Cleaning cans

[WBB]

So I have a canning machine. Can do 12 and 16 oz. Previously I would dip the cans in star San and invert them on a paper towel to dry for a minute or two and then proceed to fill. The lids were also dipped in star San and placed on paper towels to dry.

But it had me thinking what do the big boys do. Apparently they just rinse with purified water and proceed to fill.

Is there even a need to dip them in star San first then? Is it still safe to just rinse the lids and cans in purified water or even tap water and fill? I mean it’s beer going in and the alcohol would kill anything microbial wouldn’t it? Is there a safety concern?

 

[brewcat]

I think you want to sanitize. No safety concern. Just beer infection concern. Although I think you probably could get away with just a rinse. But if it doesn't save you time why risk it?

 

[ccous]

I have a canner, and I still spritz the cans and lids with starsan to be safe

 

[TBC]

Why don’t you try an experiment next time your canning. Rinse one in Star san, rinse one in water and don’t rinse at all. Wait 2-3 months and compare with some friends and see if there is any noticeable difference.

 

[Conehead]

I would sanitize anyway.

 

[WBB]

Yeah I guess sanitize the cans would be best to ensure no contamination of the finished product. I read that star San and aluminium didn’t mix well. But I guess that’s if you leave more than just a rinse in the can. Thanks guys!