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Sanitizing Agents

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

I have listed a few sanitizing agents so that you may choose which one works best for you.

B-Brite
This compound is used to sanitize winemaking equipment. It cleans with active oxygen, and does not contain chlorine or bisulfite. Effectively removes fermentation residues.Use: Dissolve one tablespoon of B-Brite powder in one gallon of water to create a sanitizing solution. Sanitize winemaking equipment for at least one minute, then rinse with clear tap water. Discard solution after use.

B-T-F
This concentrated iodine-based solution sanitizes winemaking equipment.Use: Dilute with cool or lukewarm water to obtain desired iodine concentration. Adding 0.3 oz in 3 gallons of water creates 12.5 ppm, while adding 0.6 oz in 3 gallons of water makes a solution of 25 ppm. Immerse items for 1 to 2 minutes; allow sanitized items to drain well or air dry. CAUTION: Never add to hot water; might stain clothes. Winemaking equipment must be cleansed separately beforehand, since B-T-F is not rated as a cleanser.

Campden
Campden, available in tablet form, is used to kill all the naturally occurring wild yeasts and undesirable bacteria in must, and thus prepare it for a "clean" fermentation. It contains potassium metabisulfite, which is a fancy term for sulfites.Use: Use one Campden tablet per gallon of must. Crush tablets well, then mix in with the must. Be sure to add it to must 24 hours before pitching your wine yeast; if you are impatient and pitch the yeast too soon, the campden will kill it too! Campden can also be used to make a sanitizing solution for winemaking equipment; see Grapestompers for details. Each tablet contains 0.50 - 0.55 grams of potassium metabisulfite; chemically speaking, each tablet contains 57% sulphur content; therefore, 1 tablet per gallon = 75 ppm SO2.

Easy Clean
Easy Clean no rinse cleaner/sanitizer. Five pound bucket with handle. Similar to One-Step but 4% stronger. Oxygen based sanitizer/cleanser. Dissolve one tablespoon powder to one gallon warm water. Wash surfaces with solution. Rinsing is not required but is recommended

One Step
Contains no chlorine, which can leave a film on glassware and corrode stainless steel. One Step is an excellent oxygen based sanitizer. Sanitizes with two minutes of contact time, no rinsing required! Environmentally friendly. Use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.

I have also used Oxi-Clean to sanitize my equipment. Works on the same principle as the oxygen based sanitizers and is more readily available. I use the multi-purpose stain remover variety.

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