Preferred cleaning agent (Oxyclean?)

[tarkasteve]

Hi,

Oxyclean seems to be the preferred cleaning agent for US brewers, is there an equivalent product in Australia? This is for cleaning bottles, fermenters, pots, etc.

Thanks,
Steve

[rwh]

Looks like NapiSan to me. I use the unscented variety. NapiSan is essentially a cheap source of alkaline salts, which are a non-fat-based detergent.

[tarkasteve]

Thanks rwh. Yep, I gather Napisan is basically percarbonate, but I was under the impression that it has ingredients that leave a residue. Do you rinse it or just drain?

Cheers,
Steve

[rwh]

I rinse, then use a no-rinse sanitiser (iodophor) which I then rinse.

[Chris]

I found it hard to not rinse idophor. I finally started not doing it. One of the hardest things I ever had to [not] do!

[James L]

If the sanitiser says no rinse, i tend not to rinse afterwards.. i let it dry (covered or upside down) for 10 minutes. it helps let the foam disappear (iodophor)..

I always feel that i'm defeating the purpose if i rinse a no rinse sterlilser. because you have to ensure what you are rinsing with is sterile anyway, which is another thing you have to worry about.

[rwh]

I've always found that argument a bit unconvincing, because I'm rinsing with water out of the tap. The same water that I use to top up my brew.

[James L]

I can understand where you are coming from,

when you ferment you are creating an unfavourable environment for water borne bacteria to survive, but if you are to rinse you bottles with water, you are reintroducing potential contaminents whether they be bacteria or not.

i know its a very low possibility, but i prefer not to take the chance

[NTRabbit]

I use Woolworths brand Napisan to clean, and no rinse Orthophosphoric Acid to sanitise, which I don't rinse.

[Trough Lolly]

Me too...I alternate between bleach and home brand Napisan from Woolies.

For sanitisation, I alternate between Bio Pink, Iodophor and Star San. Duck and weave....duck and weave!!

Cheers,
TL