https://ibb.co/8NdZ741 Is that rust in the embossed number? Bar Keeper's Friend could not clean it out.
Have you tried cleaning your kettle with PBW? I have had some issues with discoloration within my brew kettle, which I clean after each use with Barkeepers Friend, and periodic cleaning with PBW has helped me. Cheers!
I've been using OxiClean instead for quite some time. Perhaps it's time I go back to the industry standard.
Well, it 'works' for my kettle. Maybe some other BAs will provide you with alternative solutions for you to consider. Cheers! P.S. FWIW my 'method' is that I fill the kettle with very hot water (e.g., 140 degrees F) and add 1.5 ounces of PBW per gallon and let it soak for several hours. And then just use a rag to wipe/'scrub' the walls of the kettle.
It may not be necessary to soak for hours but I watched a video where the guy provided this instruction. I did it per the video and it 'worked' for me. Maybe some other BAs who regularly use PBW will provide their thoughts here. Cheers!
I get discoloration in mine all the time. I tend to just run with it until I feel it is too much. It always looks like rust to me. I get a magic eraser and it all comes off. Not sure if that is the best for the kettle, but when I am done, I make sure to passivate it again.
I do the PBW soak once or twice a year, whenever it's needed. I soak overnight with PBW solution 1oz/gal with house hot water and then the next day the buildup wipes right off. I usually move the solution from vessel to vessel to reuse it for most all of by equipment. It works on non metal vessels as well. My igloo cooler/MT comes out looking brand new after a soak.
While PBW and oxiclean look alike I assure you they are very different. I use PBW and star San exclusively because one is low pH and one has a high pH. The combination of the two have wiped out bugs in my system that oxiclean and iodophore couldn't touch. Also, PBW in hot water knocks out things like sticker adhesives and brewers stone. I have used it in my dishwasher in a pinch and it works better than dishwasher detergent. And it slices, dices and makes Julianne fries....