Cleanser/Sanitizer

[blackfin1]

I am in the process of purchasing equipment to make wine for the first time and I am rather confused about sanitzers/cleansers. I am interested in purchasing a product known as ONE STEP. Will this work or should I get into the habit of using potassium metabisulfite or capden tablets. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sal

 

[sbrad701]

One step is good for the cleaning part but you will still need a sanitizer. I have always used star san but there is lots of sanitizers out there. You'll just need to find the one that works best for you. I've heard a lot of people using Iodophor also. I do use K-meta for tubing and racking canes. I just place them in a container with a bowl of K-meta solution and seal it up. The fumes is what sanitizes.

 

[Airplanedoc]

I use starsan as well.

for racking canes etc I bought a wallpaper tray and fill it with starsan solution and let then soak.

 

[Runningwolf]

One Step is a cleanser and sanitizer. Thats why its called one step! Oxy Clean (unscented) is basically the same product and a lot cheaper.

 

[Rocky]

I use Oxyclean (or Walmart's generic equivalent which is less expensive) for cleaning and I also sanitize with a K-meta solution. I keep a spray bottle handy and use iit to spray odd shaped things like into the racking cane and on the surface of the thremometer and hydrometer. I also have a 2 gallon bucket that I put about a gallon of k-meta solution in to dip items that fit. The only caution that I would offer is to be sure you draw the solution into the tubing. You could conceivably put it into a bowl of solution and have a huge air bubble in the tubing that would not be sanitized. Be sure to rinse with hot water.

 

[Tony49]

Hi-
Just want to be clear:

One Step is a cleanser and sanitizer. Thats why its called one step! Oxy Clean (unscented) is basically the same product and a lot cheaper

I've been cleaning my bottles with OxyClean and then using k-meta to rinse. Seems like overkill. I probably should just use the OxyClean, no?
Tony...

 

[Runningwolf]

Hi-
Just want to be clear:

I've been cleaning my bottles with OxyClean and then using k-meta to rinse. Seems like overkill. I probably should just use the OxyClean, no?
Tony...

Thats not a bad idea. Oxy clean will sometimes leave a white residue. I always rinse the bottles with k-meta just before bottling.

 

[blackfin1]

Dear Sirs:
Can you please define what a K Meta is? Is it Potassium Metabisulfate? What is the mixture ratio for sanitizing? And finally, how long does a mixture last?

Thanks,
Sal

 

[Runningwolf]

Dear Sirs:
Can you please define what a K Meta is? Is it Potassium Metabisulfate? What is the mixture ratio for sanitizing? And finally, how long does a mixture last?

Yes it is. We use 3 tablespoons per gallon. I keep an inch in all of my empty carboys with a solid bung. The solution is still good 6 months later. If the oder is strong you know it's still working. Some people add a tbs of citric acid with it. This make it a contact sanitizer and it reacts quicker.