Brewing Master

Question:

I’m brand new to homebrewing, and I have my first batch of homebrew almost ready to bottle.  I’ve read about the importance of sanitation, and I have a few specific questions about it. 1.  I’m sanitizing my bottles with bleach water.  Is it OK to leave bleach water in the bottles for several days until right before bottling to keep them sanitary?

I don’t believe it’ll cause a problem. 2.  I have a bucket of bleach water which several gnats landed in. Does this mean the whole 6 gallons of bleach water is unusable, or does the chlorine deal with small insects fairly well?  What about small specks of dirt which blow into the water?

Your sanitizing solution should be OK.  The sanitizing solution will take care of the gnats.  Fish them out if you can.  Add a little more bleach if you’re concerned.  I suggest you cover your bucket with something.  I use plastic wrap. 3.  I’d appreciate some feedback on the amount of bleach to put into water for sanitizing.  I’ve read one tablespoon per gallon in one book, one tablespoon per 5 gallons in another.  I’ve been trying 1-2 tablespoons per 5 gallons.

I use 1 tablespoon per gallon for sanitizing and 1 teaspoon per gallon for rinsing. — Phil

Response:

1.  I’m sanitizing my bottles with bleach water.  Is it OK to leave bleach water in the bottles for several days until right before bottling to keep them sanitary?

Yes, you can do that but then you will rinse them in non-sterile water anyway.  The idea is to minimize contamination – you can’t prevent all organisms from getting into your equipment.  It would make more sense to sanitize them just before you use them.  I no longer use bleach after ruining several items of clothing.  I use BTF Iodophore for my brewing equipment.  You can get it at most homebrew shops.  For my bottles, I put them through the dishwasher without soap and set the drying heat on.  It has worked well for me. 2.  I have a bucket of bleach water which several gnats landed in. Does this mean the whole 6 gallons of bleach water is unusable, or does the chlorine deal with small insects fairly well?  What about small specks of dirt which blow into the water?

The chlorine will kill any organisms from dust or gnats unless you keep it around so long that the chlorine evaporates.  Bleach is cheap – better to make it fresh. 3.  I’d appreciate some feedback on the amount of bleach to put into water for sanitizing.  I’ve read one tablespoon per gallon in one book, one tablespoon per 5 gallons in another.  I’ve been trying 1-2 tablespoons per 5 gallons.

I don’t think it makes much difference.  Your concentration is probably okay.  Try the iodine stuff!  I think I paid about $10 for a bottle (975ml) and you use only 5-10ml each time.

Response: