kb9vzh said:
What is the best and easiest was to sanitize bottles prior to racking? I just washed 60+ bottles and it was time consuming. The bottle jet helped a bit. I hope there is a simple way to sanitize on racking day?
I assume you mean bottling, not racking.
This is what I have done for the last 6 or 7 batches - haven't had a single spoiled bottle.
1.I inspect every bottle by looking into it against a bright light. Dirty bottles get set aside for another process.
2.I rinse the bottles using a faucet rinsing wand I made.
3.After rinsing each bottle I dip into Star San and get enough into the bottle to shake - then drain.
4. Put bottle upside down into a case with a clean kitchen kitchen towel in the bottom. I also lightly spray all surfaces of the case with Star San
That's it - they're ready. I've sometimes done this a day or 2 ahead of bottling and never have had a spoiled bottle.
I think maybe the Star San foam draining down onto the towel, sanitizes the towel which prevents infection.
If I have a bottle with grunge in the bottom, I'll mix a solution of bleach and water(maybe a couple teaspoons to a quart) and pour and inch or 2 of this into each bottle. I'll let them set a few hours or over night. Pour the bleach out and use a bottle brush. be sure to rinse well.
To get labels off, I'll mix a cup of household ammonia (very cheap stuff) to 5 gal water and let set for a couple days. Most labels float off or slide off.
I got 4 dozen Grolsch flip tops for Christmas so now have to figure out a different routine. I think I'll go through steps 1-3 above, close the bottles and on bottling day dip the open bottle neck into Star San then fill. I'm still working on whether and when to pull the gaskets and sanitizing them separately or if this is necessary.