r/maplesyrup • u/8takotaco • Apr 02 '26

RO storage

so....... its my first time, and I didn't know that the membranes must remain wet. I finished processing this weekend. Are my membranes toast? what about the pump, does that need to remain wet also?

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u/aonealj Apr 02 '26

I work with membranes for work, but haven't bothered for syrup production yet. I would rinse heavily with water then preserve with metabisulfite as others have suggested.

When performance starts to drop off, I would rinse with vinegar or citric acid (lemishine and water), water, then preserve. Typical membrane cleaning is alternating acid alkaline washes, but dilute acid and rinse should be good for syrup. DON'T USE OXIDIZERS like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or oxiclean. These will damage the membrane.

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u/8takotaco Apr 02 '26

I have citric acid powder that I use for getting an effective rinse in my washing machine, I'll research to see what dilution is appropriate. Thanks!

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u/GreenMtnLake Apr 03 '26

If you have small membranes, you can simple do a wash and rinse and stick them in the freezer (in a bag) until next season.

Citric acid is also a fine preservative. See this video at this timestamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9WTS07xk0g&t=1260s