As a beverage producer, maintaining the quality and integrity of your product starts with proper equipment cleaning and preparation. Whether you're producing wine, cider, beer, or spirits, clean and sterile equipment ensures that each batch meets your high standards. At A.O. Wilson, we provide expert solutions and products to help you keep your equipment in top condition, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your beverages.

Step 1: Choose Safe and Effective Cleaning Agents

The first step in maintaining clean equipment is choosing the right cleaning agents. It's crucial to avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine that can strip away the natural qualities of your ingredients or damage your equipment. Here are two safe and effective cleaning agents we recommend:

BevSan Oxi-K Oxygenated Cleaning Powder: This potassium-based, chlorine-free, and phosphate-free cleaner utilizes the power of active oxygen to remove fermentation residues, tartrate, protein, organic soil, mold, mildew, and biofilms. It’s a versatile and gentle solution, perfect for cleaning barrels, tanks, and other processing equipment without compromising the unique flavors of your products.

Read about it from one of our customers: 

Very effective and easy to use. Gives us peace of mind that our equipment is clean and ready for processing fruit.

Lauren Brush, Assistant Winemaker - Colio Estate Wines & Thornbury Village Craft Cider and Beer

See how BevSan Oxi-K can enhance your cleaning process: 

Peracetic Acid (PAA): Known for its powerful antimicrobial properties, peracetic acid is effective against bacteria, yeast, mold, and viruses. It is a biodegradable option that decomposes into acetic acid, oxygen, and water, making it environmentally friendly. PAA is ideal for cleaning stainless steel surfaces and other hard equipment, ensuring a thorough clean without harmful residues. It’s particularly useful in wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. 

For more information or to place an order for Peracetic Acid, please contact us directly. Our team is ready to assist you with your cleaning needs and ensure you receive the right product for your beverage production process.

Step 2: Ensure Proper Sterilization

Once your equipment is clean, the next step is sterilization. Effective sterilization prevents contamination and helps maintain product quality. We recommend the following approach for beverage producers, especially those using wooden barrels:

Sulphur Strips: For sterilizing wooden barrels, tanks, or fermenters, burning sulphur wicks or strips inside the vessel produces sulphur dioxide, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold. This method is safe and effective without introducing any harsh chemicals that could alter the flavour of your beverages.

Step 3: Store Your Clean Equipment Correctly

Proper storage of your clean and sterilized equipment is crucial to ensure it's ready for the next batch. Follow these best practices to maintain cleanliness and prevent delays:

• If you won't be using your cleaned equipment immediately, rinse it with hot water, drain thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely.
• Store your empty barrels or equipment on Non-Corroding Aluminum Racks in a cool, relatively humid—but not damp—environment. This prevents wood from shrinking and other materials from degrading.
• If storing wooden barrels or similar equipment for more than three weeks, consider burning Sulphur Strips again before the next use to maintain sterility.

Step 4: Protect Your Product During Storage

Even after filling your equipment, it’s essential to safeguard your product from spoilage and unwanted microbial changes:

Flor-Stop Tablets: These floating paraffin tablets can be used in wine, cider, and other beverages to prevent spoilage film yeasts and microbial changes that lead to volatile acidity and acetaldehyde increase. They help protect your beverages from flavour-robbing contaminants, ensuring a quality final product.

Need Expert Advice? A.O. Wilson is Here to Help!

At A.O. Wilson, we are committed to providing high-quality cleaning and sterilization solutions that help beverage producers maintain the highest standards. Make sure your equipment is always ready for the next batch with our trusted products.

Explore our range of effective cleaning agents and sterilization tools today, and take the next step in protecting the quality and flavor of your beverages.

Did You Know We Offer Free Trials of BevSan Oxi-K?

See the benefits of our top-quality, eco-friendly cleaning solution for yourself! Contact us today to request your free trial and discover how BevSan Oxi-K can enhance your beverage production process.