How to clean your Harvest Right Freeze Dryer

Рет қаралды 48,450

Live.Life.Simple.

Күн бұрын

This video is going to show you what to use to clean your Harvest right freeze dryer. I will also explain what not to use for cleaning and why. We will take the rubber gasket seal off and disassemble the freeze dryer rack to gain full access to the vacuum chamber. Once your chamber is cleaned, I will show you how to put the rack back in without bunching up the cord.
For the Brush used to clean your rack: amzn.to/3LK7aDC
To see other Harvest right Hacks with tips and tricks, go to this play list:
• Harvestright Freeze Dr...
For freeze dryer accessories and products go to:
www.freezedryingsupplies.com
If you are thinking of buying freeze dryer, support the freeze drying community and purchase through us! It helps keep this KZfaq content coming!
affiliates.harvestright.com/4...
If you are interested in purchasing an AVID ARMOR USV32, (chamber vacuum sealer) check out their site through this link and enter the Coupon Code LIVELIFESIMPLE to get 10% off your purchase!
avidarmor.com/?aff=43
If you want to be able to watch what your FREEZE DRYER is doing 24/7, I use the ReoLink E1 Pro Wi-Fi Camera, go to: amzn.to/34smBjS
(I am not affiliated with Reolink in any way)
To find the Infrared Thermometer that I use --- amzn.to/33w7SUE
Join our new MEWE freeze drying group:
mewe.com/group/5faad29bc03314...
or Join the Facebook group:
/ retiredat40livelifesimple
👍❤for products i use and love!💯🎁
www.amazon.com/shop/retiredat40
#freezedryercleaning #howtocleanyourfreezedryer #cleaningyourharvestright

Пікірлер: 160

@qhack 2 жыл бұрын

I use a product called StarSan. It is used to sterilize beer brewing equipment. Also safe for the silicon door seal.

@carriejones9890 Жыл бұрын

Just got my freeze dryer a month ago, really loving it! Thanks for all your excellent information, super helpful!

@juliannarathmell Жыл бұрын

Isopropyl alcohol is the best neutral cleaner. I wastched something a while back from a guy who actually works with the materialthe freeze dryer drum of made of. He says it will cause degredation in the drum if vinegar or drinking alcohol is used long term. I wish I remembered what the video was because he had all kinds of scientific info on it and why this is the case. He tested the ph level on all of the common things people clean with and all of them except the isopropyl alcohol are too acidic or too basic.

@ChrisEpler Ай бұрын

Do not use Isopropyl alcohol on acrylic, bad idea.

@jennifervert2601 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent info and filming of the process. THANK YOU!!

@woodchuckmichelle8053 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. I just did the bread run in my new Medium Harvest Right. The chemical/plasticy/factory smell so strong in the maching now and I wanted to give it a good wipe down. I appreciate all of the content that you put out.

@petenelson8136 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!! I don't own a FD yet, and with the explosions of food I've seen some people have I was always wondering just how difficult it was to clean them up. Looks like a pretty simple job, and having the right tools, like the wand you used will make it go that much easier.

@lyndabuchholz1216 2 жыл бұрын

I have used rubbing alcohol to clean mine. I am glad to see you don't recommend bleach. I worked with metals and bleach is not good for any kind of steel. I also occasionally take a table knife and rag and clean out the groove in the door gasket. This is a good video!!! Thanks!

@lesliemartija9332 Жыл бұрын

Just got my first FD tonight, this bread burn run is taking forever!! Can’t wait to get things going… Happy November and happy freeze drying all…

@jeaniewinstrom6203 8 ай бұрын

Thank you SO much for this clear and helpful video. I may have tried to freeze dry grape juice concentrate and the machine now needs a full clean. Its still defrosting and the cord is actually surrounded by ice, so I appreciate the tip to keep the cord up top for next time.

@Ilovenewphones 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all your videos I have learned a lot my freeze dryer will be here this week can't wait to get started

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@dougsmith7487 2 жыл бұрын

Brian buddy great show, I look forward every week. If you ever get out to Idaho look me up you will have no problem finding me just look for the large green cloud in the sky.....Yes I did the GARLIC thing. I owe you one, you got me, You're still the best keep up the good work..

@keeleycans17 2 жыл бұрын

GSE grapefruit seed extract is an excellent cleaner also

@Anythingforfreedom 2 жыл бұрын

Great video topic. Thank you

@CapitanFantasma1776 7 ай бұрын

Thanks! Harvest Right suggested this to me!

@chrishappysofar2090 2 жыл бұрын

Nice tips, thnx!

