Sanitizer? and some other questions

[Dutch_Brewer]

I've used kits before and doing my first AG batch with my own mill I used a packet of sanitizer that I still had from an earlier kit.

I purchased Chemipro oxi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPGKP5G/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Now i'm not sure if this is like the sanitizer in the packets, can i just use this as a sanitizer or should I buy something else? I don't want my brews to get infected!

Also I have 2 batches fermenting now and I've transferred one to a secondary yesterday after 3 days in primary, is this too early?

thank's for the replies you've all been a great help so far!


Also I stored an open packet of hops in the freezer in an airtight container, is that the way to go?

 

[auburntsts]

What you bought looks like a cleaner to me, not a sanitizer. Although it does have some sanitizing properties, it's not a substitute for a true sanitizer IMO.

 

[myndflyte]

As said above, look to get a real sanitizer, like StarSan. As for transferring after 3 days, probably way too early. Also, using a secondary isn't necessary unless you're going to add something (fruit, oak, etc). Otherwise just leave it in the primary for 3 weeks and it'll be totally fine.

 

[RedlegEd]

I've used kits before and doing my first AG batch with my own mill I used a packet of sanitizer that I still had from an earlier kit.

I purchased Chemipro oxi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPGKP5G/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Now i'm not sure if this is like the sanitizer in the packets, can i just use this as a sanitizer or should I buy something else? I don't want my brews to get infected!

Also I have 2 batches fermenting now and I've transferred one to a secondary yesterday after 3 days in primary, is this too early?

thank's for the replies you've all been a great help so far!


Also I stored an open packet of hops in the freezer in an airtight container, is that the way to go?

Hi. Good job on your conversion to AG. Here are how I would answer your questions:
1. I read the product information of the Chemipro Oxy, and it certainly seems like it can be used for both cleaning and sanitizing. I would say that 4-5 minute contact time seems rather long compared to Iodophor or Starsan. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions and you should be fine. Remember, whatever you want sanitized must be thoroughly cleaned first, even if it is dual purpose cleaner/sanitizer. Always clean first, then sanitize.
2. Yes, way too early. Why are you transferring to secondary? Are you adding fruit or something else? If not, leave it in primary until you are sure fermentation is finished (2+ days of no change in FG.) Most folks leave their beer in primary for at least 10-14 days, but you can keg/bottle is as little as 5-7 days if it has finished fermentation.
3. Yeast is best stored vacuum packed in the freezer (a Food Saver vacuum sealer is excellent for this purpose.) If you do not have one, get as much air out of the package as possible and store like you indicated in a sealed container in the freezer.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your brews. Ed

 

[Dutch_Brewer]

Hi. Good job on your conversion to AG. Here are how I would answer your questions:
1. I read the product information of the Chemipro Oxy, and it certainly seems like it can be used for both cleaning and sanitizing. I would say that 4-5 minute contact time seems rather long compared to Iodophor or Starsan. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions and you should be fine. Remember, whatever you want sanitized must be thoroughly cleaned first, even if it is dual purpose cleaner/sanitizer. Always clean first, then sanitize.
2. Yes, way too early. Why are you transferring to secondary? Are you adding fruit or something else? If not, leave it in primary until you are sure fermentation is finished (2+ days of no change in FG.) Most folks leave their beer in primary for at least 10-14 days, but you can keg/bottle is as little as 5-7 days if it has finished fermentation.
3. Yeast is best stored vacuum packed in the freezer (a Food Saver vacuum sealer is excellent for this purpose.) If you do not have one, get as much air out of the package as possible and store like you indicated in a sealed container in the freezer.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your brews. Ed

Thank's! I actually needed to transfer it because i accidentally pushed in the rubber stop on the carboy, and i did not have that size of a plug anymore so I had to move it to a new one where I did have a plug for, I know this could have contaminated the beer :-(.

So next time I'm better of buying starsan? And should unopened hops also be stored in the fridge or freezer?

 

[RedlegEd]

Thank's! I actually needed to transfer it because i accidentally pushed in the rubber stop on the carboy, and i did not have that size of a plug anymore so I had to move it to a new one where I did have a plug for, I know this could have contaminated the beer :-(.

So next time I'm better of buying starsan? And should unopened hops also be stored in the fridge or freezer?

