Pot Met Sanitation of Carboy

[gaitken]

Hi All,
Sorry if this is an ignorant question, but does a carboy need to be filled with liquid to sanitize it with potassium metabisulfite? That is what I have done in past, but I seem to recall reading on the forums somewhere that the vapor sanitizes, so actual liquid contact is not needed.
Of course, I cannot find that thread again. I have 6 gal. carboys, and would love to not have to fill them to the top each time. Is this possible, and if so can someone direct me to that thread, or describe the process?
Thanks,
Greg

 

[Yooper]

Hi All,
Sorry if this is an ignorant question, but does a carboy need to be filled with liquid to sanitize it with potassium metabisulfite? That is what I have done in past, but I seem to recall reading on the forums somewhere that the vapor sanitizes, so actual liquid contact is not needed.
Of course, I cannot find that thread again. I have 6 gal. carboys, and would love to not have to fill them to the top each time. Is this possible, and if so can someone direct me to that thread, or describe the process?
Thanks,
Greg

You don't have to fill them, but you do have to totally wet them with the solution. You can add a few ounces, and swirl the carboy around to cover all surfaces, and then pour it out. Just make sure all surfaces are wetted for at least 2 minutes by the k-meta solution.