The Mottly Brew

[The Mottly Brew]

I have been looking at alternatives to Starsan and came across a product called Steroxal which is used in dairy and brewing for cleaning equipment. This products sterilises and cleans and basically turn back to water (non rinse ) is this something you would be interested?

It is a concentrate of 60ml per 45 litres of water so would be great value for money.

[Jonnycheech]

Hi Ian. Are you still open? I went by your place today around 1 to pick up some yeast and it was closed?

[Boycott]

he was just closed today, saw on his twitter

[cruiscinlan]

I have been looking at alternatives to Starsan and came across a product called Steroxal which is used in dairy and brewing for cleaning equipment. This products sterilises and cleans and basically turn back to water (non rinse ) is this something you would be interested?

It is a concentrate of 60ml per 45 litres of water so would be great value for money.

This may be of interest to you as well:
https://www.coopsuperstores.ie/Farming/Farm-Hygiene/Sanitisers/Deosan-Active-225lt-0691309

[The Mottly Brew]

I personally think Starsan Is over Rated what do you think ?

[pob]

Bit of a vague question.

Overrated, do you mean,
... it doesn't work as described?
... it's too expensive?
... it's high level of sanitisation is not required by us?

A lot of people use the (diluted) bleach/vinegar mix & swear by it. Others have looked into alternatives which they have gone with or tried and moved on. StarSan is used by others who like the convenience of it's no rinse properties.

What are you trying to establish? Have you sourced a viable alternative?

There doesn't appear to be much information on product you mentioned above, in relation to brewing, it would appear to be a mainly veterinary product.

'Steroxal is a 5% peracetic acid for cattle and sheep and is a strong disinfectant. Steroxal can be used for a variety of applications including routine animal house disinfection. Its main use is as a foot bath. This product is cost effective and can be used for flushing, soaking, pressure-washing and fogging.' http://www.carechemsupplies.com/content/steroxal

[The Mottly Brew]

It is also used by breweries
because it breaks down to Co2 and water and is fragrant free.
It was only a suggestion as a alternative I researched several other products similiar if
Anybody is interested?

[dcalnan]

I remember reading on a post somewhere here, that there's a company in Cork that make a suitable sanitiser.

[Paul B]

It is also used by breweries
because it breaks down to Co2 and water and is fragrant free.
It was only a suggestion as a alternative I researched several other products similiar if
Anybody is interested?

I'm open to starsan alternatives but personally would be slow to buy something unless there's good info out there on it and how it compares, along with some people in the know who can vouch for it. Otherwise it's not worth the saving of a few euro to risk screwing up a batch, or worse.

[Simon_]

My starsan usage for a year costs about €4 and I know it won't kill anyone

[Jonnycheech]

I'm a big fan of Starsan. It's a quality product that doesn't let you down. A bottle of the stuff lasts me years and I don't see the issue with cost unless you are brewing industrial quantities each year.

[Paul B]

I'm a big fan of Starsan. It's a quality product that doesn't let you down. A bottle of the stuff lasts me years and I don't see the issue with cost unless you are brewing industrial quantities each year.

The main issue with it is it can sometimes be out of stock or hard to get over here. Also I don't know how you guys are stretching bottles out over a year or more! I use a spray bottle for general use but still have to make up a few litres anytime I need to properly sanitise my siphon and kegs.

[molc]

I've been using the same bottle since I started brewing, so 18 months. I just make up a mix with 5 L in RO water and reuse that until there's too much stuff floating in it. Use a oh pen to make sure it's always below 3 before each use and, at least so far, haven't had any infections. I do also use oxi to clean everything first, so it's just a cold side blast to sanatise.

[Jonnycheech]

I think i bought a litre of Starsan about a year ago, could be longer, and I still have more than half of the bottle left. I've probably done about 15 brews in that time, maybe more.

I make up 5 litres at a time, which is about 7.5mls in water I think, and I don't reuse it. If I'm cleaning a keg I do a few rinses with hot water first and then sanitise with maybe 1 litre of SS. I just close the keg and give it a good swirl for a few minutes. I've never had any issues with keg infection.

I know there are cheaper options out there but I'm happy with it.

[The Mottly Brew]

Very sorry to hear Homebrew Dublin has closed down I would like to wish them all the best for the Future. Ian