What are the ingredients of Powdered Brewery Wash (PBW) ?

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Just like KFC's secret herbs and spices, the exact ingredients of Powdered Brewery Wash are kept a closely guarded secret. But having eaten KFC, you know there are spices so you can kind of work it out...


PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) is a SUPER popular cleaning agent used by homebrewers and commercial breweries to clean their brewing equipment. T

The actual ingredients of PBW are not disclosed by the manufacturer, Five Star Chemicals.

According to Five Star Chemicals, PBW is a mixture of alkaline cleaners and a proprietary blend of surfactants. Alkaline cleaners are chemical compounds that are capable of breaking down oils, fats, and proteins, which are common contaminants found in brewing equipment. 

Surfactants are surface-active agents that help to reduce the surface tension of water and break down dirt and grime. By combining these two types of compounds, PBW is able to effectively remove tough stains and residues from brewing equipment.

While the specific ingredients of PBW are not disclosed, some homebrewers have speculated that PBW contains a number of different chemicals, including sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate, and sodium tripolyphosphate (known as TSP).

ingredients of PBW brewery wash

Sodium metasilicate is an alkaline cleaner that is commonly used in cleaning products due to its ability to break down grease and oil. It is a water-soluble compound that forms a basic solution when dissolved in water. Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda, is another alkaline cleaner that is commonly used in cleaning products. It has a high pH and is effective at removing stains and residues from a variety of surfaces.

Sodium percarbonate is a compound that is formed by combining sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. When dissolved in water, it releases oxygen, which helps to break down stains and residues. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a compound that is used as a water softener in cleaning products. 

It helps to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits and other residues on surfaces - you can avoid getting beer stone for example. 

In combination, these ingredients work to break down oils, fats, proteins, and other contaminants that can accumulate on brewing equipment. The alkaline cleaners help to dissolve and emulsify these contaminants, while the surfactants help to lift them away from the surface of the equipment. 

Additionally, the oxygen released by sodium percarbonate can help to sanitize the equipment by breaking down harmful microorganisms.

So, while the specific chemical ingredients of PBW are not disclosed, it is likely that the product contains a mixture of alkaline cleaners and surfactants, as well as other compounds such as sodium percarbonate and sodium tripolyphosphate. 

These compounds work together to effectively clean and sanitize brewing equipment, making PBW a popular choice for homebrewers and commercial breweries alike.

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