Another ? or 2

[tigerdentist]

I spoke with my LHBS about my first batch. They reccomended using the plastic bottling/fermenting bucket for the first 10 days or so. Then transferring to the carboy for the "secondary". If I am to use the the bottling bucket as the primary fermenter, what is the best way to clean it before using it for bottling. When taking the spigot off to clean it, is StarSan enough or does it need to be physically cleaned? What about the bucket itself? and the airlock before using it with the carboy?

Thanks again to all for your help!

 

[ArcaneXor]

Everything that contacts the beer after the boil needs to be cleaned using something like Oxyclean Free or PBW and then sanitized with StarSan or Iodophor. This includes the airlock (since its contents can be sucked into the beer by temperature changes).

 

[TimSTi]

Just to make it clear, you DON'T have to use Oxyclean or PBW, but you want to use something that is scent free. Don't want your beer having a lemon fresh smell. StarSan in a spray bottle is a lifesaver. And if you go the StarSan route, definitely DON'T FEAR THE FOAM!

 

[david_42]

StanSan, etc. are sanitizers NOT cleaners.

I use a soft sponge to clean my pails and a nipple brush to clean the inside of the spigot.

Airlocks, I just sanitize unless there has been some blowoff.

 

[tigerdentist]

Is something like PBW necessary to use as a cleaner, or just some soapy water and a sponge?

 

[Thumper]

Is something like PBW necessary to use as a cleaner, or just some soapy water and a sponge?

Yes, just make sure that it is a scent free dish soap. I use Ivory my self.

 

[Yooper]

I don't use soap or detergent on any of my brewing gear. I use hot water, oxyclean, etc, but not soap. That would have to be rinsed, rinsed, rinsed, and I think the plastic can "hold" onto the soap residue.