CIP Cleaning for Fermenters — Fast, Effortless, Shiny

This is my go-to way of cleaning a stainless fermenter with a CIP setup. No scrubbing, no climbing into tanks, just a strong spray pattern, the right chemistry and a few minutes of recirculation so you can get back to brewing.

Why use CIP instead of scrubbing?

• Protects your stainless: no scratches that can trap yeast and bacteria.
• Repeatable: same cycle every time, so you know your tank is properly clean.
• Fast turnaround: less time with a brush in your hand, more time brewing.

Watch the full CIP walkthrough

In this video I go through the whole process: depressurising the fermenter, washing with Chemipro Wash or PBW, rinsing and finishing with a sanitising CIP cycle.

Want to compare routines or share your own tips? Join the discussion directly under the video on YouTube – I read all the comments. Open video on YouTube

Gear I use

• CIP Kit 
• Chemipro Wash (2 kg) or PBW (1 kg) for the cleaning step
• Chemipro CIP / SAN (500 ml) for the sanitising step
• Stainless fermenter 
• Tri-Clamp hoses and fittings (1.5" / 2"), pump with enough head pressure for CIP
• Warm and cold water source, bucket for accessories, gloves and eye protection

My step-by-step CIP routine

Step 1 – Depressurise and dump

First, always release pressure from the fermenter. Open the dump valve and let yeast and trub out. Do a quick warm rinse so most of the visible gunk is gone before you start recirculating cleaner.

Step 2 – Wash with Chemipro Wash or PBW

Put the lid back on, fit the CIP spray head and connect your Tri-Clamp hoses and pump. Add about 5 L of water at 50–70 °C and dose 10 g/L of Chemipro Wash or PBW. Switch on the pump and let it spin for roughly 25 minutes.

While it’s running, briefly open and close your valves so the cleaner can wash the seats and gaskets. When the wash cycle is done, save that solution in a bucket and use it to clean fittings, clamps and other accessories.

Step 3 – Rinse

Rinse the fermenter with clean water until the inside no longer feels slippery and the runoff is close to neutral pH. Hot water makes it a bit faster, but the most important thing is to rinse well so there are no alkaline residues left before sanitising.

Step 4 – Sanitise with CIP / SAN

For the sanitising cycle, add around 5 L of water at about 25 °C and dose 3–5 ml/L of Chemipro CIP or SAN. Run the spray head for about 5 minutes so the solution hits all internal surfaces and valve seats.

Drain the sanitiser, re-assemble your fittings and you’re basically done. A touch of CO₂ pressure helps push out any remaining droplets before you fill the tank with fresh wort.

Quick ratios (for your notes)

• Wash: 10 g/L Chemipro Wash or PBW • 50–70 °C • ~25 min
• Sanitise: 3–5 ml/L Chemipro CIP / SAN • ~25 °C • 5 min
• Volume: about 5 L per CIP step for a typical homebrew fermenter

Pro tips and troubleshooting

• Weak spray pattern? Shorten hoses, remove kinks or step up to a stronger pump – CIP needs head pressure.
• Too much foam? Your mix is probably too strong or too turbulent. Stick to the label rates.
• Water spots or beerstone? Add an extra acid / CIP cycle with Chemipro CIP and then a quick rinse.

Safety first

• Always depressurise the vessel before opening anything.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals.
• Do not mix leftover alkaline and acidic products; dispose of them according to local rules.

Build your own CIP setup

Want shiny tanks without scrubbing? Start with the BrewTaurus CIP Kit, add Chemipro Wash or PBW, finish with Chemipro CIP / SAN and pair it with a stainless fermenter ready for CIP.

Got your own CIP routine or tricks that work even better? Share them under the video on YouTube so other brewers can learn from it too: join the discussion here.

Keywords: CIP cleaning, fermenter cleaning, stainless fermenter, Chemipro Wash, PBW, Chemipro CIP, Chemipro SAN, homebrewing tips, pressure fermenter, sanitizing, BrewTaurus, brewery CIP, how to clean fermenter