Using bleach?

[luke5481]

Several threads on this site (as well as some on other sites that I have checked out) mention using bleach as a sterilisation agent. Is this possible? If so, how diluted would the solution be? Also, is this after the bottles are cleaned?

[Chris]

I wouldn't use bleach to sanitise bottles, simply because it means that you then have to thoroughly hot rinse them to get the Cl out. It is good to soak botles in every so often (deep clean), to get the labels off, or to clean bottles of unknown origin.

Aside from that, I'd go one-shot with a bottle washer. Well worth it as far as time, effort and saving on cleaning product and water.

As for using it in your fermenter- it works very well. It will and sanitise clean your fermenter (get rid of those pesky stains or aceto infection). Once again, you need to give it a good hot rinse to get rid of all of that Cl smell.

I use 45mL of bleach in a regular fermenter and let sit overnight. 30mins is all you need though.

[aurelius121ad]

I like the 5 gal of water with 1oz of bleach and 1oz of vinegar method for a no rinse sanitizer (but I rinse anyway). All the ingredients are easily available for me. There is more info in the following links and the second one has a link to a radio homebrewing show that explains the science behind the bleach and vinegar technique.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7948&p=80384&hilit=bleach+vinegar#p80384 ("iodophor question")

http://www.homebrewandbeer.com/forum/vi ... gar#p80384 ("Bleach as Sanitizer")

But remember you have to mix them into water. if you mix bleach and vinegar together at full strength you end up with a toxic airborne gas.

[Kevnlis]

...if you mix bleach and vinegar together at full strength you end up with a toxic airborne gas.

I get the same when I mix wheat beer and pretzels

[drsmurto]

[Chris]

I get the same when I mix wheat beer and pretzels

Stout and pea and ham soup for me.