I cleaned my stainless steel 9-frame radial today and found it easier than
before because I made an error - which is often how we learn . The inside
was coated with very hard ivy honey. The technique this time was: pour in
cold water to just touch the bottom of the cage, and leave for a few days (I
did not get back for 3 days,  that was the 'error').  I found the high
humidity inside had made all the set honey take up moisture and become a
slush.  When I turned the cage fast, -  the water started to swirl and
magically climb the drum wall to about 6 ins of the top, all below washed
completely clean.  I drwew off a jug of water thru the honey tap and started
pouring over the top six inches - the honey being so slushy  washed down
easily. I cleaned off the top circle of the cage with a cloth, emptied the
extractor and put in clean water to rinse.    No point in removing all the
propolis as far as I can see.

Robin Dartington.

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