I'm in my second year of home brewing. I've tried lots of cleaning and sanitizing products, and I think listening to people's recommendations for specific products, as well as the many products available, is getting in the way of my understanding how to keep my stuff clean.
I used bleach to sanitze for a while, then switched to Star San. After about 4 batches, I noticed the inside of my bottling spigot was turning dark (I would guess mold, but it is not in an exposed area, so I can't touch it, scrub it, or even really see it, other than being able to see that it is dark). I got a new spigot and am currently sanitizing it bleach solution before and after use and air-drying for several days before putting it away. I still using Star San for everything else.
Last night, I noticed some sort of whitish residue on the inside of my siphon hose that was not visible before. This siphon hose has been used 4 or 5 times, and rinsed with hot water, and sanitized with Star San before and after each use. The residue is not an even, solid film, but more spotty, kind of like where traces of Star San solution settle and dry.
So I guess my question is: How am I supposed to clean items like spigots, tubes, racking canes, and other items with tiny openings before sanitizing them? I have been using One-Step to clean my fermenters and carboys, then rinsing with water and using Star San to sanitize, but the smaller items, I have just been rinsing and sanitizing with Star San.
Sorry for the lengthy post, and if you've made it this far, I appreciate it. I just wanted to explain the steps I've taken so far that don't seem to working properly. Any advice would be welcomed.
I used bleach to sanitze for a while, then switched to Star San. After about 4 batches, I noticed the inside of my bottling spigot was turning dark (I would guess mold, but it is not in an exposed area, so I can't touch it, scrub it, or even really see it, other than being able to see that it is dark). I got a new spigot and am currently sanitizing it bleach solution before and after use and air-drying for several days before putting it away. I still using Star San for everything else.
Last night, I noticed some sort of whitish residue on the inside of my siphon hose that was not visible before. This siphon hose has been used 4 or 5 times, and rinsed with hot water, and sanitized with Star San before and after each use. The residue is not an even, solid film, but more spotty, kind of like where traces of Star San solution settle and dry.
So I guess my question is: How am I supposed to clean items like spigots, tubes, racking canes, and other items with tiny openings before sanitizing them? I have been using One-Step to clean my fermenters and carboys, then rinsing with water and using Star San to sanitize, but the smaller items, I have just been rinsing and sanitizing with Star San.
Sorry for the lengthy post, and if you've made it this far, I appreciate it. I just wanted to explain the steps I've taken so far that don't seem to working properly. Any advice would be welcomed.