Bleach

[ALEXJAZZ008008]

What are the advantages an disadvantages or is it even possible to use bleach alone to sanitize?

 

[Halbrust]

You need to rinse after sanitizing with bleach.
Chances of reinfection due to water and time

 

[Beer_Eugenics]

ALEXJAZZ008008 some of your posts have been heavily discussed try the search function and you will find tons of useful info. Some examples.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f14/bleach-sanitizer-103117/
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/sanitizing-bleach-331868/
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/good-use-any-household-bleach-sanitizing-200614/

 

[eastoak]

star san is so cheap i can't imagine why bleach would be a better alternative.

 

[camiller]

star san is so cheap i can't imagine why bleach would be a better alternative.

Bleach is substantially cheaper. 32oz star san $16, 32oz bleach $0.66 (in 3 quart bottle)

Working part time in my LHBS I can't tell you how many times someone looked at the price on a bottle of Star-San, put it back and picked up a couple packets of c-brite. Even knowing the economics of it, sometimes it is what you can afford right now that makes the decision.

 

[krenshaw]

idophor is cheaper than starsan.. plus it works as a no rinse sanitizer.. much safer than bleach as well

 

[camiller]

Of course Charlie Talley also recommends that if you are out of star san that in a pinch a properly mixed vinegar and bleach solution if fine and no-rinse:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Homemade_No_Rinse_Sanitizer

 

[eastoak]

Bleach is substantially cheaper. 32oz star san $16, 32oz bleach $0.66 (in 3 quart bottle)

Working part time in my LHBS I can't tell you how many times someone looked at the price on a bottle of Star-San, put it back and picked up a couple packets of c-brite. Even knowing the economics of it, sometimes it is what you can afford right now that makes the decision.

the bottle of star san should outlast the bottle of bleach by a long shot.

 

[Misplaced_Canuck]

the bottle of star san should outlast the bottle of bleach by a long shot.

StarSan: 1oz per 5 gallons (http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/star-san.html)

Bleach: 2.5oz per 5 gallons (http://www.clorox.com/products/clorox-germicidal-bleach/how-to/ )

1:2.5 ratio starsan:bleach

32oz Starsan $16
32oz * 2.5 = 80oz (less than a jug) = $3

The jug of Clorox will last much longer. (about 1.5 times for a 128oz gallon jug).

Additionally:

As shown in Table 1, about one tablespoon (1/2 fluid ounce, 15 ml) of typical chlorine bleach per gallon of water is the maximum that should be used for sanitizing food contact surfaces, according to federal regulation. If higher concentrations are used, the surface must be rinsed with potable water after sanitizing. Contact times of one to five minutes are usually sufficient to achieve a thorough kill, depending on chlorine concentration and organic load.

from: http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/files/26437.pdf

Note: I do not use bleach on stainless steel products.

MC