Cleaner vs Sanitizer

[Ballardinho]

So, as my first brew continues to ferment after 48 hours, I've gone through a couple "oh crap" moments. The latest? I'm wondering if my sanitizer was appropriate. So, I cleaned my gear using OxiClean and sanitized using One Step. Is this appropriate? I saw One Step on a site listed as a cleaner but not a sanitizer.

Any insight? As always, thanks everyone.

 

[kh54s10]

Most consider One Step as more of a cleaner. It is an oxygen based cleanser. It is supposed to do some sanitizing too. Your brew is probably ok, but I suggest Starsan (my choice) or Iodaphor for sanitizing.

 

[brewprint]

I had the same fear at one point but I used easy clean instead. I used this for my first 2 batches and they turned out fine. I have since been using starsan. I just keep a big tote filled with 5 or 6 gallons. It's fine.

 

[masscarriers]

Well several people use One Step as a dual cleaner/sanitizer, I don't believe it to be a very effective available (read: Starsan) but I guess it works. Moreover, since it's your first batch I guess your hardware might be brand new and cleaning isn't as critical. Don't worry too much about your current batch, it should turn very good. If you believe you have an infection, there's a post in this forum section where you can post a picture and ask people.

I suggest you quickly switch to a superior sanitizer though if you want to avoid contamination in the future.

Cheers!

 

[hunter_le five]

You will *probably* get okay, but buy some Star San for the future.


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[Ballardinho]

Thanks, guys! Funny....I want so badly to have the first batch turn out that I find myself rethinking every single step....about 30 times a day!

 

[jbaysurfer]

Thanks, guys! Funny....I want so badly to have the first batch turn out that I find myself rethinking every single step....about 30 times a day!

That won't help this batch, but it will help future batches. Process is everything. It's worth obsessing over. Best thing you can do is voraciously read How To Brew. If you've read it all, read it again. Don't tell me you understood it all the first time, because I know better!

 

[pablosbrewing]

Thanks, guys! Funny....I want so badly to have the first batch turn out that I find myself rethinking every single step....about 30 times a day!

So - a quote from Charlie Papazian, founder of the American Homebrew Association and the Great Amercan Beer Festival:

Relax, Don't Worry, Have a Homebrew

(RDWHAHB)

Or, since you don't have any yet, have a craft brew at least

 

[MaxStout]

Thanks, guys! Funny....I want so badly to have the first batch turn out that I find myself rethinking every single step....about 30 times a day!

Quit second-guessing yourself. You'll drive yourself crazy. I'll be willing to bet your batch will turn out just fine. While 1-Step isn't the best choice for a sanitizer, it will still kill much of the germs. That's what sanitizing is anyway--not killing all of them, just killing enough so that they won't get a foothold in your beer.

My first brew kit came with a packet of 1-Step. I used it for the first couple batches, and never had an infection. When that ran out, I switched over to Starsan.

 

[jhmills1981]

Thanks, guys! Funny....I want so badly to have the first batch turn out that I find myself rethinking every single step....about 30 times a day!

Obsessing may be a bit much. How about "Trying to do my best"? I'm a new brewer, and most forum members know a lot more than I do, but never forget to simply enjoy the process. An imperfect beer that you made will still be more enjoyable than anything you can buy at the store. Take the advice on these forums to heart, but remember to enjoy yourself and your brew doesn't have to be perfect to be good to you.

That said, starsan is worth the investment. I ran out and used bleach for a batch I'm currently making and it was much more of a pain making sure all the bleach was gone.