Hi. Bummer! I've had that happen before. If your beer was actively fermenting, chances of infection are reduced, but still certainly possible. If it happens again (and you don't have a replacement stopper,) just put some sanitized foil crimped over the mouth of the carboy. CO2 from fermentation will still escape and the positive pressure will generally keep most other things out.

As for Starsan, if you can get it and it's not crazy expensive, yes, I would get some. I always keep a spray bottle with Starsan mixed properly. It's a great way to spot sanitize things. Use your Chemipro Oxy as a cleanser, rinse, then apply Starsan before use. Contact time with Starsan is about 2 minutes. Ed


ETA: Yes. Unopened hops are best stored in the freezer, and yeast (dry or wet) best stored in the refrigerator.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Looking at the link it says the active ingredient is Oxygen so I'm "assuming" its the same thing as Oxyclean. It also labels it as a sterilizer specifically for beer brewing. Its been said Oxyclean is not a sterilizer ....What am I missing?

It lists shipping at $48....Did you really pay that?

 

[RedlegEd]

Looking at the link it says the active ingredient is Oxygen so I'm "assuming" its the same thing as Oxyclean. It also labels it as a sterilizer specifically for beer brewing. Its been said Oxyclean is not a sterilizer ....What am I missing?

It lists shipping at $48....Did you really pay that?

Hi. When I looked at the link, that's what I saw too until I read further into the description below. Here's what they said: "Purpose Chemipro OXI is intended for cleaning and sterilising all brewing equipment in an effective and environmentally friendly manner with no rinsing required!"

I hear you on the shipping, but I'm guessing the OP is in Holland/Europe, where the shipping costs would be a whole lot less. Ed

 

[Dutch_Brewer]

Hi. When I looked at the link, that's what I saw too until I read further into the description below. Here's what they said: "Purpose Chemipro OXI is intended for cleaning and sterilising all brewing equipment in an effective and environmentally friendly manner with no rinsing required!"

I hear you on the shipping, but I'm guessing the OP is in Holland/Europe, where the shipping costs would be a whole lot less. Ed

Yes the amazon link was for reference I paid only a couple of $. So it's safe to use as sterilzer and I should buy the starsan when it runs out?

 

[RedlegEd]

Yes the amazon link was for referance I paid only a couple of $. So it's safe to use as sterilzer and I should buy the starsan when it runs out?

Yes, it should be safe to use as a sterilizer, but I would still recommend getting some Starsan, and mixing up a small amount to keep in a spray bottle. Like I said before, the contact time of Starsan is only two minutes compared to 4-5 for the Chemipro Oxy. Ed

 

[auburntsts]

Yes, it should be safe to use as a sterilizer, but I would still recommend getting some Starsan, and mixing up a small amount to keep in a spray bottle. Like I said before, the contact time of Starsan is only two minutes compared to 4-5 for the Chemipro Oxy. Ed

Plus StarSan is a "no rinse" sanitizer.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Yes the amazon link was for referance I paid only a couple of $. So it's safe to use as sterilzer and I should buy the starsan when it runs out?

Yes get Starsan if nothing more than convenience. Its easy just to squirt some on the little things like airlock grommets and a turkey baster for taking samples. Way easier than breaking out the Oxyclean, or what you got.

I only do an Oxyclean clean bucket wash if I forget about my bucket after racking and it gets funky. Otherwise just a rinse in the sink and a Starsan spray on brew day does the trick.

 

[Silver_Is_Money]

Looking at the link it says the active ingredient is Oxygen so I'm "assuming" its the same thing as Oxyclean. It also labels it as a sterilizer specifically for beer brewing. Its been said Oxyclean is not a sterilizer ....What am I missing?

It lists shipping at $48....Did you really pay that?

$48 pays for shipping from Belgium.

Sanitizers can officially be labeled as such in the USA only if the company offering the product pays the money to have it legally certified. A substance can function similarly without legally being able to proclaim it simply due to not having paid for the official credentials.

This product appears to be quite similar overall to 'One Step'. The seller appears to be using the words sterilizer, sanitizer, and disinfectant as if they are synonyms. They are not.

Perhaps in Belgium the legal requirement for calling a product a sanitizer is far more lax than it is here in the States. ???