How to use Star San to Sanitize Homebrew Wine, Cider, Mead and Beer

How to Sanitize Homebrew Wine, Cider, Mead and Beer - Star San.
Star San Saniziter - How to Sanitize BEFORE you make Mead, Wine and Cider. Star San is our go to for Sanitizing Home Brewing Equipment. Other methods exist, but to sanitize your home brewing gear, you want something like Star San that is a no-rinse, acid sanitizer.
Okay, using Star San for Brewing Sanitation might not be exciting, but it's important, and you should know how to do it. Sanitization or Sanitation is an important and often overlooked step in brewing. I know I've gotten a little lazy a few times and been lucky, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't establish a good sanitation routine. Star San is my sanitizer of choice, so, today we show you how to use it.
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[@ImperialCraftGaming]

I haven't even hit 30 seconds and I'm already in love with both these individuals

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Awww, thanks!

[@FusionDeveloper]

I've watched many videos about making alcohol and I like CS Mead and More over everyone else. The audio and video quality is some of the best. They don't attempt to lead you into possibly believing something is true, before they get the results. If they are making a guess or assumption and the end results may be the opposite, they make that very clear. They are entertaining too. I have no complaints. However, I encourage everyone else to continue making videos on brewing/fermenting related content or to start making videos if you are just waiting for someone to encourage you. Even though these 2 are great, a wide variety of content makers will always be best for everyone. Just like our tastes, some people will prefer the opposite of what I prefer, so don't give up and lets all enjoy ourselves.

[@usafirst79]

Welcome to the rabbit hole! Probably the best brewing vids out there

[@mycrazylifewfawnlisette3582]

@@FusionDeveloper well said!! 🎊🎉🌟 I'm a huge CS fan, one of the biggest reasons is because when I first fell down the brewing rabbit hole, Brian was one of the only creators to actually answer my questions in the comments and very quickly too. I learned so much from the videos but, no matter how many videos there are, there's always that one thing and having a quick and personalized answer is so helpful.

[@austinfink6605]

They got me to wana start making mead they are the best

[@infoscholar5221]

Thank you, thank you, THANK you for taking the time to dedicate a video to this most necessary step in the brewing process. There are an awful lot of brew channels out there, but they are happy to let novices struggle along with sanitizing, and that's cost a lot of people their batch.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Balo1997]

The hot water in the sink makes removing food from plate easier. Its not to kill bacteria. Grease becomes solid at room temperature.

[@raymondwall8187]

FYI, you are my 'go-to' Mead authorities. This is good because you keep things simple and relatable. This was bad because I started brewing before you finished your first Sack Mead. Using Lalvin EC-1118 (for it's temperature tolerance), I used 4# honey/gallon, expecting ~18% alcohol and some residual sweetness. I got 2 failures, one salvage, 2 moderate successes, and 6 slow ferments that I'm still hoping will turn out okay in time. Having seen what you learned from your first Sack Mead, I now know why I'm having trouble - we're learning together. I also learned on my own that too much orange can lower Ph too much, and Fermaid K can save that. I'm not ready to try step-feeding, but Capsicumel sounds awesome! I'll be starting 2 gallons tomorrow, one with grocery store jalapenos, one supplemented with a few Thai peppers. I want you to know that Meade making is a very pleasing and satisfying hobby for me (even with failures), and the two of you have made it much less mystifying. Thank you. Very. Much!

[@cameronshine3465]

good job , i love watching you 2 do this kind of stuff, your both down to earth and fun people

[@papajuja9029]

So I got 5 one gallon carboys from an old lady down the street. She was using them as containers for water storage but she had forgotten them down in her basement around 30 years ago. So I was helping her clean her basement and I found them and she said I could have them. I live in northern Az where the water is hard, meaning there are a lot of dissolved solids in our water. Long story short, I emptied out the carboys and there were mineral deposits all in the carboy. Star san is Corrosive so I filled the carboys with a star san solution and let them sit. I emptied them out and filled them again and it took care of the problem. Just FYI if your trying to figure out how to get mineral deposits out of your carboy.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Nice! Good story too. Thank you.

