Star San Sanitizer

12/12/2012 -- 1. After dilution, how long is the starsan solution effective if kept sealed in a 5 gallon bucket?
2. How does one dispose of the solution safely?
Thanks

Response From Homebrew Heaven: A solution of Star San has a long usage life and an open 1. A bucket of it will remain active for several days. Keeping a solution of Star San in a closed container will increase its shelf life. The viability of the solution can be judged by its clarity; it turns cloudy as the viability diminishes.
2. Because it is listed as a sanitizer and . . .

8/27/2012 -- I am interested in recommendations for CLEANING a glass (5-gal) carboy. Overall, the carboy is in great shape (no films, build ups etc), it's in good enough condition I would consider it "new". I have SanStar for sanitizing it, but I haven't done an initial cleaning. What should i use? I read about 10:1 bleach cleaning (10 parts water) I've . . .

Response From Homebrew Heaven: Both Super Grunge Remover and One-Step are great for cleaning glass carboys. See links below

I would NOT use bleach for that purpose. It's an effective sanitizer, but not that great of a cleaner. 10:1 ratio is also WAY too much bleach. We've smelled/tasted too many beers ruined by the use of bleach.

5/17/2010 -- what is your phone number?

Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can be reached at (425) 355-8865

Our toll free order is (800) 850-2739

2/19/2009 -- I've got a 10-gallon stainless steel pot that whas been used for food preparation. Is there a good way to clean this pot adequately so that it could be used as a brew pot?
Thanks!

Response From Homebrew Heaven: Correction: For cleaning I would use a non-chlorine based cleaner such as our Super Grunge Remover, or One-Step cleanser.
Star San is a very effective SANITIZER, and would be a good choice for use AFTER cleaning..

1/26/2008 -- I live about an hour (if traffic is good) from the address on your website. Do you have an actual store or is everything here based solely online?

Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have an actual brick-and-mortar store in Everett, WA. People actually walk in and buy stuff!

Our address is:

Homebrew Heaven
9109 Evergreen Way
Everett, WA 98204

Here is a video of our shop:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1a5fKvv8XI

Heck, you can actually call us on the phone, too! It's 425-355-8865. A person will . . .

9/17/2007 -- I was wondering whether you offer containers of Star San larger than 8 oz. I can definitely order more than one but it makes sense to get it in bulk.

Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can certainly special order it for you. Call 800-850-2739 and well get it done!

3/19/2007 -- with star san,can you mix a small batch,1 gallon or so,and use it three days in a row,ie...taking grav readings 3 days in a row to see if ready for bottling. it's a pain to have to mix it up each day to sterilize your beer thief, and seems kinda wasteful.

Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, you can do that. Just keep the container sealed between sessions.

11/9/2005 -- in your FAQ about STAR SAN in one place you say it is safe for septic systems and in another you say it is not.you also say it will burn skin. my experience is that I sanitize my bottles in the sink with STAR SAN and have had no discomfort to my hands. thanks, Will.

Response From Homebrew Heaven: Good.

Like with many things, it is a matter of degree, and personal experience. Used as directed, Star San is a good product, and causes few problems. If it is not diluted properly however, it can be quite caustic. Some people are more sensitive than you are, and may have problems.

I have now removed the conflicting information. I don't . . .

5/2/2005 -- What is the difference between sanitizing and Cleaning?

Response From Homebrew Heaven: BIG difference. Cleaning is the removal of any grime, oils, residue etc. Sanitizing is the removal of bacteria, molds etc. that can affect your brewing.

It is possible to have a surface that is clean, but not sanitized, for instance (and visa versa).

3/7/2005 -- What are your thoughts on using bleach to sanitize things???

Response From Homebrew Heaven: We are not enthusiastic about it, having tasted too many beers that were ruined by using too much bleach, or by insufficient rinsing. If it's all you HAVE, by all means use it temporarily, but Iodophor is a much better, and safer alternative.

9/22/2004 -- Okay, do you have to be able to perform magic in order to get the inside of a siphon hose dry? I know that if you don't keep your siphon hose clean it is the most likely to develop bacteria. Which in turn can do your body some damage, what my friends and I like to call, "screaming Apache butt piss." I clean my siphon hose exceptionally well . . .

Response From Homebrew Heaven: Well...the only time this hose has to be sanitary is just before you use it. A little moisture, as long as it's clean, shouldn't be an issue. Before use, however, it makes sense to run a little sanitizer thru the tubing so that it is clean AND sanitized.

After using, give it a rinse and forget it. Mornings with the wife should be reserved . . .

3/4/2004 -- Regarding cleaning bottles: is using a bottle washer a replacement for a bottle brush? We have been rinsing (after inital pour), soaking, scrubbing then sanitizing before bottling. Can we just bottle wash, sanitize then bottle?? Thanks for answering you've got a great supply website.

Response From Homebrew Heaven: It sounds like you do way more than I do. Frankly, I have never had a problem with a bottle that was rinsed after being used, and then sanitized before filling.

As long as your bottles don't accumulate a lot of "crud" between uses, I see no reason for all that scrubbing.

I'm sure you will find people who disagree with my approach, . . .

12/9/2003 -- Is Star San and their PBW product safe for "septic" systems for us brewers who happen to live out in the sticks and do not have hook ups to city folks' sewer systems?

Response From Homebrew Heaven: Probably not. It contains 50% phosphoric acid and 15% dodecylbenzensulfonic acid, both of which are pretty caustic, and probably not necessary for most homebrewers. I would use a dilute solution of iodophor. The idodine is dissipated by oxygen and is really quite safe.

12/1/2003 -- Hello,
Just getting back into it after a few years off.
In any case I find being sanitary the largest pain in the arse during the process. I am so consumed about sanitation it bugs me. So I have the following questions. After sanitizing my equipment, like the funnel, siphon hoses, fermenter etc, how long can they sit in the open air before . . .

Response From Homebrew Heaven: Wow. You ARE consumed about sanitation. I believe you've taken it too far. Making beer is really no different than making soup, and common kitchen practices are usually sufficient for brewing. I have never had an infection, and after working in a brewship for 10 years, I have only "heard" of a few from customers.


Yes, things like fermenters . . .

11/19/2003 -- After a long hiatus (about 10 years), I am returning to the homebrewing world. Is it a good idea to replace my plastic equipment (fermenters, tubing, etc.) or will a good dose of sanitizer bring it back into safe, usable condition?

Response From Homebrew Heaven: I would keep the fermenters. As long as they are not too crusty, and a good cleaning will restore them. Cleaning is different than sanitizing, of course, so after a thorough cleaning, use something like Iodophor to make sure it has been sanitized as well.

Siphon hose is known to harbor bacteria, however, and is inexpensive to replace. I . . .

9/22/2003 -- Is this product safe on skin?

Response From Homebrew Heaven: No. Absolutely not. It contains 50% phosphoric acid and 15% dodecylbenzensulfonic acid. It must be diluted to 1 oz. in 5 gallons prior to using, and it must be rinsed well afterwards, too (triple rinsed).

It is a very effective cleaner and sanitizer, but precautions must be taken when using it. Star San is favored by professional brewers . . .