discussing how to get the best results using PBW.


Sorry, garbled some of my previous reply

I used to do that too @TedJones . Now instead, I set my tap water hot hot & there's no extra steps needed.