[@RadianHelix]

We're also in Arizona, S.Arizona where it's worse, around Tucson. So that is a very good hint to read, thank you.

[@borttorbbq2556]

It might actually be worth just getting some hydrochloric acid be very careful and if you Splash yourself don't freak out just wash it off and you'll be fine it really doesn't take much and just dilute with distilled water 5 to 1 ratio by the way will get you a fairly mild solution that will be more than enough to eat away any of that just rinse out and it'll be fine hydrochloric acid is the same acid as our stomach acid don't be too spooked by it

[@Queen_of_Hearts-Sharnell]

Very helpful to know!

[@hardwirecars]

where i live in texas we have very hard water to get a reverse osmosis device it will save your coffee maker lol

[@wannabe_D7000]

I use to boil eveything and finally after 2 years of brewing i got to buy my first Star San ! And now i know how to use it ! Thanks you both have been very helpful !! Cheers happy brewing

[@georgecolby7488]

I used OneStep for my first 6-7 brews, it worked fine. It does the opposite of StarSan by making the water basic, rather than acidic. It comes in a powder, you need hot water to dissolve it quickly, and I ended up rinsing with hot water afterwards. Stuff dries really fast. As far as cost goes, it was around $8 for 8 ounces. StarSan, like the bottle in your video, can be bought for about $16 and will last so much longer. It's a better investment.

[@mermaid3152]

You two would be fun to have a drink with! Thanks for the always good info.

[@Vernal_the_Oryx]

Oh the water plunky sound, you guys spoil me. Such a satisfying sound

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I think that's just gonna be a running joke.

[@murrayhuggins5769]

Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

You're welcome!

[@kf9010]

Bleach makes me sick so I use star San on every thing. Works great. Good video

[@mrs.knecro7044]

Bottle brushes are something I’ve got on the list to get probably in The next week or so. I’ve got a couple of re purposes swing top bottles i need to scrub out so that will help!

[@ResetYourJourney]

Thank you for this video! Just got some Star San and have begun sanitizing my containers, etc. to make Kombucha!

[@eggsjackarmy9]

Good video guys, thank you:)

[@upulaherath7204]

Awesome video, thanks!!!

[@RyanC1984]

Love the shirts as always great video again.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Thanks!

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Thank you!

[@namornamor5650]

hello, great video. Actually I cant find star san in our country can show any other way of sanitizing for brewing. thanks.

[@Vamooska]

Love this!

[@bentidwell4418]

Thanks for the video now I feel like a dummy I used to put Star San and the bucket first and then filled up with water to make sure it was all mix up and I was always stuck with more bubbles than liquid I will from now on start putting it in After I filled the bucket

[@billywray4524]

i been home brewing 35 years and have only used bleach with never a issue. i bought some of this to try it. thanks for this video

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I believe it, but... Star San is less risky :)

[@forrestmowles6115]

Thank you for this. I was doing this in a small bowl. Im going to use a home depot bucket.

[@kimwsears]

Because most food-grade plastics are self lubricating, the sanitizer will draw out ethylene's from the plastics if over exposed. Thanks to you both for the information you pour out to us in every video.

[@jonsparano6937]

You guys are my go-to for getting smarts poured into my brain about brewing. Thanks for this!

[@CitySteadingBrews]

You are welcome!

[@hbg8683]

Awesome Awesomeness I needed This 🌷🌷🌷

[@dzdzjb]

StarSan is my favorite sanitizer, but I often find I need something else as a cleanser in order to remove more stubborn material. I've used OneStep and PBW, which are excellent cleansers, and am going to try Craftmeister's Alkaline Brewery Wash on the recommendation of my homebrew store.

[@randallbitner9359]

I use oxieclean

[@kristopherwood7521]

I have used the oxygen stuff, which is like oxyclean without the detergent component. Never had problems with it, but you do have to really stir this into the water before use or you get granules in things.

[@kanniblesphone2484]

You guys are legends

[@MikeP350]

I make a 5 gal batch of starsan using DISTILLED water. Using distilled water, will keep it from going cloudy and keep the ph stable, I will use that same batch of star san for 4-5 brew/bottling days.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I can see that. I make up a gallon or two most times and dump afterward. However, I also tend to toss everything in there while I'm working so there's more crud floating around. It's like $0.15 a gallon for Star San solution for me even with filtered water, so I just make more when I need to.

