Natural Fiber Press Cloths Needed (No Plastic)

[Patrick McCauley]

Hi all. I searched the database of knowledge on the Cider Workshop, and couldn't find an answer to this. With all of the news coming out about microplastics in our food, I've been giving a lot of thought to microplastics in my cider. I use nylon press cloths with my homemade rack and cloth cider press. They have worked great, with only a few small tears over the past 4 years that I have used them. My concern is that there is no doubt microplastics shedding into my cider every time I use these. It seems silly to be concerned about how much sulfite I'm adding to my cider, when I'm definitely putting something worse into my cider in the form of millions of microplastics. Obviously, the verdict is still out on how dangerous these microplastics even are, and as somebody that grew up in 1980s America, I'm no doubt already loaded to the brim with them. I'm 100% certain that less is better, though.

I am wondering, does anybody out there sell press cloths made of natural fibers? I'm not even sure what kind of material would be tough enough, and last as long as my nylon ones have, but I'm sure that history can teach us something here. I would prefer to buy finished press cloths, but if necessary, I could buy material, and have my mom sew the edges. She's super crafty. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

Pat McCauley

[Ray Blockley]

I'd check out Muslin (Cheesecloth), Linen, Cotton, etc to start?

When we started making cider, many folk used sacking (Hessian - Jute) of various grades & styles. 

However these natural fibres can shed a lot of fine particles so some form of filtering post-pressing may be called for. 

Also be aware that some carry noticeable odours that can be transferred & even "flavours" or taints? So research & a bit of testing may be called for. 

Ray.

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[gareth chapman]

I think your on a hiding to nothing here. We used to press through burlap as Ray said and there was definitely fibre shedding and in agreement with Ray I would also be more concerned about bacterial contamination and taints from that too, you also won't get the longevity either.
I agree that we are probably far from finished with the effects of micro plastics in our diet, and accumulation, but might you just substituting micro fibres for micro plastics.
I suppose a natural product isn't necessarily any better particularly if you end up with more in your product. I think the longevity of the cloths would tell you about that.

[Patrick McCauley]

Thanks so much Ray and Gareth(as well as Jason who private messaged me), for responding. I'm thinking about something like this raw cotton canvas/duck cloth.

https://www.bigduckcanvas.com/artists-canvas-rolls/10oz-60-unprimed/

I'm guessing that the 10oz is probably heavy enough, though they also sell 12oz fabric too, so perhaps a little heavier is better? My racks and form aren't huge, so I would actually be a little concerned about it being too rigid. Perhaps I'll try to get a sample of the 10oz. I'm not too worried about them getting too gross or contaminating the cider, as I've already been washing my press cloths in the laundry immediately after pressing, and I suppose I could even dunk them in Starsan prior to pressing. That shit kills everything! Personally, I'm thinking some cotton fibers might be better in the cider than the microplastics, though there's only one way to find out! One of my favorite ciders that I ever made was pressed through a straw cheese, so perhaps there's some magic in doing it the natural way?

Pat

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[gareth chapman]

Blimey I don't reckon you will be able to press through that very well, you need something with a fairly open weave.

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Subject: Re: [Cider Workshop] Natural Fiber Press Cloths Needed (No Plastic)

 

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[jeff.k...@gmail.com]

For what it is worth, I have pressed for 5+ years using cheap 100% cotton curtains from IKEA and it has worked brilliantly.  I have had two or three split on me in that time.  I just cut squares out of the curtain, no hemming at all - I was looking for a cheap temporary solution.  Well, they look ratty along the edges but still perform their job and have gained a lovely tannic patina.  I just chuck them in the washing machine with no detergent at 90 degrees to clean them at the end of a session.  Hemming would help.  I'm just too lazy.  

Never had any issues with fibers or squeeze out or anything.  

I can't remember what the name of the curtain was, but I wasn't very choosy.  They are not a light grade of cotton, but they certainly are not canvas either.  

/Jeff

[Jeremie Reinhart]

I use cotton pillow case. Cost about $10 and can be used over and over again.  I just chuck them in the washing machine. Then give them a quick soak in star sanitizer before I use them. 

JR

Jeremie Reinhart

"Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard"

“Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't”

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[Elizabeth Pimblett]

It's a very good point. Would coir or jute cloth lengths sewn together work? 

https://www.vidaxl.co.uk/e/vidaxl-jute-roll-1x25-m-100%25-jute-200-gsm/8721012307759.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21197373489&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4ZS6dCXKpXH3nm3p8qkUSJHxrK39V57S_aA7RBlo7yFtMq4CbVuim0aAixSEALw_wcB

Best wishes,  Elizabeth 

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[jeff.k...@gmail.com]

I would imagine that you need fairly coarsely scratted apple for that material to work, Elizabeth.  

A common problem is that overripe apples turn to mush when you scrat them.  That causes the mush to squeeze out of the pores of your material when you press it.  A more tightly woven material means less squeeze out.  In the case of the jute material you are linking to, I would think that you would see a lot of squeeze out through the coarse weave.  Yes, you can avoid this altogether by not using overripe or mushy apples, but that is easier said than done.  

  

/Jeff