Pbw

[Pilgrumbrews]

Are there any negative effects of soaking bottles in PBW for long periods of time, a couple of weeks, as long as you rinse them properly afterwards? I'm trying to nail down the problem I've had with the last two batches carbonating slowly.

 

[Golddiggie]

As long as they are fully submerged, you shouldn't have any issue. Just rinse well when you're done soaking them. Although I seriously doubt a couple of weeks is needed. A day or two is usually all you need to get rid of everything possibly in the bottles. If not, then you need to scrub them a little and soak some more. That's for those that are REALLY bad...

Some brews CAN take longer to bottle carbonate than others. It's the nature of bottle carbonating/conditioning. The absolute minimum you should give the bottles is 3 weeks at 70F. Then chill for 4-7 days before you pour to glass. There are plenty of people that have had brews take many weeks longer than that. Some have even taken months longer.

 

[Pilgrumbrews]

Yeah, the reason for the length of soak time is more laziness than anything. I have not tried leaving them in the fridge for a few days. Usually I only chill one bottle and try it the next day. I'll give it a try.

 

[Golddiggie]

How long, and at what temp, are they bottle carbonating at?? I've found that some brews benefit from even longer in the fridge. Especially if they seem otherwise over carbonated. I had one such bottle that I left in the fridge for about a month and it was perfect.

 

[Pilgrumbrews]

For the current batch, it's right at two weeks @ 70 F. I know I'm jumping the gun on that one. But a buddy of mine did the same recipe and it was good to go at 2 weeks. My last batch took five weeks to carb.

 

[Golddiggie]

For the current batch, it's right at two weeks @ 70 F. I know I'm jumping the gun on that one. But a buddy of mine did the same recipe and it was good to go at 2 weeks. My last batch took five weeks to carb.

Don't care what your buddy had for results, give them 3 weeks at 70F, then chill a bottle for a solid week before you pour one. IF it's good, then put more in the fridge and still chill for a week (bare minimum, IMO/IME is 4-5 days). Just be sure to restock as you pull one out, so that you don't run dry (or jump the gun and grab one that's not really ready).

 

[Pilgrumbrews]

I will do it. Thanks for the input. I'll let you know how it turns out. 🍻

 

[Golddiggie]

I will do it. Thanks for the input. I'll let you know how it turns out. 🍻

Just remember, your patience WILL be rewarded. Once it's carbonated, you'll have something great to drink... :rockin:

 

[mpcluever]

I usually keep a tub of PBW full and anything that needs cleaning can soak for a while. Plastic stuff like my autosiphon I usually try to get back out after a couple days, but bottles will stay in there for a month (or two sometimes) with no effect. They sure clean out nice!!

 

[Pilgrumbrews]

I usually keep a tub of PBW full and anything that needs cleaning can soak for a while. Plastic stuff like my autosiphon I usually try to get back out after a couple days, but bottles will stay in there for a month (or two sometimes) with no effect. They sure clean out nice!!

Yeah, it's nice opening the lid and seeing the bottle labels floating on top.