No airlock for three days

[Heavyfoot]

Hey all,

I've got a hefe fermenting in my basement right now that I just went to check on for the first time in three days and it had blown the airlock off. Assuming it had been sitting open like that for the whole three days, what are the odds of it not having gotten infected?

 

[Rev2010]

Very slim chance of any infection unless you keep it in a dirty area of the house with a lot of airborn dirt/dust flying around. Even then it's still rare because of the pressure inside venting to the outside would likely keep out most fine particles. Just sanitize the airlock and stick it back in and don't worry about it. Keep in mind many companies do open fermentation in open vats.


Rev.

 

[timdsmith72]

It's more than likely still pushing enough co2 out that it's not a problem.


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[Paradingbull]

You are good.

 

[whiskeyjack]

A few home brewers have been known to open ferment on occasion as well as a few brewery's that open ferment all their wort. I'd say you're good

 

[feinbera]

That beer's wrecked. To keep the contagion from spreading, wait until dangerous yeast activity has ceased, add 3-5 ounces of sugar to keep the yeasties busy so they don't escape, package in durable, watertight glass containers 12-22 ounces in size, and ship to me for safe disposal.

...your beer is fine, but to save yourself a mess, rig up a blowoff tube next time.