[@stevenlord5730]

Love your Firefly shirt!!

[@jeffrey7730]

So I use star san too but I just fill my bucket up and than drop everything inside the pale ale bucket and clean them that way. Also I use boiling but you a electric kettle and pour the water into my stuff. BTW this video was very helpful thank you! I have been rising out my stuff with tap water after sanitizing it bc I didnt want bubbles. I was always afraid the left over sanitizer would kill my yeast.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yeah, don't rinse, just let it all drain off. If you add other water, you "might" be adding more bacteria and microorganisms.

[@Alex_Abebe]

First let me just say how I love your videos. Thank you!! Question: in my area it’s almost impossible to find hand sanitizer or Isopropyl Alcohol because of Covid 19 virus. I have Five Star - Star san, can that be use as hand sanitizer? If yes what the best way to diluted with water for a small batch. Thank you.

[@jo_rellvs..]

Perfect, Thank you!!

[@gothicvenus]

When we do our canning we place a clean tea towel in the pot when we boil our Mason jars and canning supplies. We feel it keeps the shifting to a minimum and less rattling of the jars

[@CitySteadingBrews]

This is such a great idea. It's our kind of idea, so simple and effective. I'm stealing it :)

[@borttorbbq2556]

That's a great trick

[@SiskiyouForest]

Washing soda makes taking labels of bottles suuuuper easy. Just let them soak in warm water with some soda and the labels literally just fall off. Depending on the type of label, sometimes you don't even need to wipe off the adhesive. For the others, a quick wipe with a damp rag removes any residual adhesive. Washing soda can be found at Walmart for like 3 or 4 bucks for a big box. It's made by Arm & Hammer and looks just like their baking soda box. Amazon has it too but they charge a lot more. Btw, love your videos! 😀

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Good tip! Thanks!

[@raymondwall8187]

I've been told plain salt works as well, though I haven't tried it yet - still have a bottle of Goo Gone to use up, which works great. I've reused several 750ml liquor bottles. Only Jack Daniels gave me trouble - bottle broke while corking. Even with cap threads, liquor bottles look fine once corked, and corks are MUCH cheaper than bottles ;-)

[@whitewer]

Yah, I've used star san after watching you guys, and follow a lot of your recommendations. I've made a pyment mead, a cyser sack mead, the regular grape juice wine, and currently working on a yellow watermelon mead with 2.5lbs of honey hoping that one comes out really good.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@RissaRawks]

Anxiously awaiting a review of watermelon mead...

[@michieldesmet9403]

How did the watermelon turn out? Im curious...

[@mjp96]

that was fantastic, EXACTLY what I was hoping for! thanks. why the two open tops on the Star Sans bottle?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I have no idea why they do that system!

[@erickincaid9779]

Thanks- I found this video thanks to your comment. I guess I should have searched first, but I appreciate your help.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Glad I could help 🤓

[@Chibblechabble]

That StarSan is amazing

[@zenonic]

Here is another sanitizer too add to the list; Peracetic acid (PAA). It's an organically approved sanitizer. I originally used this to sanitize food contact surfaces on a stonefruit packing line. Figured I'd give it a try. I successfully made a Hard cider and a jerkum with no mold issues. Check it out...

[@tyler6857]

Once upon a time, I used diluted bleach as a sanitizer. I didn't get it all out, but my wine did ferment. It gave my wine a ... vodka like flavor. I felt I should share this as a why to avoid using bleach. I do use star san now.

[@hotbox1266]

I use a product called iodophor (spellkng probably isnt right) its an iodine based sanitizer reccomended by my brew shop. Never thought about using an acid based san. I love yalls channel. Yall both seem like really awesome people.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Thanks! Derica is Awesome, I'm Aweful... kidding. Maybe. Anyway, I was handed a bottle of Star San by a homebrewer and never looked back.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

We are awesome people, just ask, we'll tell ya. When I asked about sanitizer, I was handed a bottle of Star San, and the rest is history.

