Question about cleaning fermenters

[whoward]

So after a batch is it necessary to clean with PBW or Oxiclean or can I just use soap and water to clean the buckets before next use? Then starsan them before pouring in my cooled wort?

 

[Chanoc]

So after a batch is it necessary to clean with PBW or Oxiclean or can I just use soap and water to clean the buckets before next use? Then starsan them before pouring in my cooled wort?

I have used only soap and water after a few hours soak for more than 20 years and have only had 2 infections.
Critical step is sanitizing.

 

[Prolynx]

Soap and water will be fine. Just make sure it is cleaned well and sanitized before using it next time.

 

[LLBeanJ]

I've never used any kind of soap on a bucket fermenter. A thorough spray with hot water in the kitchen sink to get all the gunk off, wipe with a clean paper towel. Sanitize prior to use.

 

[PADave]

I've never used soap on any of my brewing equipment. Always PBW. Just make sure the soap is rinsed off well, and unscented would probably be a good idea.

 

[Murphys_Law]

I use an unscented, natural soap and a sponge with no scratch pad.

 

[ncbrewer]

I guess we've all read that cleaning with soap is bad for head retention. I think a really good rinse would take care of that. But Dollar Store version of Oxi Clean is so cheap, why take the chance?

 

[kh54s10]

Soap is fine. Unscented is best. But you have to be sure to rinse it completely. There must be no residue left or it will affect head retention in your beer. I use Oxyclean or the generic. It doesn't cost more than soaps and I use it in the laundry also.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

My bucket cleaning goes like this:

After transferring I rinse and wipe with kitchen sponge.
On brew day I either do an Oxiclean soak if I think there was any chance of an infection starting in the last batch. If not just a rinse starsan spray before racking

 

[brandonlovesbeer]

I usually just rinse out all the gunk and use a little soap, water, and scrub brush to clean it out.
Then I just leave it until my next batch.
And make sure I sanitize it before putting the fresh wort in.

 

[tdp]

I'd be concerned about residual surfactants from soap affecting the head retention of the beer - would have to be really careful to ensure it's totally rinsed out.

 

[brandonlovesbeer]

I'd be concerned about residual surfactants from soap affecting the head retention of the beer - would have to be really careful to ensure it's totally rinsed out.

I rinse out the soap after I clean it. I don't just leave the soapy water in the carboy. [emoji6]

 

[Larkin989]

I have used soap and water before without an issue. I also have cleaned my fermenters (both glass and plastic) with no soap, only a rinse from a garden hose. Haven't had an infection yet.

Sanitization is the key!

Cheers

 

[jtratcliff]

Yup... You've read it. Unscented soap/detergent... especially on non-plastic equipment... will work just fine, assuming a really thorough rinse followed but sanitizing...

Clean, then sanitize. PBW, oxiclean, etc. are just one way to clean.

The danger is the scented crap on plastic parts. Glass and stainless is fine. But plastic will hold the scent.