How to Clean Brewzilla

February 5, 2024 by

How To Clean Your BrewZilla All-In-One Brewing Systems

Keeping your BrewZilla system in top condition is key to ensuring the quality of your brews and the longevity of your equipment. Here, we’re diving into the steps necessary to thoroughly clean your BrewZilla Gen 4 system, although these steps are applicable to any all-in-one brewing system like the Grainfather or previous BrewZilla versions. Let’s get started!

Safety First:

Always wear rubber gloves when handling PBW or any other cleaning chemicals to protect your skin from irritation. Additionally, ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from the cleaning solution. Eye protection is also recommended to prevent any accidental splashes from reaching your eyes. Remember, safety is paramount in brewing, not just for the quality of your beer but for your well-being too.

Basic Cleaning Steps

After transferring your wort to the fermenter, the first step is to remove and rinse the false bottom. A simple spray with a garden hose and a wipe down should do the trick. If you’ve used a grain basket, make sure to clean off any caked grains with a soft sponge.

Next, focus on the main unit. For the Gen 4, with its conveniently located spigot under the boiler, you can easily rinse down the sides and bottom over a drain or into a pail. A quick scrub with a sponge and water will help remove any lingering residues.

Using PBW Cleaner

For a deeper clean, fill the unit with about four US gallons (approximately 15 liters) of water and add Powdered Brewery Wash (PBW), using about one tablespoon per gallon. Stir to dissolve, then use a sponge dipped in the PBW solution to clean the interior surfaces. Add the false bottom and grain basket back into the solution to soak.

Cleaning the Chiller

If you’re cleaning the chiller, it’s advisable to soak it in a separate pail with PBW solution due to the amount of water required to submerge it in the BrewZilla unit.

Cleaning the Pump

To clean the pump, let the PBW solution recirculate for about 30 minutes, ensuring it passes through the pump and over the sides of the grain basket.

Rinsing the Equipment

After soaking, drain the PBW solution and give the unit a thorough rinse to remove any cleaning agent. Make sure to also rinse through the recirculation arm to clear out any leftover PBW solution.

Drying & Conclusion

Once rinsed, invert the BrewZilla to allow it to drip dry. Ensuring your system is dry before storing it will prevent any mold or mildew from developing.

What You’ll Need:

BrewZilla System Parts Mentioned:
- False bottom
- Main unit
- Grain basket
- Chiller
- Pump
- Recirculation arm
Accessories for Cleaning:
- Garden hose
- Soft sponge
- Rubber gloves
- PBW solution

Video Instructions 🔴

Cleaning your BrewZilla system doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right steps and some basic cleaning supplies and accessories, you can ensure your brewing equipment is ready for your next batch. Happy brewing!