[@valterspatriks8752]

Thank you for the video! Got an infection in my first batch - circular foam on the surface of the brew after racking. Is StarSan good to kill all that infection off my equipment?

[@renexerez2122]

4:44 hahaha Brian. She sure gave you the look of terror that you took that back. Hahaha. We saw that. The freeze look 😬.

[@theseeker4911]

Yeah! Its my favourite brewing duo! So informative for a cleaning video guys ;) :p :D

[@theseeker4911]

Oh and i think i figured out how if you get too clean you actually get dirty! As my lady would say, sometimes i end up sweating like a damn beast from over doing it. ;)

[@CitySteadingBrews]

LOL, not where I was going but funny. My thought was, if you eliminate all the possibility of anything unclean, you become vulnerable to dirt and bacteria that much more. For instance.... there's a higher rate of allergies among people today than just a few decades ago. When I was a kid, we played in the dirt, made mud pies and ate questionable things. Today's kids don't do that. We built up our immune systems... today, not so much. So they are so clean, they're dirty.

[@iamme9039]

C.S.- I completely agree. I believe this concept unfortunately extends and applies to the mental sanitation of 21st century American youth as well...;(

[@ChuckCanada1]

I rinse my jars or jugs out after I empty them with as hot of water as I can get from my tap and scrub them with a pipe cleaner I got from our local Brewing store. After that I let them dry and sit until I use them again, this goes for canning or making mead/cider. Before I reuse them I put them in Star San now that I bought a bottle! scrub them with my pipe cleaner just to make sure and then turn them out upside down on a towel. I basically do what you guys just said to do, I just read the instruction on Star San and did what it says to do there. I'd like to thank you guys for making your videos, because of you two I know for a fact the cider and mead I am starting in October will be my best yet.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Thanks for your support, and happy brewing!

[@CitySteadingBrews]

That is a good practice to do with your fermenters! Also, thanks for your support, I see a lot of comments from ya! We appreciate it and the feedback and interaction is inspiring!

[@jo-anncoker143]

Hi! Do I have to wait for items to completely dry after sanitizing? Second question; can I close up my unused sanitized bottles for later use.

[@moisesle]

Thanks for your great work and sharing all this with us. I have two questions: 1- I'm using potassium metalbilsulfite as sanitization method, what are your thoughts on that? 2- for a cider brew on which I started at 1.092SG cold crashed it on the 11th date at 1.050 then added 1oz of sugar per gallon for natural carbonation and on day 12.5 I opened one swing cap bottle to check on it and it foamed out heavily for 3-5 seconds and decided to stop carbonation and follow to pasteurizing it, how do you know when carbonation is complete as this are a bit carbonated but not too much or at least not like a light beer. Thanks again and keep up with the excellent work.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

1: Potassium Metabusilfite is not a sanitizer. 2: It's likely your brew was still fermenting when you tried to carbonated it. With a 1.092 OG and a 1.050 FG, it's likely not finished and you didn't need more sugar to carbonate it.

[@moisesle]

@@CitySteadingBrews on your ginger beer you also stopped fermanting before completion, what would be the difference from that? I think I have seen those two videos like 10 times to follow it precisly, did I missed something? Thanks so much for your help and super quick response.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Rodolfo Lemus we did. We checked the pressure every day. Yours happened fast I guess.

[@MrPokesmot32]

Can you use tap water for the cleaning solution?

[@Carmengato]

Hey guys great videos! But I cannot get Star Sun where I live, so I wanted to know if I can use quaternary ammonium and what concentration? Thank you and greetings!!!

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I wouldn't use any ammonia derivative for something I was going to eat.

[@vintnerwinemaker]

Great videos! Do you do anything special to the towel that you lay your equipment on?

[@KnowKnots]

I was wondering the same thing. I line dry my towels so I'm wondering what a 'clean' towel constitutes. I'm preparing for my first mead brew and want it to go well.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

There’s normally plenty if sanitizer liquid in them, since we lay the bottles and other gear straight from the tub. It’s good practice to be clean but you cannot be 100%. Just do the best you can.

