cleaning Before initial start up

[boricualouie]

When someone buys a still, how do you clean the inside before using it and what do I use to clean it.

[captnKB]

First do a hydrostatic test to make sure everything is water / vapor tight.

Do a water distillation to make sure everything is safe and functional. 

If you have the ability to CIP do so.

Upon completion of a water test, run your first distillation of spirits and discard the product as it will likely be tainted with heavy metals from break in of the still.

This is a rather generic set of instructions. If your not sure how to do so, it would be best to bring in a distiller or consultant to assist with start up.