# Cleaning It is highly recommended to clean the PolyPhoenix Air Still Pro before first use and after every run or as needed. #### Acid/Vinegar Cleaning The best way to clean a still is with a vinegar wash. This is also recommended before first use. Before cleaning the PolyPhoenix Air Still Pro for the first time, ensure that it has been [assembled correctly](broken://pages/qaxYQH7h8WbGnOoFxUyB) {% stepper %} {% step %} ### Clean Boiler with hot soapy water Detach the boiler for the Air Still Head. Half fill the boiler with hot soapy water (dishwashing detergent or PBW are suitable for this) and give the boiler a good wash. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Vinegar or Acid Run After washing the boiler, fill the boiler with at least 3L and up to 5L of a 50/50 mix of water and plain vinegar (acetic acid). Other acids can be used, although the dilution rates will be different. For example, 1 Tbsp citric acid to 1L water. Complete [assembly](broken://pages/qaxYQH7h8WbGnOoFxUyB) of the Polyphoenix Air Still. Ensure the SPP is installed in the column so that it also gets cleaned. Plug the boiler into the Still Head with the attached cable. Connect the Still Head to a 10amp power outlet using the included IEC lead. Refer to Operation. Set the finish temperature to 101°C to higher. Select Start Heating. This will begin a distillation run. This process is called a Vinegar Wash or (sometimes) an Acid Wash and is the most common technique to clean a still. Allow the still to run until most of the liquid i the boiler has been collected. **NOTE**: The auto shutoff will not operate when boiling water as the temperature wil not rise over 100°C, so you will need to shut the boiler off manually once approximately 2L has been collected. Once the Air Still has been shut off, allow the PolyPhoenix Air Still Pro to cool completely. **Do not attempt to handle any part of the still head or boiler until at a safe temperature.** {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Water Run Once the still and boiler is cool enough to handle, empty the boiler, rinse it out and fill the boiler with between 3L and 5L of clean water. Repeat the above steps to thoroughly rinse the still and packing. Once the Air Still has shut off, allow the PolyPhoenix Air Still Pro to cool completely. **Do not attempt to handle any part of the still head or boiler until at a safe temperature.** The boiler can now be detached and emptied. {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Congratulations! Your still is now clean and ready to use. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} This process should be completed as needed to maintain your still in good order. The exterior of the PolyPhoenix Air Still Pro can be cleaned with a damp microfibre cloth and (if required) a mild soapy water solution. The Outlet Nipples are safe to soak in hot PBW should this be required. Ensure they are rinsed thoroughly before use. ### Removing and cleaning SPP Under the column is a stainless threaded bung. Removing this allows the SPP to be dropped out of the Still Head quickly and easily. **Ensure you position the column over a suitable container large enough to hold all the SPP before removing the bung.** If you line the bucket that the SPP will be emptied into with a suitable mesh bag (such as KL01298 [BIAB - Large Grain Bag](https://kegland.com.au/products/large-grain-bag-pot-liner-biab-brew-in-a-bag)) then the bag can be tied up to secure the SPP inside. The bag and SPP can then be run through the dishwasher, which is a great way to ensure all oils etc are removed. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.rapt.io/equipment/polyphoenix-air-still-pro-table-top-distillation-kit-user-guide/cleaning.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.