sanitizer life

[clemson55]

Up until now I wasn't really sanitizing very well just using a no rinse cleaner and it was working but I got some IO Star cause I figured odds were against me. Anyway I mixed up 5 gallons in an extra pail and I am wondering if I can just throw a lid on it and use it again the next time I brew? Is there a life expectancy to it? Or should I chuck it and just do a new batch every time?

 

[Edcculus]

IO Star is an iodine based sanitizer. Iodine based sanitizers cannot be stored for more than a day or maybe two.

The Brew Strong episode on Sanitation can probably tell you more.

 

[StoutFan]

Go with Star San if you want a sanitizer you can keep around. DFTF!

 

[rico567]

I use Star San exclusively. When I first started I used acidified bleach, but after 5 or 6 batches I discovered Star San, and never looked back. It's extremely inexpensive mixed to specs, I only make a gallon at a time. Since it's basically a contact sanitizer, there's little waiting, and I can just spray it on where appropriate. It will last through at least 4 brewing operations, and in between uses I just store it in a glass jug, and use pH paper to test it before each use. I see no reason to look elsewhere for a sanitizer.