How to: Remove Tannin from Stainless Steel Equipment

Q. Which Alconox Inc. detergent will clean the red staining of wine (tannins) from stainless steel equipment?

A. The best way to remove tannin from stainless steel equipment is to oxidize it with sodium hypochlorite or an oxidizing agent. There are three Alconox Inc. brands that could effectively remove tannin from stainless steel.  The choice of which will depend on the application requirements.

• Alcojet® Low Foaming Powdered Detergent – low foaming, powdered detergent which contains an active chlorine compound that releases hypochlorite when dissolved in water
• Detojet® Low Foaming Liquid Detergent – surfactant-free, low-foaming detergent that cleans via chelation and alkaline hydrolysis
• Tergajet® Low-Foaming Phosphate-Free Detergent – low foaming, phosphate-free, powdered detergent which contains active oxygen compound that releases peroxide when dissolved in water.

All of these detergents will work well with a 1-2% concentration, warm solution and thorough rinsing.

We are happy to work with you on your specific tannin cleaning application need.

To request this or any Alconox Inc. detergent for free, please complete the questionnaire at Get Sample. For more information about any one of our Alconox Inc. detergents, consult the technical bulletin for each product. Or click here to access each of our detergent’s  Safety Data Sheets.

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