astropunk

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I have everything ready for my first batch!
I am using a new bucket and some used equip. I bought from a neighbor (he will be helping me, too)

Today I bought what I thought was sanitizer, but now Im having doubts. Its called "Easy Clean". Its a white powder, mixed 1tbs/gal, no rinsing required. They did not have the one step he recommended.

Is this suitable to use as sanitizer? I have read threads for and against it. Its all I got (besides bleach) so I use it or wait. I planned to do it in the morning, before super bowl.

???

Eager to get started!

TipsyDragon

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sounds like a cleaner not a sanitizer. i would wait till you got the right stuff.

Ricand

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Sorry, I tend to agree with Tipsy D. I know how much fun that first batch is, but it would be really disappointing to have something infected. If you were close to me, I'd give you some Starsan for tomorrow.

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CopperCat Brewery

SKMO

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Somewhere on the labeling it should say exactly what the "active ingredients" are. Look for this ingredient list.

Ricand

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OK.. I did a bit more research. Looks like you could use it as a sanitizer and do your first batch. It can't be labeled as a sanitizer, but it would probably work as one.

Quote: Oxygen based cleanser/sanitizer so no rinsing is required. Great at removing stains from carboys and equipment. The ONLY cleaner/sanitizer you need for bottles, corks, caps and all your other equipment. 1 tablespoon per gallon of WARM water makes the solution. Then just wash and drain.

Why can't it be labeled as a sanitizer..

Quote: In the U.S.A., the word sanitizer is a legal term defined by the Environmental Protection Agency. In order for a product to be called a sanitizer in promotional literature or on its packaging, that product must be approved by the EPA, assigned a registration number, and have an open file maintained with the EPA. Unless a company would like to invest an enormous amount of capitol in this process (or use another company's product through a process called "sub-registration"), they may not call their product a sanitizer. If you purchase a bottle of bleach from the grocery store, unless it shows an EPA registration number on the front of the label, it is not a sanitizer. However, it will certainly be a good cleanser (although somewhat hazardous, not environmentally sound, and it will require rinsing).
Is Easy Clean (One Step) a sanitizer?
Read the above question and draw your own conclusions. Easy Clean (One Step) has been used with excellent results since 1992. For best results, Easy Clean (One Step) requires a 30 second contact time.

I believe them, go for it.

__________________
If I was too drunk to remember it, it didn't happen.

If you got a good liver.. use it! - wife

CopperCat Brewery

astropunk

Recipes 

Thanks for the replies!

I guess there is only one way to find out for sure!

In the meantime, I made an online order for star san. Sounds like that is the stuff people like best.

My first batch is an Irish stout from a kit. "Brewing difficulty: easy"
Meanwhile, I will be working on my bottle collection!

x_glod

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I would like to see photos. When you ferment beer.

RM-MN

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I've brewed this kit and I'll agree with them, the brewing is easy. What they don't tell you is the waiting for it to get good is hard. Let it sit in the fermenter for 3 to 4 weeks before you even think of bottling (I wish I had had this instruction in the kit) and use the hydrometer to see if it is ready to bottle (the same reading 3 days apart). Then after bottling the wait gets even harder. You can and probably should open one in about a week just to see what it tastes like but if you can wait a month or more for the next one you will see what it should taste like. Mine got much better as time went on.

astropunk

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Its on the boil...so far, so good! It was easy to this point.

RM-

I do not have any bottling equip yet...but I do have a corny keg and co2 system I was going to use, and a 2nd fridge. any recommendation of how long to wait using them?

My plan was: primary (in a bucket) for 5-7 days, secondary in a glass carboy for 6-8 days, then keg. Does that sound right?

Trace

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FWIW, just leave it in the primary till it's done. How do you know when it's done? When you get a consistent hydrometer reading over a couple of days.

I find the beers I brew are at their best when they're at least 4 weeks old. I'm not saying it's the way you should do it - it just works for me.

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