Cleaning HSC

[Pond Creek Farm]

We had a flood, and the honey super cell (hsc) was filled with dirty creek water.  I keep trying to clena this out, but there always seems to be a bit or silt in the cells.  The same is true with the Mann Lake PF 100 frames that wre in the flood.  Just how clean do these frames need to be, and is there a preferred method for cleaning?  I have two hives of seven brood, three honey/pollen being delivered this week to make up for flood losses, and I will no doubt be adding deeps within a week or two that contain this recycled equipment. I want to be sure that the bees do not reject what I give them in the upper deeps.

[Robo]

I would say a little silt wouldn't be a problem.  I had a hive last year that a bear knocked of the roof and I ended up putting it back together in the dark.  I still find gravel embedded here and there every time I inspect.  It hasn't seemed to bother them at all.

I haven't had to clean any HSC yet,  but I thought someone recommended a power washer.  I would try holding them overhead and blasting from underneath.  This would allow gravity to "help" the stuff come out.

Depending on the quantity and buy in with the wife,  laying them down in the dishwasher may work also.

rob...

[Pond Creek Farm]

Zero buy in from the wife on use of her kitchen for anything to do with bees.  I screwed that up by melting wax on her stove.  For anyone who has not learned this, pay attention - Melted wax does not easily come off a range top, and when melting wax you will always spill some.  :)

[Michael Bush]

You can boil HSC. It melts at 240 F.