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Is my fermentation chamber still good to use?

Discussion in 'Equipment/Sanitation' started by Newsman, Oct 16, 2017.

 

  1. #1
    Newsman

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Oct 16, 2017
    So, I haven't been doing too good in keeping my fermentation chamber clean and free of mold, etc. It appears to have infected my last brew, a melomel/cyser. I just tasted it after leaving it in the fermentation chamber (small chest freezer) set to about 35*. It was sour. Tasted a bit like a berlinerweisse,so I'm pretty sure it's infected. :( I think I know HOW it got infected too... but that's not the question. The question is, can I spray the inside (and outside) of my chest freezer with a bleach/water solution and still use it or do I need to chuck it and start over with a new "fermentation chamber?"
    I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be chucking the big mouth bubbler I was using as I'm pretty sure it's not safe to use a plastic bottle that's held something with lacto/pedio in it. :)
     
  2. #2
    Cyclman

    I Sell Koalas  

    Posted Oct 16, 2017
    If you thoroughly cleaned and sanitized them both, I think you would be fine. Soft plastics are the issue with infection.
     
    Newsman likes this.
  3. #3
    JONNYROTTEN

    Banned

    Posted Oct 16, 2017
    I wouldn't be tossing a working chest freezer because it got moldy. Bleach mix with a scouring pad should do the trick. Do it twice for the hell of it.
     
    Newsman likes this.
  4. #4
    MaryB

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 16, 2017
    I do not see how a little mold in the ferm chamber could get past your airlock... the infection came form somewhere else in your system! I know people fermenting in old musty basements!
     
  5. #5
    madscientist451

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 16, 2017
    What were the ingredients in the melomel/cyser? Using fruit can produce an acidic/tart flavor that is similar to Berlinerweiss. Also, different honey has different PH levels.
    You might not have an infection at all.
     
    Newsman likes this.
  6. #6
    augiedoggy

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 16, 2017
    You can totally use a plastic bottle for regular beers after using it for a sour... You just need to clean and sanitize it first... The effects are drastically over dramatized here..Ive done berliners in my system with my equipment.. no issues. if your really concerned put the big mouth bubbler out in the sun for a few hrs, the uv llight helps kill any bacteria.
     
    Newsman likes this.
  7. #7
    Newsman

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Oct 16, 2017
    MaryB -- I had opened it to taste before I cold-crashed. I was letting it bulk age.
    MadScientist -- I was using straight juice. I will taste, but I'm pretty sure I saw some pellicle on top of the melomel.
    Augie... Didn't think of that. Just figured I have three BMBs, so why not just toss the "infected" one? :) I like your plan.I'll put it outside for a few days and leave it at that.
     
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