@Hopadopperartist 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@cindygreen6900 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent vlog. Thank you. I had no idea.

@Imjetta7 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, super easy! Thank you!

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@pattf1002 2 жыл бұрын

Brian - Did you read my mind? I was planning yo do this today! Thanks so much!

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect!

@faylinameir 2 жыл бұрын

I just got my FD so this is perfect timing

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

awesome!

@nightmar3. Жыл бұрын

Hi could you show how to clean the drain valve? Do you pour vinegar down the hole in the back of the chamber and then follow with water? The manual says to clean it after so many uses to avoid mold but doesn't say how too.

@cliffmolz8719 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate the new ideas. I have last year's model (medium size) of Harvest Right. I take the rack out after each load (approximately every three days), but my cord is long enough to take the rack out and set it upright next to the machine itself without disconnecting. I figured as frequently as I clean the machine that the plastic wire/cable connector would eventually become brittle and break form constantly connecting/disconnecting or the connection would become loose. I don't believe you mentioned the drain tube itself where I have found the majority of bacteria/mold grows. I do use diluted bleach to poor down the drain tube for those stubborn spots, but this is only once a month or so. A clean washrag with just a spot of dawn liquid also does the trick for cleaning the inside of the metal freezer tube. The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes. Thank you for the videos! Cheers

@mayhembeading3737 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for bringing up the drain valve hose. I'm going to have a look at ours as soon as our current batch is finished. Should be able to pull it off and rinse out with vinegar.

@ILkaterlyn 2 жыл бұрын

I was hoping he would show that, too and how to cable tie valve. Vinegar was said to etch stainless steel. Isopropyl is recommended by deep down under? guy.

@verdexj160 2 ай бұрын

One part that is overlooked are the condenser fins. You have to remove the case. Mine fill up with a lot of lint and dust balls.

@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786 Жыл бұрын

I can't believe you didn't explain the best way to clean and dry the rubber door gasket/seal. That's one of the most important details for getting a good vacuum seal!

@Ozzyjunky 2 жыл бұрын

Great ideas. That cord can be a real pain sometimes. 😁

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

It sure can

@iamaslavetonoman911 2 жыл бұрын

Got my tray corner stackers and separators thank you

@monana8706 2 жыл бұрын

I recently received mine too and totally LOVE them!

@nicoleshupe9134 11 ай бұрын

A lot of people buy this freeze dryer‘s for food preps. They also buy the small generators in case the crap hits the fan and they have something to run maybe the refrigerator or freezer on. Have you tried running a freeze dryer on something like a Bluetti?

@danapeppers5094 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm interested in the table you have the machine setting on. Do you have a link for it?

@OzarkMountainGoats Жыл бұрын

Really good vid. I have one question. What kind of cart is the freeze dryer sitting on? Thanks

@killface4989 Жыл бұрын

Rubbermaid FG452088BIA seems to work well.

@stephensuter5016 2 жыл бұрын

what's the best process and tasks for storing (off line) our machine for two or three weeks?

@tanyastanaland9439 Жыл бұрын

I boo booed. I forgot to empty my release bucket and left it for 3 days. I live in a high humidity area (get the pink line in a day) That straw cleaner with some white vinegar did it all. Buy vinegar in bulk for more reasons than just this. Thanks LLS for the tray dividers, used them for 3 runs LOVE THEM! I eat small portions, my husband eats more. I like the versatility of portion sizes.

@live.life.simple. Жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Thanks for your support!

@rosecroix2467 Жыл бұрын

Clean soft cotton dishrags and clean new sponge for the tray holder. My hand is small enough.

@fredrahe4348 2 жыл бұрын

Don't forget to clean the groove in the rubber seal. I didn't realize that and when I cleaned it was very dirty

@beckyderhammer7379 2 жыл бұрын

What do you clean the seal with?

@carriebeard9926 11 ай бұрын

@@beckyderhammer7379 warm water and mild soap, rinse and dry well

@stankaliski 2 жыл бұрын

I don't have a FD yet but I'm highly interested in getting one. Been watching your videos to learn about them, how they work and their capabilities. I saw mention of using rubbing alcohol to clean stuff. I know all alcohol is not the same. I think rubbing alcohol is not the type you can consume. For those concerned with keeping non-consumable things out of their chambers, I have used Everclear winch is 100% grain alcohol and is used in mixing drinks, though I don't know what kind :-) I have used it to clean stuff that comes in contact with food. Since it is consumable (though you don't want to try it straight) it may be safer than rubbing alcohol. In my uses of it I found it can cut through just about any oily residue. A liter bottle may be cheaper than vodka or other types of alcohol. Also, since it is 100% alcohol it will evaporate completely. If something is 80 proof it means it is only 40% alcohol, the rest being the juice of the item being distilled.

