Does Cleaning Solution Affect Yeast?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by dmvanmeveren, Mar 26, 2015.

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  1. dmvanmeveren

    dmvanmeveren Initiate (0) Apr 10, 2014 South Dakota

    This question is probably a bit elementary, but what is the best way to properly sanitize fermentation equipment? My worry specifically is that the cleaning solution I use is intended to kill off any wild-yeast but also claims that it doesnt need to be rinsed off.

    Wouldn't the cleaning residue affect the yeast during the actual fermentation?

    I should say that the majority of the brews that I have done turned out great even with using this sanitizing solution, but it is impossible to say if they could have turned out even better.
     
    #1 dmvanmeveren, Mar 26, 2015
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    First, are you talking a about a cleaner or a sanitizer? And which one? They are different and serve different purposes. You need to use both.

    But either way, if you're using any of the standard cleaners and sanitizers, they won't harm your yeast. That's because the residue won't be concentrated enough when the yeast is introduced.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Mar 27, 2015
  3. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,295) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    May just be a matter of semantics.
    I've never heard of a no-rinse cleaning product; however ... there are no-rinse sanitizers.
     
    #3 HerbMeowing, Mar 27, 2015
  4. dmvanmeveren

    dmvanmeveren Initiate (0) Apr 10, 2014 South Dakota

    What are some practices to maintain strict sanitation? i.e., do you sanitize the fermenting chamber moments before you transfer the wort, or is it alright to sanitize hours before transfer?
     
    #4 dmvanmeveren, Mar 27, 2015
  5. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I sanitize my fermenters during the boil and cover with sanitized aluminum foil. As long as no bugs can get in, there's nothing to worry about.
     
    #5 VikeMan, Mar 27, 2015
    inchrisin likes this.
  6. Lukass

    Lukass Pooh-Bah (2,891) Dec 16, 2012 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah

    If you use Star San at the right concentration (1oz per 5 gallons water) then you don't have to worry about rinsing and you don't get any off flavors from it. I've read that it actually not only sanitizes your equipment, but it also doubles as a yeast nutrient (if used at the correct concentration). It's a great product for that reason alone.

    But to answer your question, I'll usually just pour some of the hot star san mixture into my fermenter, cover the top with my hand and shake the hell out of it. Just make sure it coats all surfaces on the inside of the fermenter, and pour your wort in.
     
    #6 Lukass, Mar 27, 2015
  7. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    FWIW, if you are heating your Starsan solution, or making it with hot water, you don't have to. (And there's no reason to.)
     
    #7 VikeMan, Mar 27, 2015
    bushycook likes this.
  8. Lukass

    Lukass Pooh-Bah (2,891) Dec 16, 2012 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah

    This is true! It works as a cold solution as well.
     
    #8 Lukass, Mar 27, 2015
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