Smelly Star-San

[Hefanatic]

I recently brewed a Samuel Adams Clone. I filled my primary bucket with 5 gallons of water and used Star-San for my sanitizer. I typically let everything soak for an hour before I use it, and this time was no different. With about 10 minutes left in my boil I started removing everything I was soaking and I noticed a really odd smell. It almost smelled like metal and wet dog hair. Either way, I have never smelled it before. I dumped everything and rinsed it off and re-sanitized. The only thing different is that I bought a new strainer and I threw it in the sanitizer as well. Not sure if this could have caused such a nasty odor, but it was sure odd. Anyone had anything like this happen? I am not too concerned about my batch because it is fermenting as I type this. I figure anything super problematic would over power the yeastie beasties. Any input is greatly appreciated, as long as you don't say RDWHAHB! I am at work, and I have a city fire inspection happening in a few hours so I am already FREAKING out and drinking home brew might look bad in the eyes of the inspector.

 

[ehedge20]

I could not say what your problem is, however things only need to sit in Star San for 1-5 min to be sterilized according to their chemist.

 

[cincybrewer]

I could not say what your problem is, however things only need to sit in Star San for 1-5 min to be sterilized according to their chemist.

Hmmm...I usually just spray and use, or dip it in a bucket of it. I usually don't let stuff sit for more than a minute....so far I've been okay.

 

[onipar]

Hmmm...I usually just spray and use, or dip it in a bucket of it. I usually don't let stuff sit for more than a minute....so far I've been okay.

1 minute is also my "minimum" guideline, but I've been known to spray stuff early on, let it sit for close to an hour or more as I do other brew stuff, and then re-spray before use (to make sure it's still wet with star san).

On topic, I've never smelled anything quite like that. Is it possible the smell was coming from your bucket or the water you used? Just taking a stab in the dark.

 

[Hefanatic]

Hmmm...I usually just spray and use, or dip it in a bucket of it. I usually don't let stuff sit for more than a minute....so far I've been okay.

I am fairly certain that at the right dilution ratio it doesn't hurt to leave it in there. This will be my 4th batch and the others came out excellent. It just allows me to keep a constant sanitized environment. When I use a tool I can rinse it off and throw it right back in the sanitizer and it will be ready to use again. 60 minutes isn't by design, it's just my process.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I could not say what your problem is, however things only need to sit in Star San for 1-5 min to be sterilized according to their chemist.

Not meaning to come off as brash here but, talk to the chemist again.

30 seconds to 1 minute "wet contact" is the minimum required. This does not mean "immersed". Think microscopically. A mere drop of StarSan is the equivalent of an toxic ocean to a microbe.

Spray the surfaces to coat, wait 30 seconds, and go to work. For innards, a quick immersion is fine but the utensile does not need to rest immersed.

 

[unionrdr]

Probably the metal strainer you tossed in there. Try doing that piece separately.

 

[Hefanatic]

Probably the metal strainer you tossed in there. Try doing that piece separately.

Kind of what I was thinking. Do you think I need to be concerned with any toxins leaking into the batch as a result?

 

[Hefanatic]

Kind of what I was thinking. Do you think I need to be concerned with any toxins leaking into the batch as a result?

I would only hope that all material in a "food grade" strainer would be safe regardless, but you never know considering where these cheap things get made.

 

[unionrdr]

With the little bit left cling to spoons,etc,I'd tend to think not. Minimal at best.

 

[Hefanatic]

With the little bit left cling to spoons,etc,I'd tend to think not. Minimal at best.

So it should be safe for consumption? I only worry because no-one has really weighed in saying this specifically has happened to them. I can't possibly be the first person to throw a metal strainer in Star-San, but then again...I just might be. I just don't like to take risks when it comes to health. After this weekend I will have 3 brews fermenting, so if I have to dump this one it wont hurt my feelings...too much.

 

[unionrdr]

You'll most likely be fine. As I said,when you take it out of the sanitizer & give it a quick shake,there wouldn't be much to speak of left. You'll know for sure when you taste it at 1st FG test. Some metals & acids don't mix. SS should be ok,as long as your star-san wasn't mixed too strong.

 

[Hefanatic]

You'll most likely be fine. As I said,when you take it out of the sanitizer & give it a quick shake,there wouldn't be much to speak of left. You'll know for sure when you taste it at 1st FG test. Some metals & acids don't mix. SS should be ok,as long as your star-san wasn't mixed too strong.

Thanks. Appreciate the help.

 

[1ratdog]

i dont think its good to leave metal in there. id discard all the metal items. in my opinion if the strainer was hurt by the star san it would not be wise to use it again.