By now, you have probably learned that sanitation is extremely important in home brewing. And you should also know that cleaning and sanitation are not the same thing. Proper cleaning is just as important as good sanitization.
If you do not clean thoroughly first, then you will leave behind dirt and residue that bacteria and germs can attach to, which will keep your home brewing equipment from being properly sanitized. Proper cleaning sets up good sanitation, which makes for clean equipment. And clean, sanitized equipment is necessary for good beer.
If you are still confused as to the difference between the two, then let me clarify for you. These are two different steps, but go hand in hand. Cleaning removes residue and dirt from the surface of your home brewing equipment--what you can see. Sanitation removes most of the microorganisms on the equipment--what you can't see.
So here is a quick look at some of the options you have to choose from for cleaners to use in your home brewing, and some things to avoid.
OxyClean is a very effective cleaner, and a popular choice in home brewing. It is easy to find in grocery stores or Wal Mart, K Mart, Target, etc. You do not have to get OxyClean, you can purchase any discount brand oxygen based cleaner. They are all just as effective.
OxyClean is especially effective at cleaning glass carboys. It is also great for Better Bottles. You simply rinse with warm water after using, and then use the OxyClean. OxyClean is also effective at removing labels and glue from beer bottles--simply let the bottles soak in some OxyClean and water overnight, and all the labels and glue come right off. Just set it and forget it, no scrubbing necessary! There is also OxyClean Free, which is an unscented version that contains no chlorines in it. You can purchase OxyClean in big tubs, and it is pretty cheap.
Powdered Brewery Wash (PBW) is another alternative. It is similar to OxyClean, but PBW rinses quicker and more easily than OxyClean. However, PBW costs more than OxyClean. It is also not as easy to purchase. You can find it online and at the LHBS, so it is not impossible to get. You just won't find it at the corner store. PBW is less abrasive on stainless steel and copper. OxyClean is superior on some home brewing equipment, and PBW works better on others, so it is entirely possible that you may find yourself using both products.
Another cheap alternative that works well is dishwasher detergent (calgonite). However, it is important to note that not all dishwasher detergents are created equal. You want to be sure that the detergent you choose is a brand that has no fragrance, no colors or dyes. And most importantly, use a dishwashing detergent that does not have a rinse aid. This method works really well, is easy to find, and cheap! Keep in mind that you do not want to use dish soap for cleaning your home brewing equipment.
There are many options to choose from when looking for a cleaner, but fortunately they are easy to find--either online, at the LHBS or at the grocery store. No matter what cleaning agent you choose, just be certain to use one and clean thoroughly, so you can properly sanitize. Clean equipment makes clean beer, and clean beer is great tasting beer.
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Be sure to check out my home brewing blog
If you do not clean thoroughly first, then you will leave behind dirt and residue that bacteria and germs can attach to, which will keep your home brewing equipment from being properly sanitized. Proper cleaning sets up good sanitation, which makes for clean equipment. And clean, sanitized equipment is necessary for good beer.
If you are still confused as to the difference between the two, then let me clarify for you. These are two different steps, but go hand in hand. Cleaning removes residue and dirt from the surface of your home brewing equipment--what you can see. Sanitation removes most of the microorganisms on the equipment--what you can't see.
So here is a quick look at some of the options you have to choose from for cleaners to use in your home brewing, and some things to avoid.
OxyClean is a very effective cleaner, and a popular choice in home brewing. It is easy to find in grocery stores or Wal Mart, K Mart, Target, etc. You do not have to get OxyClean, you can purchase any discount brand oxygen based cleaner. They are all just as effective.
OxyClean is especially effective at cleaning glass carboys. It is also great for Better Bottles. You simply rinse with warm water after using, and then use the OxyClean. OxyClean is also effective at removing labels and glue from beer bottles--simply let the bottles soak in some OxyClean and water overnight, and all the labels and glue come right off. Just set it and forget it, no scrubbing necessary! There is also OxyClean Free, which is an unscented version that contains no chlorines in it. You can purchase OxyClean in big tubs, and it is pretty cheap.
Powdered Brewery Wash (PBW) is another alternative. It is similar to OxyClean, but PBW rinses quicker and more easily than OxyClean. However, PBW costs more than OxyClean. It is also not as easy to purchase. You can find it online and at the LHBS, so it is not impossible to get. You just won't find it at the corner store. PBW is less abrasive on stainless steel and copper. OxyClean is superior on some home brewing equipment, and PBW works better on others, so it is entirely possible that you may find yourself using both products.
Another cheap alternative that works well is dishwasher detergent (calgonite). However, it is important to note that not all dishwasher detergents are created equal. You want to be sure that the detergent you choose is a brand that has no fragrance, no colors or dyes. And most importantly, use a dishwashing detergent that does not have a rinse aid. This method works really well, is easy to find, and cheap! Keep in mind that you do not want to use dish soap for cleaning your home brewing equipment.
There are many options to choose from when looking for a cleaner, but fortunately they are easy to find--either online, at the LHBS or at the grocery store. No matter what cleaning agent you choose, just be certain to use one and clean thoroughly, so you can properly sanitize. Clean equipment makes clean beer, and clean beer is great tasting beer.
Get a free a book about home brewing
Be sure to check out my home brewing blog