Non Chlorine help

[ukdaasfan]

So, turns out all that chlorine is setting of my migraines (which is a relief was staring to think I was allergic to brewing!!!) I tend to sanitise with idophor but what is the best non lbeach cleaner. I have used bleach for years and only started ot getting migraines lately!!! But had it tested and needto find a good alternative.

[Kev888]

Hi,

Good that you traced it and found it not to be brewing!!

Like you i mostly use bleach. But if its of use, for cleaning I've also used ecover chlorine-free "laundry bleach" before, its essentially sodium percarbonate (which I think is what puts the oxy in the oxy cleaners but I'm no expert). Here is the ecover page and here is where I tend to get it at about £2 per 400g, though just because its handy - there could well be cheaper places.

To be honest I'm not sure what the dilution rate should be for cleaning home brew stuff (strangely they seem not to have considered that in the instructions), I just dunk a cup or so in, so if anyone knows it would be useful.

Cheers
Kev

[ukdaasfan]

Hi,

Sodium Percarbonate thats interesting.... is that similar to what is in Chemipro Oxi (which somene else meassaged me about).

I wonder if it is also a no rinse ?

[Kev888]

Hi,
Not sure about chempro, but I believe it is in the oxi stain removers that people use - I don't have any of them to check but they could be alternatives if they're chlorine free, too.

I think it (like most cleaning solutions) will need rinsing - certainly I do anyway. Irrespective of any dangers from the solution itself, it helps to detatch dirt and stuff from the equipment which is either dissolved, suspended or falls to the bottom; simply emptying is unlikely to get rid of it all - some dreggs will be left so a bit of flushing is usually required.

I use no-rinse sanitiser (starsan) but thats the equivalent of your idophor, rather than a strong cleaner.

Cheers
kev

[maxashton]

Lots of us used to use unscented "oxi" type cleaners for cleaning, but it can leave a bit of scale if you have hard water.
Washing soda works well, and does the same thing.

Five Star "PBW" works well, don't think it's chlorinated, but can't remember.

Pressure washers and microfibre cloths also work