Cleaning/Sanitizing grain sock

I think you've nailed it . . . really no need to dry it out, potentially that allows bacteria back on it. Just load and pitch wet. I usually add some type stainless steel fitting for weight (clamp, washer, tailpiece). I don't normally dh in carboys, will let others speak about retrieving it.

 

Use fishing line and tie it to bag. Also make a very simple knot that can be removed easily. When it comes time to remove bag (after racking beer) pull up the hop bag to the neck of carboy, then untie it and let the hops fall out of the bag to bottom of carboy. Remove bag and clean carboy as you normally due.

Reason you do this is that hops will expand and you will not be able to pull out the bag with the hop.

 

If this is one of those knitted grain socks, why don't you consider it disposable? They don't cost much, and, to me, they are a p-i-t-a to clean.

 

Don't use grain socks for hop bags...or you'll be sorry (fine mesh nylon is the only way to go) : )

 

Grain socks are made for steeping grains...not dryhopping.

Whole cone hops though, are a different story...good for whole cones...disaster for pellets (I'm overly dramatic about hop sheaths : ) )

 

Agreed. Grain socks are made are called muslin and are very porous. Something like a paint straining bag or a pantyhose would serve you much better--especially if you are using pellet hops.

 

Can't sanitize what isn't clean.

- If the sock / sac is nylon ... consider tossing it in a washing machine or hand-wash in a sink ... then a 3-minute boil ... and a sanitizer dip for good luck.

- If the sock / sac is muslin ... 3-minute boil ... then a sanitize dip.
Use once / throw away.

No need to wait for the sock / sac to dry.

 

Muslin bags are these.http://www.morebeer.com/products/bag-5-15-disposable-muslin.html . They are too porous if your using pellet hop. I would be worried that the hops escape through the mesh. They are not very tight. If you are using whole hops I think you can get a way with it, but really meant for grain only.

Most people here are telling you to use these:http://www.morebeer.com/products/bag-6-8-mesh-hop.html .

 

does everyone boil first? I have just been soaking in starsan and then rinsing with pre-boiled water. Also do you guys just dip your hands in starsan prior to handling the bag or do you wear gloves? I have been and so far no problems.

I do agree with the simple knot suggestion. I had to rip my bag on my first dry hop attempt to get the hops out. I ending up scooping it out with a small spoon. The opening on the carboys are really small when trying to pull a beer-soaked bag of hops through it. I have since started dry hopping in a keg or wide-mouth bubbler.