PBW each bottle?

[dgoldb1]

Do you guys wash the inside of each used bottle with a cleaner such as PBW after you've emptied it of beer? I normally just rinse each bottle very well with warm/hot water right after emptying it, and then use StarSan right before bottling. Is this sufficient?

 

[sjbeerman]

I do the same thing. The only time I use PBW on the bottles is for bottles that need the label removed.

 

[bourgeoisbee]

It depends who you ask. To be 100% sure you need to clean (PBW) and sanitize (StarSan) every bottle, every time. I did that when I started brewing, but don't any more and I've never had off flavors or contamination due to it. We had to replace our dishwasher in the last year, so now I clean them well with water right after using them as you do and pop them in the dishwasher on the sanitize setting a few hours before bottling and cut out the StarSan step. I do double check the bottles before I load it though; I don't trust it to clean bottles.

 

[dgoldb1]

I picked up a vinator bottle rinser. Makes sanitizing with Starsan a breeze.

 

[ThatGuyRyan]

I rinse after use and then put them in the dirty bottle box for later. Before bottling I then soak in one-step, PBW or any other cleaner and use bottle brush to scrub the inside and rinse, then sanitize immediately before filling with a acid base sanitizer. Just rinsing out may not remove yeast or other matter that can cling to the bottom. Why risk it is the way I look at it. You took the time to make the beer take the extra step and make sure the bottles are as clean as can be.

 

[bourgeoisbee]

Wow. I just checked out a video of one of those in action. I wish I would have gotten one of those when I was using StarSan. Actually I still may to bottle small experimental batches. Thanks!

 

[Dunerunner]

I use PBW to remove labels, as mentioned above also. I also rinse my used bottles very well on reciept. After the labels are off and the exterior of the bottle is scrubbed free of adhesive, I shake the PBW out of the bottle to drain them. I refill the deep sink with hot water and StarSan and let the bottles soak for about 15 - 20 minutes. This cuts the caustic and I get a clean hot water rinse before the drying rack and storage.

 

[ayoungrad]

I rinse well after emptying. No cleanser. At bottling I make a bunch of starsan, dunk and fill each bottle, pour the starsan out, then hang dry.

 

[Hang Glider]

I get a clean hot water rinse before the drying rack and storage.

you rinse the StarSan? or did I mis-read?
no need to rinse StarSan - it's a no-rinse, wet contact sanitizer.

 

[Indyking]

Do you guys wash the inside of each used bottle with a cleaner such as PBW after you've emptied it of beer? I normally just rinse each bottle very well with warm/hot water right after emptying it, and then use StarSan right before bottling. Is this sufficient?

Yep, that is what I do and it is sufficient. The only time I use PBW is for bottles not rinsed after being emptied.

 

[Rob_B]

I always do at least a double rinse after use then put them away in the garage. I'll then do a PBW soak on all the bottles. Then I'll do a StarSan at bottling. You never know what's growing in those things or how well you or your buddies rinsed them.

As a matter of fact I'm pretty good at keeping my bottles clean but today I soaked a bunch and had some pretty nasty crap come out of a few of them. It's especially worth the effort if you have anyone else giving you bottles for your brew.