Title: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: SlugTrap on November 28, 2017, 06:31:18 PM
Post by: SlugTrap on November 28, 2017, 06:31:18 PM
After replacing all my plastic fermenting buckets this time last year, I'm back to having dull/micro-infected brews and questions about cleanliness.
(Anil diagnosed Saccharomyces diastaticus on my most recent batch.)
Looking at my whole setup, I've pinpointed 2 potential problems:
#1 calls for a good clean outside + in, and #2 can be sorted by a vinegar soak, from what I read...
... or am I better to burn it all and start yet again?
(Anil diagnosed Saccharomyces diastaticus on my most recent batch.)
Looking at my whole setup, I've pinpointed 2 potential problems:
- Wild yeast on the outside of buckets in storage
- Coating/contamination from soaking in cleanser too long (Chempro Oxy or VWP for 3+ days)
#1 calls for a good clean outside + in, and #2 can be sorted by a vinegar soak, from what I read...
... or am I better to burn it all and start yet again?
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: pob on November 28, 2017, 08:01:38 PM
Post by: pob on November 28, 2017, 08:01:38 PM
I'd replace if there is something lurking; €7 will get you an Alpack bucket (is going Stainless or glass an option?).
Also look at how you are storing them, is there a way to add extra protection, e.g. once washed out with W5 / Chempro Oxy / VWP , a spray with StarSan, dried, then stored in a suitable plastic bag?
I would have also thought that any of the cleaners should only have a max 12hr contact time - they shouldn't increase risk of contamination though.
Also look at all your practices/method of cleaning/sanitising the rest of your gear- there may be other elements causing the damage.
Also look at how you are storing them, is there a way to add extra protection, e.g. once washed out with W5 / Chempro Oxy / VWP , a spray with StarSan, dried, then stored in a suitable plastic bag?
I would have also thought that any of the cleaners should only have a max 12hr contact time - they shouldn't increase risk of contamination though.
Also look at all your practices/method of cleaning/sanitising the rest of your gear- there may be other elements causing the damage.
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: irish_goat on November 28, 2017, 08:21:37 PM
Post by: irish_goat on November 28, 2017, 08:21:37 PM
I've had buckets sitting in a cellar full of gunk, dust, cobwebs and whatnot but a good soak in a bleachy solution always seems to see them right. Always do a good rinse and have occasionally steamed them by suspending them over a boiling pot of water.
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: Cambrinus on November 28, 2017, 08:30:03 PM
Post by: Cambrinus on November 28, 2017, 08:30:03 PM
Quote from: irish_goat on November 28, 2017, 08:21:37 PMNot sure how this works in practice but I really like this idea. Will try this. Good tip
....have occasionally steamed them by suspending them over a boiling pot of water.
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: SlugTrap on November 29, 2017, 09:41:51 AM
Post by: SlugTrap on November 29, 2017, 09:41:51 AM
Quote from: pob on November 28, 2017, 08:01:38 PM
I would have also thought that any of the cleaners should only have a max 12hr contact time - they shouldn't increase risk of contamination though.
It depends on who you talk to - I've read long exposure can leave a film that effects taste and/or damage the plastic, leaving it more prone to harbouring micro-organisms (my concern here.)
Quote from: pob on November 28, 2017, 08:01:38 PM
Also look at all your practices/method of cleaning/sanitising the rest of your gear- there may be other elements causing the damage.
Yeah, that occurred to me. The too-long-soak applies to everything - syphons, etc.
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: Will_D on November 29, 2017, 10:18:21 AM
Post by: Will_D on November 29, 2017, 10:18:21 AM
For storing fermenters and the like I use 2 campden tabs to about a litre of water. Keeps them sweet.
Leaving starsan in them is a no-no as after a while stuff grows in it.
I have stored demi-johns for more years than I can remember like this.
Empty Cornies are stored the same way.
Leaving starsan in them is a no-no as after a while stuff grows in it.
I have stored demi-johns for more years than I can remember like this.
Empty Cornies are stored the same way.
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: Andrew on November 29, 2017, 02:56:10 PM
Post by: Andrew on November 29, 2017, 02:56:10 PM
Get rid of the plastic and replace with stainless steel... :P
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: nigel_c on November 29, 2017, 03:05:53 PM
Post by: nigel_c on November 29, 2017, 03:05:53 PM
I replace plastic fermenters after about a year. For the price of them it's cheap peace of mind.
I then use them for storing grain.
But as Andrew has said, stainless is rather nice.
I then use them for storing grain.
But as Andrew has said, stainless is rather nice.
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: SlugTrap on November 29, 2017, 04:59:51 PM
Post by: SlugTrap on November 29, 2017, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: Andrew on November 29, 2017, 02:56:10 PM
Get rid of the plastic and replace with stainless steel... :P
...and boil your wort over a wad of burning 50s and 20s! ;)
Title: Re: Plastic Fermenters - clean or replace?
Post by: Andrew on December 05, 2017, 04:18:49 PM
Post by: Andrew on December 05, 2017, 04:18:49 PM
Quote from: SlugTrap on November 29, 2017, 04:59:51 PMWell, all the good homebrewers do...Quote from: Andrew on November 29, 2017, 02:56:10 PM
Get rid of the plastic and replace with stainless steel... :P
...and boil your wort over a wad of burning 50s and 20s! ;)