I use extremely hot water and rinse everything right after it's used. Oxyclean to remove labels. StarSan to sanitize. But I also rinse the StarSan off. A few batches have had some residual tastes from it.
I don't think you will effect the fermentation process. The risk of infection is the reason I 'try' not to open the bucket. I just started a Whiskey Barrel Stout and my blowoff was not bubbling after 4 days. Opened the lid and had foam, so I closed it and drank a few Torpedo clones. Like Ron...
Hey folks! I just got into the world of brewing. Finishing a Brown Ale that I kegged. I have a Russian Stout conditioning in 22 oz bottles. After some complaining from the wife that these were too strong, I just added 2 lbs to the 4 lbs of strawberries fermenting in a cream ale. Looking forward...