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting, thanks I'll try it

@ILkaterlyn 2 жыл бұрын

Isopropyl evaporates… Remember 1960s dr offices had mouth thermometers sitting in hydrogen peroxide.

@williamshears9953 Жыл бұрын

70% isopropyl is preferred for cleaning because higher percentages evaporate too fast to disinfect.

@anthonykenny2631 2 жыл бұрын

I’m just wondering have you considered a battery backup if the power goes out?

@janb8015 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You =)

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@tarah-vx5dt 9 ай бұрын

Great video. Thank you! Getting ready to do raw meats. Do you clean it between every batch when doing raw meat? Aslo I have lint built up on the sides where the venting holes are. How do you clean that? Thanks again. I think i have watched every single one of your videos. So helpful. Makes me feel confident doing my own freeze drying.

@live.life.simple. 9 ай бұрын

I would sanitize everything after doing raw meat. To clean the sides, you will need to pull off the side panels and also dust or blow of the internals. If there's built up dust on the outside, the inside is probably very dusty.

@snowgoose6028 Жыл бұрын

Is it normal for ice to form on the outside of the rubber ring and drip down on to the bench? (Just new to freeze drying)

@roraev9296 2 жыл бұрын

I've been using blue Dawn (only) to clean the inside of the chamber. After removing the shelves I mix it up in a 1 qt. spray bottle with hot water, then close the drain valve before spraying about a quarter of the bottle all around the chamber before scrubbing the inside with a soft dish washing brush, then I respray. When the soapy water fills the drain chamber I open the valve and let it drain. This seems to help keep that small drain chamber and the hose clean as well. I repeat this until I'm out of hot water & Dawn in the spray bottle. At the end I close the drain valve and rinse with another spray bottle until water starts backing up at the drain. Then I repeat this until the water in the drain runs perfectly clear.Then I place a fan in front of the open door and let it run until everything is completely dry. I finish with a spray of either vodka or Steramine, Like many tasks, it take 20 minutes to type it out, but only about five minutes to actually do it. I prefer using Dawn because not all food residues are alcohol soluble. I do sometimes use it as a final step though. YMMV.

@cliffmolz8719 2 жыл бұрын

I use dawn as well on my Harvest Right. However, I just use a clean washrag (wet but rung out) with a drop or two of dawn. I then use a paper towel inside the chamber to ensure there is no moister or left over residue. It seems to do the trick and have had no growth or smells inside the chamber.

@ILkaterlyn 2 жыл бұрын

Reading a lot I would avoid Dawn…isopropyl only.

@ILkaterlyn 2 жыл бұрын

Watch phil at 4800 feet or something like that

@roraev9296 2 жыл бұрын

@@ILkaterlyn I'm still good with Dawn and Steramine. Phils video was interesting, but if I had to use alcohol for a disinfectant in an appliance, I would choose a food grade alcohol like a high proof vodka, or even Everclear. Since I rinse my FD very, very thoroughly, then air dry with a fan before using Steramine or whatever I don't see a real issue with Dawn. Besides, Dawn is used on duckies, and seals, and all sorts of marine rescue critters, and is used exclusively by Seaworld for oil spill rescues. That doesn't mean its perfect, but that it is gentle. Thanks for the interesting reads.

@ILkaterlyn 2 жыл бұрын

@@roraev9296 I googled Dawn, why not to use…

@katherinasylvestre6894 2 жыл бұрын

I use norwex cloths , you only need water then and alcohol for the tube

@JoryValley 2 жыл бұрын

What about the o3waterworks spray bottle?

@lorencolt 2 жыл бұрын

how about a cleaner from the brewing industry like PB40? it is good for stainless.

@HereThereBackAgain 2 жыл бұрын

1 thing missed. Rinsing the drain line with clean water. If you neglect this, you'll be one of the people complaining it rotted out ...

@mayhembeading3737 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!!

@TheRealBatCave 11 ай бұрын

Do u just run warm wayer through it or could i run a water vinegar mix?

@HereThereBackAgain 11 ай бұрын

@@TheRealBatCave personally, I run tap water through it. I suppose you could use vinegar. I give the drum and shelves a good spray with Vodka and use an old ketchup squeeze bottle to rinse out the drain hole. Going on 1.5 yrs and the stock drain valve is still going strong.