[@Falconuk1]

First of all thanks guys for the great content in your videos, Maybe a stupid question but I am in the UK and our gallon is a different measurement from us gallon and Starsan is produced in the US, is it measured in us gallons. It does not state this on the bottle. Thank you.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

UK Gallons are bigger, yes.

[@shadcrow522]

May I suggest that you put your hydrometer into your test jar when in the sanitizer bath, it keeps it in the liquid and also protects it. Great video thank you.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

We do!

[@shadcrow522]

@@CitySteadingBrews appologies

[@ricksigurdson2016]

Before I sanitize, I wash everything in powdered alkaline brewers wash. Then sanitize. I have an 8oz bottle. It shows 1/4 and 1/2 oz. Different size containers different measurements. Also I have a lot of filters. Spa, pool and cleanable drinking water filters go into the wash before I dump the wash. Speed cleaning it is. And the cleaning water shows it works. Rinse with water and it's ready for service.

[@pandamonium238]

whenever i use starsan for carboys theres always a ton of large bubbles in it, should i let them disperse or just go ahead and put my brew in it?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Let them drain. They say you don't have to worry, but... they're bubbles... of acid solution... I let them drain off first.

[@brocknspectre1221]

I love Star Sans, but not just for brewing. I bring a little spray bottle with me when I go camping or to festivals. It’s a great way to sanitize kitchen equipment

[@steveskouson9620]

I've always used Iodophor, for sanitizing. What do you think of that chemical? This video is informative. I may be switching to Star-san. steve

[@hotbox1266]

I use that product and love it. Im no pro but ive never been let down.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Never used it, but I do hear that it's right up there with Star San for usage. It's supposedly slightly more effective, but also more toxic. How much? I couldn't tell you.

[@danielkeith9195]

I’m getting ready to start my very first batch of wine using a kit. I am not sure on what type of water to use I have decent well water or should I buy distilled or spring water?

[@GreenSnowleaf]

Thanks for the info! How long does it take to airdry?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

We just use them wet…

[@scottbrasseur8426]

How likely is my brew that does NOT seem to be getting started a result of using star sans treated equipment BEFORE allowed to dry off? Temperature of the brew starting off was just over 60F but was put in a 76F room immediately after, so......a little cool but not terrible. Using Lalvin 71B. Can't think of anything else I did that could have done this. Also, I dry pitched the yeast so I can't be sure it was good to start. Maybe just add more yeast after I pitch it first?

[@rayc5255]

When first getting started scored small bag of One Step Sanitizer, but have since acquired & use the Star San. Using SS for larger production activities but have found the One Step very handy for making smaller usually 1 Gal batches for sanitizing B4 taking 2nd or more SPGR readings. IMHO its worth having both types available. Measuring 1 Tblsp/1 Gal One Step easier than tryna do ML of the SS.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

The only thing to watch for is that One Step is not actually a sanitizer.

[@rayc5255]

@@CitySteadingBrews ? Checked...Package sez...cleaner not sanitizer! Hmnnn bought it searching for home brewing sanitizers. So guess I'm lucky the Cider literally just racked has no off flavors, finished at .992 / 10.72 ABV, actually tastes great even dry dry. Google foo'd Star San for 1 gal is a teaspoon or 6 ML. And found a measurer-er. Point taken sir! And add another thanks!

[@napoleontheafromite]

Hi Brian and Derica. Do you have any special methods or suggestions for actually cleaning your utensils after you're done using them? Currently, I'm using PBW that I got from my local homebrew store, mostly because I've read you don't want to use dish soap for cleaning anything that will touch your brew. But there are somethings that I use for other kitchen stuff (funnel, measuring cups, etc) that I clean with dish soap. Just looking to see what other people do.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

We use soap and water... then sanitize before use. If you rinse properly, never a problem.

[@loicimbeau6531]

Hey! I'm going to buy Star San soon, but I'm gonna have to use boiling water to sanitize everything because I don't really have the time to wait for it to arrive. That being said, I don't really trust puting anything made out of plastic (airlock, etc.) in it. Is it safe? Thx guys!

