National Homebrew Club Ireland

I had been waiting the last few weeks to place an order for my next brew and noticed that all the stockists seem to be out of stock for Star San. I hoped it was just a short term supply issue but after mailing one of the companies my fears were confirmed and I was told that it currently not allowed to be sold in the EU. So my question is this, is there any other no rinse sanitiser that comes close to Star San or should I be prepared for way more  inefficient brew/bottling days? If not, does any have some they would be willing to part with for some homebrew?

I always use bleach/vinegar for a no rinse sanitiser. I never liked star san and only ever bought one little bottle.
Use 5 gallons of water.
Add 30ml thin bleach.
Add 30ml white vinegar.

Extract from MSDS sheet:

PRODUCT NAME: STAR SAN
COMPOSITION: Solution of Phosphoric Acid and Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS: % ACGIH TLV OSHA/PEL
Phosphoric Acid (75%) (CAS# 7664-38-2) 50.0 1 mg/ m 1 mg/M3(TWA)
Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (CAS# 27176-87-0) 15.0 N/A
Isopropyl Alcohol 10.0 983 mg/M3 1230 mg/M3
(Other compositional information is considered a trade secret).
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PHYSICAL DATA
APPEARANCE: Dark, amber liquid SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Complete
ODOR: Slight SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.326
pH OF CONCENTRATE: 1 FLASH POINT: NONE
EVAPORATION RATE: .9 (water=1)
_______________________________

All 3 are available here:

https://mistralni.co.uk/

So IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING you could replicate the recipe. The secret ingredients are probaly a poly glycol to up the SG to 1.326

Get'er Brewed have it in stock.

After cleaning the vessel I use Peracetic Acid as sanitizer/disinfectant. You can get this in the Co-op stores.

As always with these things, be aware of the dosing as it can cause burns.

I've switched to backing a no deal Brexit so Get'er Brewed can keep stocking Star San. Come on Boris

Quote from: irish_goat on September 11, 2019, 11:23:56 AM
Get'er Brewed have it in stock.

Says out of stock on the site

https://whclab.com/collections/homebrew-cleaning

Cheers everyone for the responses! I think I may give the bleach and vinegar mix a go - I've read loads about it over the last few days and am confident that I can mix them without causing chlorine gas poisoning. I double checked Get'er Brewed. It says in stock only until you try and add it to the basket and then at that point  it lets you know that they are out of stock.

@Will_D I wouldn't be too confident in my chemistry knowledge having not studied it since LC so I may pass on this option for safety's sake!

Use thin bleach, not thick bleach

To be honest this is a fairly annoying thing.
Star San was great, no rinse sanitiser.
Bleach can be used but again it's not great to be inhaling bleach on a regular basis!

Pbw is a great cleaner, I'm not sure if it's no rinse. Hopefully some other company can make something similar to star San that is acceptable in the EU.

Maybe one of these will be good substitution:
https://thebrewhouse.co.nz/beer/mangrove-jacks-total-san
https://www.kegconnection.com/san-step-no-rinse-low-foam-acid-sanitizer-32-oz/
https://www.phillyhomebrew.com/copy-of-io-star-sanitizer-4oz.html
Cheers,
Rafal

Il make some up and put it on the webshop this week, propylene glycol is the last ingredient. Sulfonic acid acts as the surfacant. Been meaning to make up some for a while.

Still think 70% isopraponol with a 20 second contact time from a hand held sprayer and a wipe off is far superior to anything else. 70% ethanol even better as you wouldnnt have to rub it off although it is more expensive.

Philip

Quote from: Thewicklowhopscompany on September 14, 2019, 10:19:49 AM
Il make some up and put it on the webshop this week, propylene glycol is the last ingredient. Sulfonic acid acts as the surfacant. Been meaning to make up some for a while.
Philip

Hope I get my cut!!

Quote from: Thewicklowhopscompany on September 14, 2019, 10:19:49 AM
Il make some up and put it on the webshop this week, propylene glycol is the last ingredient. Sulfonic acid acts as the surfacant. Been meaning to make up some for a while.

Still think 70% isopraponol with a 20 second contact time from a hand held sprayer and a wipe off is far superior to anything else. 70% ethanol even better as you wouldnnt have to rub it off although it is more expensive.

Philip

Good stuff. I have some star san left but I know there has been chat on the NCB WhatsApp for alternatives.

I have a large full bottle, €500

Yeah but we have a Will.  :P

Made some up this morning. Up on site now.

Philip