@TheRealBatCave 11 ай бұрын

@@HereThereBackAgain nice, i heard some people were putting their racks through thier dishwasher, wouldn't this destroy the electrical on the back of the shelving unit i dont wanna risk it lol, ive just been using the spray bottle scrubber and the spray bottle.

@HereThereBackAgain 11 ай бұрын

@@TheRealBatCave yeah, definitely don't do that. Sounds like a horrible idea.

@kellyvcraig Жыл бұрын

I bought a spray bottle I fill then charge with my air compressor. It holds air for months and makes spraying cleaner on the interior a breeze. I used Purell cleaner from a restaurant supply because it's formulated for stainless steel kitchen appliances. As others mentioned, don't forget the drain hose and valve. You can buy small brushes that will go up and down the hose. I clean my door gasket ever few cleanings. It's indicated drying it is critical, before it's installed. _______________ Vaper 19419 Red Spot Spray Non-Aerosol Sprayer (Red) - 32 oz.

@arka7018 8 ай бұрын

Could you explain that air compressor technique a bit further?

@iamyogastyle1426 Жыл бұрын

Question cheese has really clogged up my drain with grease any suggestions to clearing it up?

@OvcharkaShepherd 2 жыл бұрын

Like minds. As soon as the scrambled eggs and fixings come out, it’s time for the deep cleaning.

@lauriesmith3863 Жыл бұрын

I left the door shut for 3 weeks and it was moist enough to unglue the pad on top of the shelf unit. Should I reglue it?

@anthonykenny2631 2 жыл бұрын

I was just wondering if you considered using a battery backup in case of a power outage? And if you have any suggestions?

@deacongregweigold6047 Жыл бұрын

A UPS should not be used with compressors or motors. Typically the UPS can't handle the load when these start up. I believe that a 20Amp dedicated circuit is recommended. Getting a 20A 120VAC UPS is very expensive, probably not worth the expense.

@jayweiss602 2 жыл бұрын

I used to use dawn dish soap, now I use isopropyl alcohol.

@privateer177666 2 жыл бұрын

I use a good quality scotch followed by a cold draft Hiney in a frosted mug…..

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

😂

@privateer177666 2 жыл бұрын

Prior to using a mild detergent solution in warm water, that is. ; )

@Jimoutdoors 4 күн бұрын

My venting hose is green was hoping you’d show how to clean that. Vinegar isn’t working

@alischannel6008 2 жыл бұрын

i recently freeze dried meatballs I purchased at BJ and I had a total mess. There was fat all over the machine, I had to remove the rack and wash everything with lots of soap. Lesson learned! never again I will freeze dry store bought meatballs!!

@jeanpaeth7424 2 жыл бұрын

So I was told hydrogen peroxide was fine? Is it not good to use anymore?

@sw3929 Жыл бұрын

So, my items taste like previous items. How do I fix that?

@corabunselmeyer1241 2 жыл бұрын

what do you use to clean the door seal and inside the groove?

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

I use a qtip in that groove.

@bettyhepler4857 Жыл бұрын

A lot of us won’t use the white distilled vinegar. The Apple cider vinegar is truly organic and can be made at home.

@philipkrauss4988 Жыл бұрын

Does the xl freeze dryer come with an oil free pump? It does not let you choose it nor a premium pump

@live.life.simple. Жыл бұрын

Only premier pump at this time, that's not a bad thing

@montamitchell8066 2 жыл бұрын

Could that brush damage the heat pads?

@mayhembeading3737 2 жыл бұрын

Those heat pads are so sensitive that I wouldn't consider it. Soft damp cloth ought to do it.

@bradleypaul9849 Жыл бұрын

Whats the best cleaner to clean door gasket.

@live.life.simple. Жыл бұрын

water is best. some use vinegar or vodka

@crystaleden4352 6 ай бұрын

Where did you get that brush to clean the trays?

@live.life.simple. 5 ай бұрын

www.amazon.com/shop/retiredat40

@duanesmallwood4177 Жыл бұрын

I would say any vinegar would be ascetic, and not good for the stainless steel

@AspireDMT 5 ай бұрын

Can you clean the rack in a sink?

@jayyvars1616 10 ай бұрын

guessing you unplug the machine first as I did not see yours on. also do you have to clean after each use? with your experience you did not indicate how often you have to clean it. was wondering?

