Star San still good?

[tz1238]

I made my 1st batch of beer 2 weeks ago. Can I use the same Star san mix
I made then for sanitizing the bottles 2 weeks later?

 

[duboman]

Sure can, in fact I always keep a bucket of it mixed up for use. As long as the pH is 3.0 or less it is still effective.

 

[IslandLizard]

I keep StarSan for 4-6 months, but do test the pH with a 1/4" piece of cheap lab strips and correct it with some phosphoric acid when needed.

When it gets a bit too scummy to my standards, I just toss it, and make fresh.

Keep it covered (lid) so it stays cleaner. Fill a spray bottle with the working solution and spray wherever needed. Some people spray inside the bottles, but I'm not sure they get wet enough. I prefer to dunk, soak a minute and drain. Or use a vinator.

 

[Puddlethumper]

If you use distilled water to mix up your StarSan the stuff will last almost indefinitely.

 

[Balog]

Extremely useful information, thanks to everyone who's contributed.

 

[Viperboy]

Is it fine to use tap water to mix with the Star San? How long will that last if covered?

 

[duboman]

Is it fine to use tap water to mix with the Star San? How long will that last if covered?

Yes, my experience is at least 8-10 weeks of viability


Sent from the Commune

 

[Puddlethumper]

Is it fine to use tap water to mix with the Star San? How long will that last if covered?

You can use tap water and the StarSan will work just fine. However, how long it will remain useable will depend a lot on the chemistry of your local water. Following is information posted in another thread that may address your question:

The shelf life of starsan diluted with non DI water is directly proportional to the level of calcium in your municipal water supply. Ca+ reacts with the acid group, and the insoluble particulate is the cloud that's left behind. If your batch is cloudy, but still below 3.0 pH, you've bound all of the free calcium in the water and should be good to keep on sanitizing.

Leaving it covered or not shouldn't impact the shelf life all that much. (Although it will help keep the bugs and debris out). The main concern is the pH since StarSan is a mild acid. Loss of acidity is the best indicator that it has degraded and should be tossed out. The best way to prolong the shelf life of your mixed StarSan is to use distilled water.

 

[tz1238]

Checked mine today. PH is under 3. I'm good to go! Thanks for the help