Sanitizing Chemicals for Homebrewers and Winemakers

Cleaners and Sanitizers

   Cleaners, sanitizers and preservatives are not the same thing. Cleaners may leave your equipment bright and clean but not sanitary enough for home brewing. Some sanitizers also work as preservatives; but not all preservatives will sanitize. There is also a difference between sanitizing and sterilizing. What most home brewers aim for is sanitation; keeping the population of spoilage organisms as low as possible. Sterilization, the process of removing all living microorganisms in something in order to make it incapable of causing infection, is very hard to achieve. A good rule of thumb is this; if you can keep your equipment looking, smelling, and feeling clean at all times you'll have fewer problems keeping everything sanitized.
   Rinse out bottles and carboys as soon as they are empty. Beer equipment should be stored with a little chlorine solution in it; and wine making equipment, with a little sulfite solution.
   Be careful not to mix the two solutions; dangerous gases can be produced. If you get tired of scrubbing and sanitizing, remember that 90% of all failures in home beer and wine making can be attributed to poor sanitation.

Other Chemicals

Acids & Adjusters

Safe Cleaning Chemicals
STRAIGHT- A CLEANSER 8 oz. $2.95
STRAIGHT- A CLEANSER 5 LB. $22.95
This is an environmentally sound, biodegradable cleaner. It cleans with oxygen and does not contain any chlorine, bisulphites, organic compounds or phosphates. The superior wetting power penetrates and lifts soil. Removes labels with minimum soak time and dissolves acidic soils. Use 1 tablespoon per gallon of warm water. Caution: keep out of reach of children.

EASY CLEAN SANITIZER 8 oz. $3.95
EASY CLEAN SANITIZER 5 LB. $16.95
The name says it all, easy clean sanitizes with no rinsing necessary. It is especially made for beer and wine making equipment, and great for removing labels. And, it works on all surfaces and materials including stainless steel. Measure 1 Tablespoon per 1 gallon of water.

B-T-F IODOPHOR 4 oz. $4.95
B-T-F IODOPHOR 1 liter $17.95
This is an iodine detergent, sanitizer and germicide. To prepare a solution mix one ml of Iodophor per liter of cold water. Use a syringe for an accurate measurement. Rinse the clean equipment with solution, or spray with trigger-type spray bottle and allow to air dry. Do not rinse. This is an excellent cleaner to use with stainless steel, which chlorine will corrode. The concentrated solution will stain skin, and fabric. It’s good for sanitizing, not cleaning equipment. Do not use if you are allergic to iodine.
20 cc SYRINGE $1.95

SODIUM METABISULFITE 2 oz. $0.95
SODIUM METABISULFITE 1 LB. $2.95
To make a 25% cleaning solution, dissolve 8 teaspoons into 1 gallon of cold water. The hazard classification is “Irritant” and it will provoke an allergic reaction in hypersensitive individuals. People with asthma or emphysema should not breathe the dust or gas from the prepared solution. This sodium source of metabisulfite is not recommended for use as a stabilizer in wine because of possible flavor changes in wine. The use of sodium metabisulfite in all wines made in or imported into the country is currently banned by the United States Government due to health concerns over sodium. Potassium Metabisulfite is what should be used as a sulfite stabilizer.