[@kndztr]

You said the plastic equipments should be taken out after 5 minutes, because there will be a reaction with the sanitizing solution. However, as I understand, TRBOS is actually a plastic tub, and the solution stays there much longer than 5 minutes. So I guess the type of plastic used for it is safe. I like this setup, but I am not sure how can I find out the plastic I am going to buy will be safe to store the sanitizing solution for longer.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Good point. Our TRBOS seems to suffer no ill effect from prolonged contact. It's available on Amazon here: city-steading.com/product/trbos-the-red-bucket-of-sanitization/

[@shawn9015]

What are your thoughts on using a high % alcohol to sterilize like you say can be used in the airlock?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Why waste the alcohol? Lol

[@reydelacalzada4747]

I had to buy Star san from Amazon and shipped it to my place in the Philippines. 😁

[@noonbreak5276]

how did you get it shipped to the Philippines? I tried buying star san from Amazon but they were unable to ship it due to hazardous materials are prohibited from international shipments

[@reydelacalzada4747]

@@noonbreak5276 that was a year ago. Liquid shiipment restrictions might have changed.

[@noonbreak5276]

@@reydelacalzada4747 okay then, I managed to buy stellar san instead don't know what are the difference but I'm giving it a try

[@MeDysfunctional]

How are you cleaning the table beforehand, can I use star San with a paper towel on the surface to clean it? I looked around on Google but couldn't find anything.

[@aburigene]

Hi! Here where I live (Portugal) it can be very difficult to find Star San in the market. But I've heard that Potassium Metabisulfite can be used as a sanitizing solution. What information can you give me about this? Is it a viable alternative? How can it be used? By the way, I love your videos!!! 😉

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I have never used it but just know that is what is used to halt fermentation so, not sure I would sanitize with it.

[@wadedog4280]

Will sanitizer hurt the sink or pipes and seals when finished and poured down the drain ?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

If you soak in it, I've heard from a few that it does. Pouring it down the drain when done shouldn't be so much of an issue.

[@rainermorgan-kavanaugh3315]

I have a bit of a problem with a wine brew. I am brewing a cherry wine, OG was1.095 fermentation has been very good and really active lots of bubbles and froth and good yeast to the bottom and the top. However while following the recipe it recommends adding more water at around day 5 or when the fermentation settles which I have done on day 8 after she settled down she was a bit lively. However along with the fruity cherry smell and the fiesty alcohol smell there is a smell of bleach. I did try a little of it and there is a definite bleachy taste. I used steriliser and rinsed well several times, it also recomended using a weakened streriliser solution in the airlock which i did (was this wrong). Is this salvagable or not really?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I don't know why the recipe has you adding more water during the fermentation process. This will make your gravity readings not the same and may oxygenate your brew. I don't know where the bleach smell and taste is coming from. My best guess is you may have activated an acetobacter and may now be making vinegar.

[@bruceking5539]

can i use chlorine water with the star,s an in for cleaning or will i have to boil the water

[@CitySteadingBrews]

You can... but non-chlorinated is better. You can also leave tap water out overnight and the chlorine will evaporate.

[@gspahr]

Hello Brian and Derica! How do you dispose of the remaining sanitizing liquid?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Down the drain, with the faucet running. It's diluted enough to not be an issue so I've been told.

[@gspahr]

@@CitySteadingBrews Thank you so much! Greetings from Argentina :)

[@VideoHobby2007]

Hey guys, love your channel! Was wondering what you do with old sanitization water...do you put it down the drain? (metal sinks?) or flush it? I'm thinking using old as toilet bowl cleaner??? Sorry, If I took this to a whole nother level...lol

[@GreenSnowleaf]

I'd like to know as well!! Did you ever get the answer?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

We dump it down the drain.

[@xeress]

What about Camden dissolved in hot water for sanitizing ?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

It will help, but it's not really sanitizing.

[@insanereaper8396]

Sorry you might have mentioned this, but is it safe to use tap water for the star san, if you are using a filtered water in your brewing?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

You can use tap water.

[@buzzluke]

Is TRBOS long enough to lay your auto siphon and other longer equipment down flat?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yes.

