Quick and dirty hydrometer sanitization?

Zacharias · 10-19-2010, 05:25 PM

When I check the S.G. of my brews to see how they're coming along, I just sanitize my hydrometer in the little plastic tube that it comes in, does anyone else do this or do you guys have suggestions that work better? I thought about using starsan and a spray bottle but it doesn't seem worth it on such a small piece of equipment.

**BillyBroas** · 10-19-2010, 05:56 PM

What do you put in the tube to sanitize and how much? Maybe more importantly, why are you sanitizing your hydrometer? Are you using it to scoop samples? Pouring the beer back in from it?

**GilaMinumBeer** · 10-19-2010, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zacharias

..... do you guys have suggestions that work better?

Yes. Don't sanitize.

Just clean the hydrometer, dry it, and store it. When you take a reading drink the sample.

Drinking the sample is not always the tastiest of options but if you pay attention you can learn volumes from it alone.

Zacharias · 10-20-2010, 02:35 AM

I have just been taking the readings right in the primary.

Scut_Monkey · 10-20-2010, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zacharias

I have just been taking the readings right in the primary.

I guess that would work. If it were me I would simply sanitize it by spraying it with starsan and letting it sit a minute. However, you are missing a crucial part of taking samples. Taking a sample should allow you visualize the color and clarity of the beer, obtain an SG reading and TASTE/SMELL the beer. If you are simply opening the lid and taking a SG reading you are missing a lot of crucial information in my eyes.

Zacharias · 10-20-2010, 04:24 AM

Thanks for all the input guys, I have been thinking of using a turkey baster and a graduated cylinder to get more accurate SG readings. Cheers.

**ChshreCat** · 10-20-2010, 04:45 AM

Turkey baster or wine thief. I have more luck with the thief though.

BrewMoreBeers · 10-21-2010, 03:34 AM

I have a nice SS baster that was well marketed but works like **** for pulling samples. a thief has to work better.

**ChshreCat** · 10-21-2010, 04:09 AM

The problem I have with the baster is that if I try to take a sample with one I always end up squirting some back out as I lift it up. It either ends up back in the beer, or it squirts across the room.

ScubaSteve · 10-21-2010, 02:18 PM

Buckets with spigots are good for this.....I hate taking the lid off and exposing the wort to open air.