Only StarSan(ChemSan)? and how should I use it?

[IEpicDestiny]

I have watched many videos on youtube on how to use StarSan (ChemSan) but I am still quite confused..

I would really appreciate if someone would tell me EXACTLY what to do so that I don't mess anything up. For example sometimes I see people draining the bubbles, sometimes they don't.

I'm using a 23 litre fermenter. Planning to make wine for my next brew.

Some people say to use both a steriliser and then a sanitiser. Can I just use a sanitiser and no steriliser?

Thanks!

 

[BrewInspector]

Starsan is an acid sanitizer and is effective when wet. You can dunk or spray any object that will come into contact with your beer post boil or wine must. Use it to sanitize all surfaces.

Once it has dried objects are subject to contamination (very unlikely if you are using it within moments of drying)

I would and do remove excess liquid such as in bottles or fermentors before filling but don't worry about whatever foam or trace liquid is left behind. Hence the slogan "don't fear the foam"

I do not truly sterilize anything.

 

[BruceH]

IMO starsan is overrated. It is good for sanitizing stainless like a keg or milk truck. For anything else Iodine is better, as in Idophor.

 

[S-Met]

IMO starsan is overrated. It is good for sanitizing stainless like a keg or milk truck. For anything else Iodine is better, as in Idophor.

But iodine affects flavor. I don't even like using iodized salt for anything I actually want to enjoy due to its taste. Any residual starsan does not notably affect flavor.

 

[ncbrewer]

I've listened to several podcasts with interviews with Star San representatives. Charlie Talley (inventor of Star San, and I believe past president of the company) in particular has gone into great detail about how to use it. Some of the recent information from Five Star has been contradictory, and some seems to be aimed at discouraging re-use, or covering any liability issues. I believe the info from Mr. Talley is the most useful. Here is a list of some links to podcasts that might be of interest:

http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/9/0/390da96899933961/bbr03-29-07.mp3?c_id=1452161&expiration=1502309332&hwt=0192dc634456fee5bb9035ebf1b67a2e

Https://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/post1827/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/charlie-talley-five-star-chemicals-notes-brewcasts-58928/ [This is a Homebrew Talk thread with notes from a podcast]

https://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/post443/

https://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/post447/

https://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/9/0/390da96899933961/bbr03-29-07.mp3?c_id=1452161&cs_id=1452161&expiration=1563138752&hwt=b1b31de9b909f589d9b5b7b0adb4c6ab