Extractor Cleaning

[Darryl]

Just about to do my first extraction. I have a borrowed four frame tangential extractor which needs a good clean. I can't reach down to the bottom of the tub to clean it due to the mechanisms and wondered if there is a standard procedure for cleansing extractors or will I have to dismantle it?

 

[madasafish]

Dismantling guarantees a good job.
Good honey deserves that.

 

[pargyle]

Just about to do my first extraction. I have a borrowed four frame tangential extractor which needs a good clean. I can't reach down to the bottom of the tub to clean it due to the mechanisms and wondered if there is a standard procedure for cleansing extractors or will I have to dismantle it?

Have you got or can you borrow a power washer ? When I bought my second hand Lega it arrived in a pretty filthy condition - had been left for about 10 years without use and had not been cleaned (properly) when it was put away ... you cannot begin to imagine what it was like. But ... an hour with the power washer got it to the state where it was reasonably clean (I still took it all apart and cleaned every bit by hand but I am a bit fussy about cleanliness). But ... the power washer broke the back of it.

 

[Garry R]

Main thing is to use cold water. Hot water just sticks the wax more firmly onto the metal.

 

[Sutty]

Another vote for the power washer. Cleaned mine this way an hour ago. Spotless.

 

[BernardBlack]

Dismantling guarantees a good job.
Good honey deserves that.

I bought a plastic extractor (I couldn’t justify spending 500+ at this stage)... tried to take it apart to clean but it’s wasnt having any of it.

I cleaned it as best I could the way it was, with a damp cloth, but maybe the power washer is the way to go. I just hope the power isn’t too strong and it doesn’t damage the plastic parts.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Just use a hose. I never power wash mine....just use a garden hose

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Just use a hose. I never power wash mine....just use a garden hose

all I ever use is a garden hose on the jet setting. Unless you acquired your extractor in an exceptionally filthy condition, you don't need anything more

 

[ldwgs]

I bought a plastic extractor (I couldn’t justify spending 500+ at this stage)... tried to take it apart to clean but it’s wasnt having any of it.

I cleaned it as best I could the way it was, with a damp cloth, but maybe the power washer is the way to go. I just hope the power isn’t too strong and it doesn’t damage the plastic parts.

I rinse with cold water then blast with steamer which sterilizes it

 

[Hay]

I took my little extractor into the shower with me. That way we both got de-stickified

 

[nantmoel]

I just close the valve and use a hose, no need for any high pressure washing. Then after its drained I get in there with a towel to dry it off.

 

[Darryl]

Thanks everyone. I dismantled it as it was not running smoothly. Cleaned the parts with hot soapy water followed by a good rinse to remove the suds. Replace various nuts/bolts with stainless as the previous used had used non-stainless (rusty) ones for some reason. Runs like a dream so spun 6 frames to test. Worked well apart from blowing one frame due to over keenness.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Worked well apart from blowing one frame due to over keenness.

using an extractor is like making love to a beautiful woman, it pays to take your time and build up slowly. Rushing up to full speed quickly will only result in blowing to soon and making a sticky mess

 

[Darryl]

Thanks for that. Recalling that image each time I extract will make the whole process of extraction more pleasurable.

 

[Hachi]

That photo, for the avoidance of doubt is not our JenkinsBM

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

 

[Darryl]

Looks like he's just about to extract......

 

[Hachi]

Or evacuate

 

[Erichalfbee]

That photo, for the avoidance of doubt is not our JenkinsBM

But the one below your post is

 

[JamezF]

But the one below your post is

Is there something we should know?

Salvador Jenkins


Dali Brynmair


James