Sterilise new bottles with water in?

[Inspector-71]

I have bought a few plastic bottles of fizzy water which I aim to empty and immediately fill with lager when it is ready.

In such a case, do I need to sterilise/sanitise the bottles?

 

[broadbill]

yes, fizzy water commonly has flavorings and sugar in it that you will want to wash out. Then you need to sanitize them.

 

[Inspector-71]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm pretty sure it's just carbonated water - no sugar or flavour. Does that make any difference?

I am trying to weigh up the problems assosiated with not washing them and washing them but potentially not rinsing enough (my first bottling)

 

[Revvy]

Remember we sanitize, unless you have an autoclave it is nearly impossible for a homebrewer to sterilise.

Anyway...why would you NOT want to take 5 minutes to sanitize something you are going to put your beer, that you've patiently taken all the way through the process thus far? Why would you want to cut a few corners by not making sure your bottles are nice and safe for your precious beer?

It won't hurt to do it, but it could hurt not too. Why risk it?

 

[onelegout]

nope, wouldn't hurt to do so though.
Edit: wasn't replying to revvy there, was replying to the op - had left the thread open for a few hours without refreshing it

 

[Inspector-71]

Ok. Thanks

 

[Revvy]

Don't ever "skimp" with sanitiation....If you are not sure if you should sanitize it...then sanitize it anyway....

 

[Ballistic]

I must admit, it seems cheaper to buy bottles wiith something in it and wash em out than buy a specialist item such as empty bottles.

 

[malkore]

I must admit, it seems cheaper to buy bottles wiith something in it and wash em out than buy a specialist item such as empty bottles.

depends on how much the bottles are. new 12oz from the LHBS...yeah those are pricy.

but getting free pop-top bottles from a local bar...

or calling up a local bottling distributor and buying used deposit bottles...

or just buying a bunch of good microbrew with pop-tops and reusing those...

all more cost effective.