Sanitizer Question

[Michaeldonk]

Hi People, I have a bottle of this stuff http://www.yatesupplies.com/Products/Multisurface_Cleaner_Sanitiser/ECMIKROcalled Mikro Chlor. It says its a sanitizing powder. Just wondering if its ok to use on my FV's or should I stick with the usual suspects available at the LHBS, just though seeing as though I have it, why not use it?

 

[Fil]

If the Chlor in the name indicates chlorine?? it will need a good rinse after use.

your better off with starsan or videne for no rinse sanitation imho

 

[Michaeldonk]

Yeah it is just a chlorine powder. Didnt know if there was a difference between home brew and normal. We use this at work for getting stains off of stainless steel. I'd rather use this up as its free before investing in starsan

 

[pittsy]

Just so you know star san lasts a long time mine so far at the current rate it's been used ( 1 brew per 3 weeks plus kegs and equipment and bottles approx 6p per week . A £10 bottle probably would last between 2 to 4 years for the average brewer thus making it the cheapest around (and best)

 

[Mbarn]

Just so you know star san lasts a long time mine so far at the current rate it's been used ( 1 brew per 3 weeks plus kegs and equipment and bottles approx 6p per week . A £10 bottle probably would last between 2 to 4 years for the average brewer thus making it the cheapest around (and best)

I agree! I was always dubious, but having just bought and used some Star San, it saved me a lot of time compared to Milton, and despite the fact I got the smallest bottle they had of Star San (236ml) I've no idea how doing about 8 brews a year I'll ever finish it!

 

[MattN]

I use acidified bleach :shock:

I do keep meaning to get some Starsan next time I order something on-line as I do not want to pay for the delivery just for that one item, (My LHBS does not sell it) as it would be handy to have some in a spray bottle. (and that is all!)

From a cost perspective I am not sure how to do a comparison with Starsan but for £10.00 worth of bleach and vinegar one could produce over 6000 litres of sanitizer.

Matt

 

[pittsy]

Around 160 litres of star san water solution for an 8 oz bottle , you only use it after you have cleaned items in sink etc ( just cleaned , unless items are covered in mouldy grime ) then a quick spray while your 6000 litres is needed for soaking and scrubbing etc so i'll use around 100ml you may use 20 litres .

 

[MattN]

Around 160 litres of star san water solution for an 8 oz bottle , you only use it after you have cleaned items in sink etc ( just cleaned , unless items are covered in mouldy grime ) then a quick spray while your 6000 litres is needed for soaking and scrubbing etc so i'll use around 100ml you may use 20 litres .

Nope. Washing is still imperative. The acidified bleach is just used for sanitizing.

Matt

 

[pittsy]

Err if you re read it says wash , like normal then spray . Bleach is wash , soak , rinse rinse rinse . Star san you miss the last 2 efforts .

 

[YoungJames]

Just so you know star san lasts a long time mine so far at the current rate it's been used ( 1 brew per 3 weeks plus kegs and equipment and bottles approx 6p per week . A £10 bottle probably would last between 2 to 4 years for the average brewer thus making it the cheapest around (and best)

I agree! I was always dubious, but having just bought and used some Star San, it saved me a lot of time compared to Milton, and despite the fact I got the smallest bottle they had of Star San (236ml) I've no idea how doing about 8 brews a year I'll ever finish it!

I used to use Detol and dread bottling day. Just got my order of Starsan in the post from the homebrewshop and am quietly excited.

 

[MattN]

Err if you re read it says wash , like normal then spray . Bleach is wash , soak , rinse rinse rinse . Star san you miss the last 2 efforts .

Errr I did re read it. Acidified bleach is no rinse sanitizer.

Anyway as I said Starsan would be handy for me to have pre mixed in a spray bottle to save me from mixing up a solution every time I want to take a reading. Although I have recently just been made aware that Starsan does lose its effectiveness over time so this may not be that useful for me either. Still, I may buy some and you never know I may start to worship it the way so many others do. :clap:

 

[Mbarn]

Just so you know star san lasts a long time mine so far at the current rate it's been used ( 1 brew per 3 weeks plus kegs and equipment and bottles approx 6p per week . A £10 bottle probably would last between 2 to 4 years for the average brewer thus making it the cheapest around (and best)

I agree! I was always dubious, but having just bought and used some Star San, it saved me a lot of time compared to Milton, and despite the fact I got the smallest bottle they had of Star San (236ml) I've no idea how doing about 8 brews a year I'll ever finish it!

I used to use Detol and dread bottling day. Just got my order of Starsan in the post from the homebrewshop and am quietly excited.

Difficulty now is measuring it out, as you need so little!

 

[YoungJames]

I agree! I was always dubious, but having just bought and used some Star San, it saved me a lot of time compared to Milton, and despite the fact I got the smallest bottle they had of Star San (236ml) I've no idea how doing about 8 brews a year I'll ever finish it!

I used to use Detol and dread bottling day. Just got my order of Starsan in the post from the homebrewshop and am quietly excited.

Difficulty now is measuring it out, as you need so little!

I was going to trawl the local pharmacies and try and find some syringes, failing that get a few pipettes on eBay.

 

[rpt]

Although I have recently just been made aware that Starsan does lose its effectiveness over time so this may not be that useful for me either.

Where did you hear that? I was under the impression that a Starsan solution is very stable - it certainly is my experience. If you reuse it it will lose effectiveness but you are getting massive value from it this way.

 

[Mbarn]

I'm a tight Yorkshire man, and even I wouldn't bother re-using it, although I have heard you can until the PH changes too much.