Ways To Sanitize Your Beer Making Equipment
It is important to sanitize all your equipment before starting the brewing process. This ensures that there are no excess bacteria that could potentially grow, causing a risk of disease. Make sure you sanitize all the equipment and utensils you will use in the process as well as the bottles. You must also work in a sanitized and cleanly area. If you don’t sanitize well, your beer-making efforts will be in vain, as an unsanitary product will result in you being unable to drink it.
Boiling Water
The most inexpensive method of sanitizing is using boiling water. Don’t boil plastic equipment as it may melt and deform it. The water must be boiling when it comes into contact with the items and should stay on the items for at least several seconds or more. Take care not to dry your equipment with a dirty towel. The best method is to air dry. Keep your work area clean and sanitary. Keep pets and children away from the area to ensure cleanliness. Be sure to keep windows shut so that dust or bugs cannot get into your work area.
Chlorine (Household Bleach)
Standard household bleach is an inexpensive and effective cleaner and disinfectant. Use the non-scented type. To clean your glass fermenter or other components, mix two ounces of bleach in 5 gallons of water and soak the items overnight. A stronger solution of about 1 ½ tsp of bleach mixed with 5 gallons of water will cut the soak time to about 1 hour. To make an effective sanitizing sponge wash mix 1½ ounces of bleach per gallon of water. Be sure to use three hot clear water rinses. Chlorine is corrosive to stainless steel, copper and brass so do not use on these surfaces. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Chemicals
Other chemicals are designed for easy disinfection of beer making supplies. These can be readily found through any beer-making supply store. These special chemicals work similarly to bleach. One advantage of these chemicals is that they work rather quickly so you can often sanitize and start brewing immediately. They are available as either a liquid or in powder form ready to be mixed by you. Always follow the package directions. Keep a separate pot large enough for the sterilization of most of your equipment.
Author: Graham Williams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news