How to Clean and
Store Your
Honey Uncapping Equipment

1. Clean Your Uncapper Before You Put It Away

The biggest mistake beekeepers make with uncapping equipment is not fully cleaning or fully drying it before storage. Whether you are using the Slicer Roller Uncapper, a heated uncapping knife, or an uncapping scratcher fork, every tool should be cleaned and dried before it goes into storage.

The sooner you clean your roller uncapper after the final extraction run, the better. The longer it sits dirty, the more likely flies, mice, and other pests are to find it. That means more cleanup and the potential for equipment damage.

2. What to Do Immediately After Uncapping

After uncapping the last honey frame with your HillCo Slicer Roller Uncapper, keep the unit at operating temperature and allow any remaining honey to drip into the uncapping tank (HillCo also offers an Economy Uncapping Tank for smaller operations). Remove any larger pieces of wax or comb and let them fall into the tank as well. Once the dripping stops, turn off and unplug the unit. The uncapper can stay on the uncapping tank while you finish honey extraction.

3. How to Clean a Honey Roller Uncapper: Hot Water Method

Move the roller uncapper to a utility sink or basin large enough to set the unit on top of, but not inside. Never submerge the unit in water.

Plug in and turn on the unit and set the heat to 160°F. A heated unit is easier to clean. Using the hottest water available (on an on-demand water heater, increase the heat to the maximum setting, usually around 140°F), spray the rollers to remove any leftover honey and beeswax. It is fine to get the ends of the unit wet, but cover the controller with a towel to keep it from getting saturated with water.

Once the spraying is done, use a damp cloth to clean any flat surfaces the water missed. Follow with a dry cloth on those same surfaces. Leave the unit on and plugged in for a few more minutes. The heat will help evaporate remaining water and dry the rollers.

After most of the water has evaporated off the rollers, turn the unit off and unplug it. To make sure all cracks and crevices are fully dry, blow with compressed air or set the unit in front of a fan overnight.

• Hot water is all that is needed.
• Soaps or other cleaning agents are not necessary.
• Use a strainer over the sink drain to keep wax out of your plumbing.
• Do not use a pressure washer.

4. How to Clean a Honey Roller Uncapper: Steam Cleaning Method

A steam cleaner works well for a final, detailed clean and can be less messy than the hot water spray method since it does not require a sink for drainage.

Set the roller uncapper over a basin or over a surface lined with something disposable, such as butcher paper or aluminum foil, to catch honey, wax, and propolis particles. Turn the unit on and bring it up to 160°F. Much of the remaining debris will fall off from the heat alone. Use a household steamer to clean any stubborn debris from between the blades of the roller and other surfaces.

5. What to Expect After Cleaning

The working parts of the Slicer Roller Uncapper will not look brand new after cleaning. Some surfaces will remain looking stained from the honey harvesting process. That is normal. The methods above will have the surfaces cleaned and ready for storage and for use next season.

6. Does the Roller Uncapper Need Lubrication?

No. The HillCo Slicer Roller Uncapper does not require lubrication.

7. How to Store Your Uncapping Equipment

The roller uncapper should be stored fully assembled. Do not take apart the roller assembly or any other part of the unit for cleaning or storage. Store it in a dry, climate-controlled area. Cover it with a towel, sheet, or pillowcase as a dust cover. Make sure the unit is completely dry before covering and storing it.

8. Before You Use It Again Next Season

Before the next harvest, give the roller uncapper a quick cleaning rinse and test operation before use.

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How Do You Clean and Store Honey Uncapping Equipment?

Honey uncapping equipment should be cleaned right after the final extraction run. For the HillCo Slicer Roller Uncapper, heat the unit to 160°F and use hot water to spray remaining honey and beeswax off the rollers. The unit should never be submerged. Soaps and other cleaning agents are not necessary. A household steam cleaner is an alternative that produces less mess and does not need sink drainage.

Thorough drying is just as important as cleaning. The unit's own heat, compressed air, or a fan can be used to remove all remaining moisture. Once fully dry, the uncapper should be kept in a climate-controlled space with a simple dust cover such as a towel or pillowcase. No lubrication is needed. At the start of next season, give the unit a rinse and test operation before use.

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