[@Grandpa_RLP]

Okay I have another two questions. Because you say you have noticed plastic changes if it soaks a while I wonder if it will mess with plastic if the Star San solution just sits on it for a while when drying? I make a whole spray bottle and use when needed but this means the solution stays in the plastic spray bottle for weeks. Is that bad?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

We haven’t noticed it affecting things to dry… but we never put it in spray bottles. We just mix a batch when we brew and dump it when we finish.

[@marcpetranski7852]

I sanitized my carboy with star San bust there was a ton of suds and I tried leaving it dry and it didn't go away so I rinsed it with bottle water. Do you think it will be fine

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Nope, the world will now come to an end. Yeah, should be alright. Try not to make so much suds though. Add Star San to the water, not water to the Star San and don't let the water gurgle out of the carboy, pour gently. If you rinse with water there is a chance some pathogens in the water get back into your carboy.

[@dmorgan0628]

@@CitySteadingBrews I'm making 2 batches of my first brew and I kinda rushed things and rinsed out with water out of desperation. I have tub I hope to use and how much solution (properly mixed) should I pour into my carboy for a swash. I assume when I pour the solution into my carboy don't shake it vigorously and I should just gently let the solution coat all of the surfaces right? I'm asking a lot but I'm a total newbie, I assume I should pour my apple juice right after I've reached that drying point right? Kind regards, Dan

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yep. You’re fine.

[@eminusipi]

@@CitySteadingBrews If someone wants to rinse it out how about boiling the water for 10 minutes first? Tap water or bottled water can both and often do have various microbes in them. I was making home brew beer many years ago and I was under the impression that if there were a few foreign microbes in the wort, once the yeast took off it resulted in a microbial gentrification :)

[@kazemainihadi]

So for how long can I use star san ? Is it ok to keep adding star san every month? Thanks

[@CitySteadingBrews]

We make up a batch and dump it after each use.

[@paulsnowdon4765]

Cleaning does not equal sanitizing. Oxy cleansers like PBW are for cleaning and helping to remove things stuck on and get it clean removing seen and unseen dirt. Sanitizing is the next level. Killing the unseen microbes. I typically use PBW the day before a brew, then starsan just before I use the items.

[@jasonbrinkman52]

Do you have to be careful about using a "clean" towel due to residual detergent? I've always been told to use paper towels, but don't care to use that many of them. Also, how far in advance due you sanitise before making your mead? Thank you so much!!!

[@CitySteadingBrews]

We just wash our towels. These are only used for brewing as you see. Never had a problem. We sanitize just before use with anything that touches the brew.

[@tigersfan14]

My tap water has chlorine in it. Is it still okay to use tap water when I'm sanitizing? Or should I be using store bought distilled water?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yep it’s fine.

[@mistym614]

A crack in our airlock allowed about 1/2oz of StarSan mixture to leak into our brew (1 gal). Should I be concerned?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

According to the manufacture you should be fine.

[@camilog.719]

Some time ago, a friend and I were brewing beer. We sanitized the bottles with bleach and some water and then put it in the oven (with the mixture still inside)... there was a (small) explosion... Wish we'd new about this before XD In the end, we had to throw out the beer because it started smelling like a sewer in the brewing bucket... T_T

[@yu-ger-bloob-highway3521]

How do you sanitize the table/ make sure the cloth you dry on in sanitary? Would just a normal Clorox wipe be fine for the table? Other people have said you have to use starsan on the table too and not use cloth because it’s not sanitized even if washed? 😅 sorry I have so many questions on y’all’s videos lol

[@CitySteadingBrews]

There's really no reason to go overboard here. We put all the gear in sanitizer liquid. When it comes out, it drip dries on clean towels, that then have sanitizer on them. Clorox wipes would be BAD, since so many chemicals and bleach will harm the yeast. I have never had an infection the way we do it, so.... I'll keep doing it this way.

[@joegibson4946]

One thing I'm not sure about. How long can you let your equipment sit and dry before you have to sanitize it again? I sanitized my gallon jar and all the equipment I need to make mead but then got called away for work and it was six hours before I got back. I decided to just re-sanitize to be safe but was wondering if it was needed.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I would do as you did.

