Keeping the bung in place – how do you dry the bung / carboy opening

[MikeSkril]

I realised that every time I take a gravity reading, some beer will drop on the carboy opening, resulting in a slippery bung which won’t stay in place.

How do you dry the carboy mouth? Can I use a clean paper towel or must I use something sterile?

 

[Yooper]

Yes, I use a clean paper towel. I don't get it wet when I take samples, but when I first fill it and the carboy and the bung are wet with star-san, I can't get it to stay put at all.

So I put the bung on a clean paper towel, and then dry it and the carboy opening too and then it doesn't slide around anymore.

 

[Gavin C]

When I did my first few batches this was a real source of frustration for me. Now I use a carboy cap in most cases but drying the bung and neck works perfectly.

I prefer the caps

No biggie, but after I pressed a bung in too much and popped it ito the carboy full of sweet wort I decided caps were for me.

 

[phyllobeddo]

I use and like these.

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/medi...astic-fermentors-drilled.html?p=2#Reviews_tab

They have a lip around the edge so it's hard to get them pushed into the carboy and they can be installed wet and they won't pop out so you can spray them with Star San.

To each his own, of course.

 

[flars]

I also use the universal bung. Almost feel sticky when they are clean. Never pop out from just being wet.

 

[JINKS]

Even the universal slips out on me so I rope it down.

 

[Brew_G]

I don't bother. I figure that it sits comfortably in its place and keeps any nasties from getting in, even if it's not stuck in there.