Can I use bottle caps that were previously sanitized?

[cannman]

Can I use bottle caps that were previously sanitized, dried out, and stored away? Do I have to worry about the rubber seal being affected or infection if I resanitize? Thanks!

 

[unionrdr]

As long as they're dry, not rusty, or coming apart, I think they'd be ok. Idk about o2 barrier caps though. I dunk'em in Starsan one at a time as I use'em.

 

[mdindy]

You will prob be fine but why not just sanitize to be safe?

 

[SnakeRidge]

I wouldn't sweat it. I usually have a couple extras that I dry off and put back in the bag. I haven't done any kind of comparison, but I don't notice random oxidized bottles or anything.

 

[cannman]

You will prob be fine but why not just sanitize to be safe?

Oh I'm totally going to resanitize, I'm worried that a previous dunking into sanitizer and then not using the cap causing an issue in future bottling ^_^

 

[Paradingbull]

Some don't thinking the sanitizer can cause the oxygen absorbing abilities to weaken if allowed to dry out and be restored. I have personally have used previously sanitized caps many times with no negative effects.

 

[revco]

I almost always, without fail, have more caps soaked in sanitizer than I use on bottling day. I always just put 'em back away and pull them out when needed. Never had a problem with either regular or O2 absorbing caps.

 

[pablosbrewing]

I almost always, without fail, have more caps soaked in sanitizer than I use on bottling day. I always just put 'em back away and pull them out when needed. Never had a problem with either regular or O2 absorbing caps.

If I recall correctly - O2 caps, once wet and not used, are no longer O2 absorbing.

 

[SnakeRidge]

If I recall correctly - O2 caps, once wet and not used, are no longer O2 absorbing.

I've heard that too. It hasn't been my experience but it makes sense. I'd like to find out more.

 

[pablosbrewing]

I've heard that too. It hasn't been my experience but it makes sense. I'd like to find out more.

Moisture activated - otherwise they would get used up from contact with air.

So sanitizing is not a good idea - keep them sealed up and use them dry. Otherwise save your money and buy regular caps.

 

[CUrchin]

I've sanitized too many caps, let them dry and used the on a later beer with no ill effects. I really wouldn't sweat the O2 thing unless it's something you are going to age for a long time or it's something special. RDWHAHB.

 

[The10mmKid]

I wouldn't sweat it. I usually have a couple extras that I dry off and put back in the bag. I haven't done any kind of comparison, but I don't notice random oxidized bottles or anything.

Ditto to what the Snake says!