| It is important to sanitize all your equipment before | | | | effective cleaner and disinfectant. Use the |
| starting the brewing process. This ensures that there | | | | non-scented type. To clean your glass fermenter or |
| are no excess bacteria that could potentially grow, | | | | other components, mix two ounces of bleach in 5 |
| causing a risk of disease. Make sure you sanitize all | | | | gallons of water and soak the items overnight. A |
| the equipment and utensils you will use in the process | | | | stronger solution of about 1 ½ tsp of bleach |
| as well as the bottles. You must also work in a | | | | mixed with 5 gallons of water will cut the soak time |
| sanitized and cleanly area. If you don't sanitize well, | | | | to about 1 hour. To make an effective sanitizing |
| your beer-making efforts will be in vain, as an | | | | sponge wash mix 1½ ounces of bleach per |
| unsanitary product will result in you being unable to | | | | gallon of water. Be sure to use three hot clear water |
| drink it. | | | | rinses. Chlorine is corrosive to stainless steel, copper |
| Boiling Water | | | | and brass so do not use on these surfaces. Be sure |
| The most inexpensive method of sanitizing is using | | | | to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. |
| boiling water. Don't boil plastic equipment as it may | | | | Chemicals |
| melt and deform it. The water must be boiling when | | | | Other chemicals are designed for easy disinfection of |
| it comes into contact with the items and should stay | | | | beer making supplies. These can be readily found |
| on the items for at least several seconds or more. | | | | through any beer-making supply store. These special |
| Take care not to dry your equipment with a dirty | | | | chemicals work similarly to bleach. One advantage of |
| towel. The best method is to air dry. Keep your | | | | these chemicals is that they work rather quickly so |
| work area clean and sanitary. Keep pets and children | | | | you can often sanitize and start brewing immediately. |
| away from the area to ensure cleanliness. Be sure to | | | | They are available as either a liquid or in powder form |
| keep windows shut so that dust or bugs cannot get | | | | ready to be mixed by you. Always follow the |
| into your work area. | | | | package directions. Keep a separate pot large enough |
| Chlorine (Household Bleach) | | | | for the sterilization of most of your equipment. |
| Standard household bleach is an inexpensive and | | | | |
