Explosion concern?

[oafriedberg]

I hit a patch where I couldn't take time to bottle & rebrew on the weekly schedule I established, so I moved my scobys into a jar covered by cloth (I'm assuming the small amount of kombucha with them is quite acidic now).

My main concern is the gallon of kombucha that I last brewed 4-5 weeks ago. It has been sitting out in a gallon sized glass mason jar that is sealed (and not refrigerated). I hadn't given it much thought, other than opening when I wanted to resume my brew, but I'm now worried that enough time has elapsed to warrant an impending explosion.

I have been brewing for a few months without issues, but have not continued the 2nd fermentation for anywhere near this amount of time. It is also a gallon of glass and booch, not a jar, so even opening it is making me nervous. Any thoughts?

 

[snarf]

Depending on how active your brew is, I guess that an explosion could indeed be imminent.
What about covering it with a (thick!) blanket?

 

[oafriedberg]

Not a bad idea. Do you think I should take any precautions in opening it?

 

[snarf]

If it really does explode, then the result can be extremely nasty, so if it were me, I would take any precaution I could...

 

[skadalajara]

Welding gloves. Unless the lid is glued, cross threaded or he-manned on, you should still be able to grip the lid firmly enough. Available for ~$20 at Lowe's or HD.
Gingerly place the jar into a plastic storage container prior to opening.
This may be overkill, but a pair of safety glasses is always cheap insurance.
Check in afterwards so we don't continue worrying. ;-)