@live.life.simple. 10 ай бұрын

I don't clean until I spill or fd something really potent like peppers

@trishcraig723 2 жыл бұрын

Funny, I was just berated on the FB group for saying to use vinegar. So now I have a bottle of rubbing alcohol next to the machine. According to users, vinegar is bad for the metal

@barbarakoenig3388 Жыл бұрын

Ive seen some with door covers where do they come from Barbara

@live.life.simple. Жыл бұрын

Search for a lady that makes them on our Facebook group. (use the search magnifying glass) facebook.com/groups/retiredat40livelifesimple/

@Anythingforfreedom 2 жыл бұрын

*Did you link the brush? I don’t see it!

@tandyhammond6584 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Click on 2nd arrow, then click more and scroll down. www.amazon.com/shop/retiredat40

@KLU421 2 жыл бұрын

How do you clean the drain hose? I have poured some vinegar into it, but it's still not looking great.

@cliffmolz8719 2 жыл бұрын

I use diluted bleach. Has worked great on mine by pouring it down the drain hole in the machine and letting it sit for a short while. Follow up with some regular water down the tube to ensure all of the bleach is gone.

@marcietherington3684 2 жыл бұрын

That is exactly what I came on to ask!! Everyone has a video about cleaning the freeze dryer, but NOBODY has one on the drain hose & valve that get nasty.

@marcietherington3684 2 жыл бұрын

It won't let me post the link, but I have been using Boao 4 Pieces feeding tube brushes that I got on Amazon. They are actually small enough to fit in the drain hose

@marcietherington3684 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaleoGreenByrd it is!! I jam it down from the inside, wiggle passed the the valve & get into the outer hose with it. It is interesting getting it out because it is a spring, not a wire

@marcietherington3684 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaleoGreenByrd You're very welcome

@mbray59612 2 жыл бұрын

What about the drain tube? If you do cheese or other foods with any fat it gets nasty

@iamyogastyle1426 Жыл бұрын

Same here

@kelly1038 Жыл бұрын

Everclear

@Drum3Matrix 2 жыл бұрын

I can't believe how big this channel had become in a year and a half

@lisawenzel2364 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much...we got our first one and your so right a little scared to clean...now I am not...

@Tjensen999 2 жыл бұрын

I've heard that 70% Isopropyl Alcohol cleans and disinfects the freeze dryer without ruining the stainless steel chamber.

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

It may be fine, but I just don't like using something around food that you wouldn't ingest

@AllisChalmersMN 4 ай бұрын

190 proof grain alcohol! That’ll definitely work lol.

@ZS71 Ай бұрын

Everclear.

@tS-ro1lm 6 ай бұрын

Why not just use isopropyl alcohol?

@the_Mrs. 2 жыл бұрын

Have you ever made the mistake of freeze drying kielbasa? 😅 Pssst if they try it, they’ll definitely need to watch this video. 😏

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

No I haven't. Super high fat content like sausages are usually not a good idea.

@the_Mrs. 2 жыл бұрын

@@live.life.simple. it wasn’t my idea to try it, but I can definitely confirm that it’s a bad idea!

@astatine0085 11 ай бұрын

use rubbing alcohol

@live.life.simple. 10 ай бұрын

Yep!

@catherineludlum4955 9 ай бұрын

Wait. Those mats should be on top? Not the bottom. Like o have my trays on top of those matts!

@live.life.simple. 9 ай бұрын

Orange heat pads should not be under the trays, they should be on the food side above the tray

@catherineludlum4955 9 ай бұрын

@@live.life.simple. snap ty!!

@ILkaterlyn 2 жыл бұрын

Brush link “Currently unavailable We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.”

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

Ha! We sold them out

@horticultureandhomes 2 жыл бұрын

Vinegar is a chemical and a fairly strong acid. I would not use it on the door, door gasket,nor the heating mats of the tray rack. Same goes for the alcohol. It will break down those items and make them brittle. This is bad information. We live in a time where spare parts are difficult to get. Warm soapy damp cloth should be used instead.

@privateer177666 2 жыл бұрын

Just add a little elbow grease & ya gotta great recipe….

@live.life.simple. 2 жыл бұрын

You can certainly use whatever you want

@172sbct 2 жыл бұрын

Thousands of people are using vinegar and vodka without issue. You don’t like his methods then too bad, but don’t say it is bad information. Mind your business and keep it shut.

@horticultureandhomes 2 жыл бұрын

@@172sbct those are agents which dry acrylic. Why do you want a beittle door? Look it up

@sea6bear 2 жыл бұрын

When advising patients on cleaning their home respiratory equipment, 50% vinegar solution is what we recommend they use … It doesn’t kill every bug, but it’s better than nothing.