Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: TheFuzz on October 09, 2021, 08:11:15 pm

Title: How to clean this honey extractor?
Post by: TheFuzz on October 09, 2021, 08:11:15 pm
The instructions are really vague. Its difficult and awkward to clean because one side of it doesn't open up. It sort of looks like it can be unscrewed to then properly clean it but I'm not sure, I'm concerned I'll damage it that way.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/DfrZQTx
Title: Re: How to clean this honey extractor?
Post by: Ben Framed on October 09, 2021, 09:31:55 pm
The instructions are really vague. Its difficult and awkward to clean because one side of it doesn't open up. It sort of looks like it can be unscrewed to then properly clean it but I'm not sure, I'm concerned I'll damage it that way.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/DfrZQTx

Fuzz, I have not seen an extractor made quite like this one you have pictured. If you don't mind my asking, how many deep frames does it hold?
Title: Re: How to clean this honey extractor?
Post by: BeeMaster2 on October 09, 2021, 09:45:45 pm
Ben,
It looks like a 9/20 frame extractor. I count 5 slots in a quarter section.

Fuzz,
I just take my extractor outside, after I used a spatula to get as much honey as possible out, and use a garden hose with a good nozzle and wash it out.
Honey completely dissolves in water making it easy to clean. You will probably have to scrape off a few spots of wax and propolis with your finger nail.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: How to clean this honey extractor?
Post by: beehappy1950 on October 10, 2021, 07:53:21 pm
I usually take mine apart and lift the rack out and let the bees have it. Then when the bees are done I wash it out. Watch when you dump it out as there is a 5/16 ball bearing in the bottom the rack sits on. If you lose it they sell them at about any hardware store.. You can use a dab of food grade grease on the bearing if you like. Dont think you can get honey up that far anyway.
Title: Re: How to clean this honey extractor?
Post by: Acebird on October 11, 2021, 08:48:15 am
Put a couple of fake frames in and run it slowly with cold water.   That will clean the honey and wax.  Use a material that is heavier than water so they don't float up.  Other option is just hose and cold water.  The propolise will remain and will need hot water and soap.  I wouldn't bother taking it apart.
Title: Re: How to clean this honey extractor?
Post by: beehappy1950 on October 11, 2021, 10:36:34 am
I like to clean mine of any bugs or flies that seem to get into the creavice at the bottom of the tank over the winter. Remember honey is food. Mine comes apart every year. Learn how to take apart, you never know when it might strip a gear and you need to repair it quick.
Title: Re: How to clean this honey extractor?
Post by: Acebird on October 11, 2021, 01:48:36 pm
Remember honey is food.
I hate to break it to you but if a device has crevices it doesn't pass food grade anyway.  Fortunately honey is a food that doesn't spoil easily.  It is not what you can see that will hurt you it is what you can't see that makes you sick.  Because you mentioned crevices and because you mentioned what happens in winter storage I would be inclined to clean and sanitize the extractor prior to use.  Food sanitizers can be purchased at any brew shop.