Starsan

[Greatcthulhu]

Hi. Just a couple of questions about Starsan.

When I mix it with tap water it comes out slightly milky- like putting a small amount of milk in a glass of water. I'm sure I've read somewhere that this means that the water is too acidic and it will not work, although I can't see anything about this on the instructions. Is this right?

Secondly, how long does it need to be in contact with the item being sterilized? Do I just pour it in the bottle and out again, or do I need to leave it for a period of time?

Cheers

[mbarn]

Milky usually means it's reacted with the water or is no longer effective. Only a PH test can tell you for sure.

I use a cheap water spray bottle, and cheap bottled water. That way you get good coverage without using a tonne.
Takes 2 mins, but I always leave for 10 and pour off any excess.

I would bag up the bottle of concentrate. Just residue on a syringe from handling melted the paint on one of my shelves!

[GrowlingDogBeer]

I mix starsan with Tesco Ashbeck water. It's only £1 for 5 litres. My tap water is rubbish for starsan.

[Maysie]

Another vote for Tescos Ashbeck from me too.
I live in a hard water area and it makes the Starsan milky too, which was my problem with the 1st batch I made. I now mix it in 2 litre bottles which are very cheap and takes the risk away.
I also use a cheap spray bottle for an instant squirt where needed. Pour from the bottle and swill around for larger things like the FV which can then be poured into the bottle rinsed and caps.

Starsan is great stuff!

[LeeH]

I'm sure Mr Starsan said it only needs a contact time of seconds. The time quoted is a minimum they have to quote by law.

[crimsongarlic]

I'm sure Mr Starsan said it only needs a contact time of seconds. The time quoted is a minimum the have to quote by law.

Pleased to hear that, I can only usually wait for about 30 seconds before getting bored. If it was recommended to leave for 30 mins I'd happily do that but 2 minutes seems such a long time when you're waiting!

[LeeH]

What you have to remember is, when you pour out the bulk of it from your bottle, there will be some clung to the surface. So contact time won't have finished instantly.

I just shake up the star san I left in the bottle before storage, pour and fill, the foam gets forced out the top.

[Newbrew1]

I use starsan and it is dilution of 8ml to 5litres of ashbeck water, it will last you ages. Also the contact time at this dilution is two minutes. Also if you go on eBay you can get some litmus paper in small packets which you dip in your solution and test it against a small chart to check ph you get 50 or100 pieces in a book of paper. I got 2 books cost £1.29 will last years

[gibbiem]

Nightmare... Bad news, I may end up loosing the Adnams yeast I've just harvested. Good news is, I might need to buy another keg! How long do you all keep the Tesco water with starsan? I once read it only lasts 3 weeks

[Greatcthulhu]

Cheers for the prompt replies. You can always rely on this forum to get the answer. looks like cheap bottled water it is then.

[Newbrew1]

My starsan solution in ashbeck water is 3months old and the ph is still the same . If it changes you just add 1ml at a time until the ph reaches the correct colour on the ph chart but if the water turns cloudy which it can do over a period of time you just buy another £1 bottle of ashbeck water and add 8ml of starsan and your away again

[Newbrew1]

Ps when you use the starsan solution shake it around and pour out the liquid you may have some foam but don't worry. You can leave the foam it will not harm you brew ( as Luke skylager said May the foam be with you )

[Jules T]

I use R O water which you can get from your local tropical fish shop. 25 litres cost me about £4. I've always just used a cheap plastic spray bottle and never left it for more than 5-10 seconds contact. Never had an infection so far.

[LeeH]

FYI 8ml is 1/4 us oz as marked in the bottle. Keeps thinks simple.

[gibbiem]

Ah nice one, will do that then