Sanitizing w starsan

Definitely don't fill it all the way up. Just make sure all the surfaces have contact time with starsan (ie are 'wet' for 1-2 minutes).

 

Why "definitely don't fill it all the way up"? I usually do and keep any equipment (autosiphon, funnel/strainer, airlock) that will be coming in contact with my beer post boil in the solution in the bucket with some tinfoil covering the top. Don't see why this is a "definitely not" situation.

 

Because it's a waste of starsan IMO. I bought a 32 oz bottle over 2 years ago and still have 1/3 of it left.

 

Definitely not.
If you want to make 5 gal with distilled water for later use, go for it. As for practical use, get a spray bottle. After your gear is cleaned, just spray it with starsan. Come back to it right before racking and spray it again. No foil, no big projects.

Edit: I should note that I'm a fairly lazy brewer and I trust 5 gal of star san to get some crud in it along the way. I like to make starsan pretty fresh, as I use tap water. It can go bad over time unless using distilled water. (Vikeman can chime in on his Ph readings from old star san).

 

I understand if someone has a preference for a spray bottle. I prefer to fill my bucket because it makes me more comfortable and I don't have to worry about whether I got an even distribution with a spray bottle. If you use a spray bottle because you feel filling a bucket is a waste of starsan, I get that, but filling a bucket is definitely not a "defintely not".

 

I have spray bottles, I have a bucket to soak things.

To sanitize things like the conical or fermenter buckets I use the spray bottle.

Having a bucket full is good for soaking and to dip some out to put in a keg or carboy and roll around to cover all the surface (and blow flush the poppets and tubes).

Edit- when the spray bottle is empty, just fill from the bucket.

 

If it makes you more comfortable, so be it, there's no arguing that. But there's also no arguing that filling the bucket all the way up uses much more starsan (and thus costs more) than just spraying it. Assuming the OP is interested in both properly sanitizing his/her equipment and doesn't want to waste money I think suggesting that he/she spray as opposed to fill is spot on.

 

My gripe had nothing to do with the advice, just the wording. The end.

 

The OP came here with the specific concern that he/she would be wasting water and product if he/she filled the bucket all the way (exact quote is "do I have to fill the entire thing up thus using more water and product?"). The answer of "definitely not" directly replied to his concern. I don't see what's wrong with that type of wording, but that's just me.

 

I so remember why I hardly ever post on this forum anymore...the quote wasn't "definitely not" it was "definitely don't". Definitely not would have adequately conveyed that he didn't need to. Definitely don't implies that he absolutely should not do it, implying that there is some reason why someone absolutely shouldn't. In truth, the reason is preference to conserve starsan. My preference is to keep my equipment soaking and my peace of mind. Both are valid. His statement implied they were not. The way opinions fly as absolutes around here is absolutely ridiculous.

 

I'm not trying to split hairs with you, I too am not a fan of BA's ripping into every posters wording and reasoning. However, the OP came here looking for information and I feel he/she needs to know that filling the bucket to soak equipment and to have peace of mind while fine for you, are irrefutably excessive.

 

Fixed it. Can we be happy now?

 

I'm just curious about one thing. Filling a 5-gal bucket with diluted starsan takes 1 fl. oz of it. How big is your spray bottle, and how do you accurately measure out minute amounts of starsan to dilute in a small spray bottle? You do dilute it correct? It's effectiveness is determined by concentration, and more is not always better.

 

Oh yes, I most definitely dilute it. Simple division will give you the proper proportions of water to sanitizer. Then it's just a matter of using a set of measuring spoons.

Honestly, it's not the wasting of starsan that concerns me the most (although that is a consideration as starsan costs money). It's the water, filling a 5 gallon seems like a tremendous waste of water. Depending on your home or where you live, that could be a big issue. The place I just moved out of had significant drainage issues with water so conserving it was always important, I guess that's where I learned that filling up 5 gallons is a big waste of water (not to mention time).

 

Yes.

 

I'm all for saving some money, here and there. But when it comes to sanitizing a laundry list of items for a brew day I find it much easier to just fill a bucket with 3-4 gallons of StarSan-itzed water and be done with it. I'll throw all kinds of equipment in there during the brew day - some items will get multiple baths - and I may or may not even use the bucket for a fermentor when it's all said and done. And this is for 3 gallon batches, mind you.

I suppose if you brew batches left-and-right there may be ample cause to be thrifty with your use of StarSan. But that's not a worry for me, and it's much less of a chore for me to fill a bucket most of the way full.

 

1/4 tsp to 750 mL of water.

 

I generally mix up a 1.25 gallon water/1/4 oz starsan put a part of it in my 32" commercial size wallpaper tray for my auto-siphon, spoon, beer thief. and other items. put the lid on the bucket and give it a thorough shake for about a minute with the siphon tube inside and my thumb over the hole. then I will take the tube out lay it in the tray and pour the rest of the solution in the tray and turn the bucket upside down on my dishwasher rack to drain and dry a little. I have though about the spray bottle and even purchased one but have not used one yet.