Cleaning some equipment.

[Rukula]

Oh, hello there. I just got around to boil up my first mash, and now its in its 2. day of fermentation.
The thing is. I got the hygrometer(?) to measure the gravity, but i don't know how to properly clean it with what i have laying around. Its a really cheap one, but its made of glass. Can i wash it with some regular household soap, warm water and a good rub with a brush? Can i boil it? I'm afraid of it breaking because of it not taking the heat.

And when i measure the gravity.. do i just dip the hygrometer in the beer, or do i need to transfer some to a glass and test it there? :|

Thanks!

 

[Cussword]

Wash it with soap & water, sterilise with thin bleach, then rinse well. If it's just lying around sterilise again before you use it.
It's better to use a test jar or anything glass that will hold the amount you need. :thumb:

 

[oz11]

This is what I do:
Got a cheap turkey baster (plastic will do).
Boil that in water for 10-15 mins.
Take a sample from the fermenter, being as careful as I can not to allow any drips back into the fermenter, and fill the hydrometer tube.
Test gravity (thus hydrometer doesn't need to be sanitised).
Drink sample.

Others will have different methods but this works for me.

Cheers!

 

[Runwell-Steve]

For now you don't need to worry though, it's only been in the fermenter for 2 days.

Leave the fermenter alone until 7 days has passed before you get your hydrometer out to see if fermentation has completed or not.