I see Star San contains phosphoric acid. I wonder if Star San is able to remove beer stone?
In the same idea, I wonder if a soda will remove beer stone since colas contain phosphoric acid.
Yes, as Goose mentioned above. You need to make it extra strong, though, 1 oz/gallon. It may be more expensive than milkstone remover when measured by the gallon, but I can get StarSan from 3 miles away, while the nearest farm supply store is at least an hour’s drive. That makes StarSan cheaper to me overall. I tried it last week and it did a great job.
I missed the reply about Star San. OK. Thanks. Definately, one for me to keep in mind.
Any solution with a pH of 3.0 or lower will dissolve beer stone. Beer stone is calcium oxalate (the same compound as a kidney stone). The pH of double-strength Star San will get one there, but there are cheaper ways to dissolve beer stone. The pH of straight white vinegar is 2.5. A gallon is less than $3.00. Like, Star San, it can be sprayed onto a surface. The downside is the aroma.
Perhaps, a good wash with PBW after using white vinegar?
I know white vinegar mixed with baking soda creates a bubbling cleaner.
Are these (white vinegar and baking soda) OK for use with stainless?
Judged with John Blochmann a few times. Asked about his recommendation for removing beer stone. He said white vinegar was his go to.
Recommended mix of white vinegar to water to remove beer stone?
And then second question, how to remove the vinegar smell from the corny keg?
You could dilute the benefit, with low alkalinity water (not my tap water, for example). The vinegar is pretty cheap. You could also spritz it around with a spray bottle.
I’ve descaled plenty of coffee machines with vinegar and hot water is enough to make the smell go away. It doesn’t seem to linger.
Thanks for all the great ideas!
Also you can use 5 Star acid #5. It sells by the gallon. You can ask your home brew shop to add it to their next order for you. It, milk stone remover, and other simular strength acids require haz mat shipping fees.