Good News! You can re-use your carbon 4-5 times if you follow these cleaning steps…
Gather your materials: You will need your activated carbon, a large container, a strainer, a stirring spoon, and water.
STEP 1 – Rinse the activated carbon: Place the activated carbon in a strainer and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. This will help remove any loose particles or dust that may have accumulated during storage.
STEP 2 – Soak the activated carbon: Fill a large container with cold water and add the activated carbon. The ratio of water to carbon should be around 5:1. Stir the mixture with a spoon to ensure that the carbon is fully submerged.
STEP 3 – Stir the mixture: Let the activated carbon soak for at least 30 minutes, stirring the mixture every 5-10 minutes. This will help loosen any impurities or contaminants that may be present.
STEP 4 – Strain the mixture: After the soaking period, pour the mixture through a strainer to separate the activated carbon from the water. Be sure to press down on the carbon to remove any excess water.
STEP 5 – Rinse the carbon: Rinse the activated carbon with cold water again to ensure that all impurities are removed.
STEP 6 – Dry the carbon: Spread the activated carbon out on a clean towel or paper towel and allow it to air dry completely. You can also dry it in the oven on a low heat setting (around 100°C) for 20-30 minutes.
STEP 7 – Store the carbon: Once the activated carbon is completely dry, store it in an airtight container until you are ready to use it for distilling.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your activated carbon is clean and free of impurities, which will help to produce high-quality distilled spirits.
