Best Sanitizing Method

[Dale]

Hi,

I've been using Sodium Metabisulphite for all my sanitizing of my fermenter + my S/S Keg. Have heard that this is not that good and should be using Iodophor or something like that.

What does everyone recommend that will work well for plastic and stainless.

Thanks

[Mike Neilson]

Starsan $18 per bottle no rinse minimal contact time and 1.5mls per Litre of water. enough said!!

[Haish]

What he said!!

[James P]

I use Iodophor, similar concentration to starsan. Works for me.

[Martin Bridges]

I've had no problems with sodium met. That being said, I also use StarSan for some stuff.

[Dale]

Thanks guys, sounds like Starsan is the one, i'll order that.

[denimglen]

Although the decision's been made, starsan for the win.

Sodium met isn't actually a sanitiser either, just like a yeast retarder.

[Doublehoppy]

+1 Starsan

[warra48]

I use each Iodophor and Starsan interchangebly.
I don't like giving the little critters an even chance, so change from one to the other to keep them jumping to their doom.

[Tony]

Excuse my ignorance, but I was of the belief that star san is an acid cleaner? Therefore how can it be no-rinse? I have never used it, but by the comments here, I may start using it. Is it environmentally safe? Is it a concentrate? I have started using the brewcraft NRC powder, but it's pretty expensive. I use chlorine in my fermenters, because I know it's going to kill everything and it's cheap, but it's not environmentally safe and you can't use it for SS.

[denimglen]

Starsan is an an acid sanitiser.

It's no rinse because when other liquids are added it dilutes it down to negligible levels. It actually acts as a yeast nutrient once diluted down.

I believe it is environmentally safe. I know the US guys with septic systems use it where they can't use iodophor.

Yes, comes as a concentrate.

[Dale]

So have got my hands on some Star San and used the 1.5ml to 1 Litre as per Mike's answer. Pour it in shake it all about and 3 minutes later pour it out. I'm left with a stack of foam. Is this foam a concern do I need to get rid of it? I was making a yeast starter and was concerned that I would kill my yeast if i poured it in with this foam still in the vessel?

Thanks

[studio1]

Don't Fear the Foam!