How long can you soak in Iodophor?

pa-in-utah · 05-25-2007, 02:41 PM

I use Iodophor to sanitize all my brew equipment. I sanitized it last weekend cuz I was going to brew but couldn't make it happen and it has been soaking since. So my question.......

My equipment has been in the sanitizer for a week. Do I need to dump it out and re-sanitize with a new batch. I use a clear rubbermaid container to sanitize and the Iodophor solution doesn't look as "concentrated" as before. Would the cleaner soak into the plastic? I know it discolors plastic......

Any advice. I am brewing tonight and want to make sure I have everything cleaned and sanitized properly. Will probably make a new batch of sanitizer to be safe, just wanted to hear your thoughts!!!

homebrewer_99 · 05-25-2007, 03:03 PM

Iodophor is not supposed to last longer than 24 hours. Most people go by the color or the smell. Some use test strips.

You shouldn't have anything to worry about the solution except the discoloration which is no big deal.

I would rinse off the old solution and make another batch of sanitizer and do it again before using the pieces.

pa-in-utah · 05-25-2007, 03:07 PM

Didn't know if it would keep so that was my original plan... Thanks HB99. Always better to err to safety. Especially since Iodophor is pennies to make and ingredients can get spendy to waste!!

abracadabra · 05-25-2007, 03:21 PM

Was your rubbermaid container covered or uncovered?

http://www.bayareamashers.org/content/maindocs/iodophor.htm

**Bobby_M** · 05-25-2007, 03:44 PM

The guy says 24 hours once it's been mixed.

pa-in-utah · 05-25-2007, 04:23 PM

It has been covered. Like my original post, I notice it is lighter in color. Guess my question is answered!!

Thaks all!

Good article abracadabra

abracadabra · 05-25-2007, 06:04 PM

I know Dr. Landman suggests making a new solution after 24 hours. But he also says that if it has an amber color it is still effective as a sanitizer. So his advice on this point is contradictory.

He also notes several factors such as exposure to sunlight and the atmosphere.

Keep in mind that Dr. Landman is in the business of selling this stuff so his advice here might be biased.

I have made a sanitizing solution that I kept in a 5 gal Igloo cooler and have used it for over a month and I have never had an infection. But I was also mixing at 2X the concentrated level Dr. Landman suggests.

So I'd think that the concentration, the biological and organic load factor of the water along with the 2 factors Dr. Landman mentioned would all play a part in determining the lenght of time that a solution was functional.

I know most of the people on this forum would argue as Utah pointed out it's cheap why risk it. But I did want to post my experience with sanitizing solution that exceed a month in age for others that might read this tread and be on a tight budget.

**TheJadedDog** · 05-25-2007, 06:26 PM

I'd follow Bill's advice and make up a new batch. Iodophor is cheap and fairly hassle free so there's no reason not to. Better safe than sorry I always say.

Side-Note: There is no reason to soak for extended periods in Iodophor. I usually go with 2 minutes in the solution and then air dry, even while drying, you are still getting contact from the solution still on the equipment (according to the interview on Basic Brewing Radio even 2 minutes submerged is not necessary, but I am anal about sanitation).

**Brewing Clamper** · 05-25-2007, 06:59 PM

Also remember that iodophor will deteriorate plastics over time. Prolong soaking will only accelerate this.

abracadabra · 05-25-2007, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brewing Clamper

Also remember that iodophor will deteriorate plastics over time. Prolong soaking will only accelerate this.

What evidence do you have to back that statement up?

Concentrated iodine is shipped and stored in plastic bottles.

It will discolor plastics but discoloration and deterioration are 2 separate issues.