Equipment storage

[Hebrews]

So, I have a decent amount of brewing equipment. it's all currently stored in my garage. My brew kettle is cleaned after every use and put up on a shelf. My bottling vessel, and carboys are cleaned and likewise put in the garage. The Small stuff is ie; hydrometer, chiller, siphon etc, are all in the bottling vessel and put in a cardboard box and put in the garage.

I've done it that way since day one (5 years ago). I've never had a problem. I always wash by hand, then dishwasher, then sanitize everything. I've never had a contaminated beer.

However, this last brew session i pulled down my kettle, and retrieved my plastic funnel. It had about 5-7 mildew spots. I hand washed, used the automatic washer, hand washed again, then sanitized it...all twice. Then i proceed to brew my beer and pitch yeast. I did use the funnel, as i think it was well cleaned enough to use.

All that being said, i think i need to upgrade my storage practices. Any ideas? Do you think that funnel was OK to use? I'm all paranoid about it.

Thanks,

Micah.

 

[raybird]

Do you make sure to disassemble your ball valve and bottling spigots and clean them thoroughly after each brew? You won't believe the gunk that can build up there!

 

[SnakeRidge]

Mildew happens when things stay wet for a long time. I do basically what you described, but I don't enclose anything until it's all dry. Maybe throw in a silica pack to absorb any moisture that accumulates.

 

[Hebrews]

silica pack! that's a great idea.

I usually disassemble the valve and clean it, then re attach it. We'll see how this batch comes out. lol