Sanitizing with Potasiumk Metabisulfite

[DSeibel]

Hello,

Currently I have been doing all my sanitizing with bleach. However I am doing a batch of Apfelwein and my LHBS sold me some K-Meta. He told me to mix it in the ratio on the package and put a small amount in my carboy..about a litre, shake it around to ensure contact with all surfaces then either dump or save for later. A few questions.

-Do I need to do this in a ventilated area? I heard that this stuff gives of some nasty gasses.
-Do I need to let it sit in the carboy for a while.
-I also want to sanitize my funnel, bung and airloc...is this the same...just make sure it contacts?

Any other advice with this stuff would be great.

Dave

 

[Gordie]

Actually, for what looks like a simple question, there are some complicated answers.

To keep it simple, I'd ditch the metabisulfite and get some star san. In the meantime, yes - ventilated area is good, you need extended contact time in your carboy and no - you need more than just contact with other items for sanitation.

Like I said, use star san and follow the directions on the label. Much easier and much more reliable.

 

[bull8042]

Go with the tried and true and save yourself the aggravation, StarSan or Iodophor.

 

[DUCCCC]

I use Potassium Meta when making wine, as its a good antioxidant. It can be pricey stuff, though. It will last a long time in a well sealed container. For AW, cider and beer I second the iodophor suggestion.