Fermentation Lock Question

[stldrum]

Well, My first batch is in the Carboy and bubbling quite nicely!!

My kit came with a fermentation lock, no blow off tube. The instructions said to take off the cover of the lock - I wan't sure why. Now I can see - it's acting like a blow off tube in that foam is making it's way up into the lock and bubbling out over the top of the lock. My question is after the bubbling will stop should I re clean and sterilize the lock or will the left over residue not be a problem.

Should I replace the water in the lock from time to tim as well, it's getting pretty grunge already.

Thx!! :cross:

 

[El Pistolero]

As soon as the foam subsides, remove the stopper and airlock and clean and resanitize them.

 

[david_42]

As long as the grunge is coming out of the fermenter, it's fine. Why? Because it's coming out. Once the foaming stops, THEN you need to worry about bugs getting into the fermenter. Clean and re-sanitize, then replace it. At that point it should be down to just passing CO2 and you won't need to clean it a second time.

My last cider, I didn't take the top of the lock off and it was actually spraying a fine mist of cider all over the kitchen.

 

[stldrum]

Thx for the help. This forum is great, I'm sure I will be asking many question as I proceed and hope to give some answers in the future!!