Reusing Iodophor?

[Cheesefood]

How many times can I use my Iodophor water? For example, today I sanitized my bottling bucket, then used that water to sanitize my bottles. Can I then use the water one more time to sanitize my primary, or is that spreading it too thin?

-Cheapfood.

 

[Orfy]

Don't know but I reckon It'd be more an issue if the time it is effective rather than the amount of items it can sanitise.

 

[homebrewer_99]

I've always heard (read) it's just about a one time (use) thing, then again, 24 hours was mentioned a couple of times.

I guess it would really depend on the ph factor.

I am certain users just add it to their last batch a little at a time to keep the ph right. As long as the water is still clean (not stagnant) I guess that process would work fine.

I use fresh water every time, but I've tried all of the cleaners and sanitizers over the years. I really can't tell you which one I like best.

 

[tnlandsailor]

In any given session, you can use Iodophor repeatedly. It's really a question of time, not uses. As time passes, the amber color fades and it's effectiveness diminishes. I toss mine after 24 hours. If you can keep it out of the light and air, it will last longer. Star-San seems to last quite a bit longer than Iodophor if you can stand the foam.

Prosit!

 

[homebrewer_99]

I can stand the foam. IMO, that's more psychological than anything else.

I just so happen to be one of those people who's water turns the Star San milky right away. (Reminds me to get more ph paper).

 

[Cheesefood]

Thanks for the answers! I chickened out and added more Io to my primary because it was looking pretty diluted. I figured that the >$1.00 worth of Io is worth spending to prevent the destruction of a $50 beer.

 

[Kaiser]

Read this, it should answer your questions:
http://kotmf.com/articles/iodophor.php
At least it changed my view of Idophor. Today was also the first time I didn't fill the carbory completely with idophor water. Only one 1 gal and I kept shaking it around for a minute or so. According to this article this should have the same effect than filling it completely.

Kai

 

[Dude]

Thanks for the answers! I chickened out and added more Io to my primary because it was looking pretty diluted. I figured that the >$1.00 worth of Io is worth spending to prevent the destruction of a $50 beer.

You got it....the stuff is pretty cheap considering you only use a little bit at a time--it is better to be safe than sorry IMHO.....