[@kr2186]

Hello, I have a question (which may have been answered at some point). So you've noted that Star San might be eroding your plastic if left in solution for too long. But in other videos that you have when it comes to the airlock for fermenting you mentioned being able to use it or a cheap alcohol of choice. I was just wondering if by having Star San in there, if it could be causing damage to the airlock?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Haven’t seen it do that to airlocks. Difference in plastic maybe?

[@AndrewDeLong]

As I am beginning to understand it, sanitizing your equipment readies them for immediate use, whereas sterilizing certain items (such as bottles) can have them safe for use much further in advance, when properly done (i.e: sealing and then baking wine bottles well ahead of racking time). Do I have that about right?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

No idea. Sanitization is all you need for brewing. Sterilization is the next level up, but I don't know about how long that lasts for.

[@HeartFelt520]

is bottled water from the store ok to make mead/cider with? because i think our tap water i think has alot of clore, safe to drink, but it does have clore in it..

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yes. Bottled water is fine.

[@othon_87]

Quick question -- if starsan isn't great to use on plastic for any extended periods, is it not eating away at the plastic tub you've put the starsan mixture in?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

In theory yes! Different plastics seem to react differently though

[@jessedavid6505]

My tap water also has chlorine in it if i use it star san in this water will it screw up my fermentation process?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

For washing? No. Don’t ferment with that water though.

[@gwa752]

Can you use tap water with chlorine to mix with Star San to sanitize?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Tap water is fine to use with Star San as long as you use the dilution recommendations on the package.

[@johnnny9]

is it true those yeast residue can be reused after a brew as yeast nutrition?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

It can and can even be used to start a new fermentation. The effectiveness of both is inconsistent though.

[@teknashend]

Can anyone post a link to the red basket thing that they are sanitizing everything in? I want an Amazon link please

[@CitySteadingBrews]

The exact one doesn't seem to be available anymore, but here's one quite similar: amzn.to/3OeuNoV

[@vincentlabruzzo5368]

If I didn't sanitize properly, I tried but first time and am nervous, how long does it take to turn to vinegar or something else? I'm doing a 4 week kit wine.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

It could take several weeks to a few months. Most likely you’re fine.

[@shannoncraig509]

Hot water in dish washing is not for killing bacteria. Hotter water will help loosen food stuck on dishes.

[@williambailey9888]

I have watched several of your videos and I'm creating a setup similar to what you use. I tried to order Star sani but Amazon will not deliver to my address, I live in Georgia, any ideas why. Is a product called one step as good

[@CitySteadingBrews]

You're not the first to tell is this... we checked, we can't get it anymore either. One step is a great cleaner but not actually a sanitizer... we are looking for alternatives!

[@ben501st]

Hot water helps suds form. Not super necessary for star san but it is helpful for soapy applications.

[@LSFprepper]

I suppose if you used double TRBOS and put clean water in one to just rinse off the item, then place it in the sanitation bucket you would keep it very clean and could reuse it. But that seems more trouble than it's worth unless you have a container you could close and a good place to store it.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I just dump it. The amount used for a brew day is nothing.

[@charleswells9682]

I'm on board with using Star San. But, after listening to the segment on the use of chlorine bleach I have to wonder whether you use chlorinated tap water as the base of your solution. Granted that it is slightly different formulation to the hypochlorite bleach, but toxic to biologics also (really that is why it is in tap water.) I would appreciate your insights on this. Apologies if I managed to miss this in the presentation.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Nope. We have our water filtered to remove chlorine.

[@charleswells9682]

@@CitySteadingBrews Thanks for the speedy response. What advice do you have for those of us not so blessed at the moment? I do see a filter in my near future, but need I delay my first mead batch until?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

@@charleswells9682 spring water... bottled water. Though honestly you can just let it sit for 24 hours and most of the chlorine evaporates.

[@charleswells9682]

@@CitySteadingBrews Thanks. And BZ on your channel. I really enjoy the informal, conversational style you guys have. I'm sure that you are used to such plaudits, but you really deserve them.