North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Michelle Horner" <shelly2@wi.rr.com>]

I don't remember if it was members on this list or the "grow wine" list that commented earlier this fall about the gummy residue when dealing with elderberries.  Well, I had the same experience and had a huge mess trying to clean up my initial utensils.  My primary fermentor is still sitting in the kitchen with gummy on its sides and I just have not had the heart to tackle it.  Of course I was dreading my 1st rack--I had a 5 and 6 gallon carboy both with elderberry young wine going.  I could see the same green gummy stuff adhered to the sides from the shoulder to the mouth.  UUGGH.  I was figuring I'd have to sacrifice the carboys, and I dreaded the thought of gumming up anything else!  Well, its a miracle!!  In desperation I put about 3/4 cup of Oxy-Clean powder (detergent enhancer) in the 5 gallon carboy.  It is as clean as a whistle!!  I recycled it to the 6 gallon, added some water to the top.  It is also clean as a whistle!  3rd recycle into that nasty primary fermentor--its soaking right now, but looking good.  yipppppeeeeeee!!!!

 

Michelle Horner  zone 4/5 SE WI