Potassium Metabisulfite vs. Potasium Bisulfite

[winemaker_3352]

Is there a difference when using these two products - Potassium Metabisulfite vs. Potasium Bisulfite?

Is one better to use for in the mus?, is one better for sanitation? can one be used for both?

I have both products - and want to make sure i use them properly.

 

[cpfan]

According to wiki, potassium bisulphite is KHSO3, and potassium metabisulphite is K2S2O5. I'm not chemist but I'll guarantee that these are different chemicals. We are all used to using K-meta (ie potassium metabisulfite) as a wine additive and sanitizer. The very short wiki article says that potassium bisulfite is used as a sanitizer.

Personally I would use the K-meta for both uses and forget about the potassium bisulfite.

Steve

 

[djrockinsteve]

Yes they are different!

Pot. Bisulfite is a cleaner. After cleaning everything with hot soapy water and a tad bit of bleach I'll rinse thououghly with water, then spray a mix of Pot. Bisulfite and water in my carboys then rinse.

Then I'll spray a mist of Pot. Meta. (also referred to as K Meta) in carboy. Potassium Meta is a powerful bacteria killer. It will burn your nose if you inhale too much.

You must be careful to add correct amounts to your wine.