A few newbie questions...

[neilos]

Right, I'm about to do my first homebrew kit next weekend and I want to get everything straight in my head before I get going on this....

First couple of questions are regarding my FV. My plan is to clean any stubborn dirt using soda crystals and water(not on the first brew as they are new buckets!), then sanitise using VWP. I have 2 FV's that both have a tap, and I'm assuming that the tap needs to come off in order to sanitise it properly?? What is the best way to sanitise the FV without the tap on it? bung the hole up?? My plan would have been to fill the FV with VWP and chuck all of my components inside to soak. How long do you leave them soaking?
How many times do the bits need rinsing after using the VWP? Is cold water straight from the tap ok for this?

The second part is my bottles.... I have bought one of those bottle tree's with the rinser on the top. I'm using old Magners/Bulmers bottles from my local. I'm getting the bottles in batches of 15-20 at a time and I've been washing them out as soon as I get them and removing the labels, then being stored out in the shed. When it comes to bottling day what is the best stuff to use to sanitise the bottles? I've read about filling the rinser compartment with a no-rinse sanitser and simply 'squirting' each bottle 2-3 times and hanging on the tree ready for bottling. How good are these non-rinse sanitisers? I'm worried about getting that 'taste' in my bottles or ruining the carbonation in the bottles. Am I better off using a better sanitiser on the bottles such as my VWP, hanging them up for 10 mins, then re-filling the rinser compartment with clean water (again, would normal tap water be ok?) and giving each bottle 2-3 'squirts'?

I'm sorry if these questions seen a bit silly, but I really want to get this first brew right! No silly mistakes!

[Northern Brewer]

I have been washing and sanitising my tapped fermenters for years without removing the taps. These days I wash everything with a solution of dishwasher powder, then sanitise with a solution of 1% supermarket bleach. I have used VWP with similar success.

Wash immediately after using something. Sanitise immediately before using it again.

After sanitising, rinse with 3 rinses of mains tap water, not the stuff that been stored in a tank in your roof.

[neilos]

So if I leave the taps on and run the sanitising solution out of the tap when empying you think guys?

[Middo]

Yeah, just run the rinse water through the tap. I also have never removed the taps from my FVs and have never had any problems. VWP works fine, although it does seem to leave a chalky residue, no matter how many times you rinse. I'm waiting for H&G to get some more Star San in stock; never used it before but the reviews are all positive

[Northern Brewer]

So if I leave the taps on and run the sanitising solution out of the tap when empying you think guys?

It's always worked for me.

My main issue with VWP is that it's way too foamy, which is why I nowadays use dishwasher powder and bleach.

[neilos]

Update on the bottles......I've just bought some Videne so that I can make up a small amount of solution up to 'spray' the insides using the attachment that goes on the bottle tree. Bought 5 5ml syringes off ebay for £1.60 posted! Should make measuring it out a bit easier! Do you guys think I'd be better using the Videne on all of my gear instead of the VWP?

[traymondo]

So if I leave the taps on and run the sanitising solution out of the tap when empying you think guys?

Neilos, never worry if your buckets are new - just fill with VWP, chuck in all your bits and bobs to sterilise for 15mins or so, then run out thru the tap. Switch it on and off regularly as the liquid flows out. When your buckets have been used, it's a good idea to strip the tap to clean it efficiently each time (use the inch or so of VWP left at the bottom of the bucket and a stiff brush to get into the tap, and clean the washer). Then rinse everything REALLY well. For sanitising bottles, we've always gone with Sodium Metabisulphite solution - a teaspoon into a pint, a good squirt per bottle, swirled. You don't have to rinse it but drain as much out as poss or your beer will stink of struck matches...and you'll need to warn any asthmatics who may be looking for a freebie or two...