13 best sanitizer for brewing

Sanitizer for brewing is a crucial component in the process of home brewing and wine making. It plays a critical role in ensuring that the equipment and surfaces involved in the brewing process are free from harmful microorganisms that can spoil the batch or introduce off-flavors. Here are some key points about sanitizer for brewing:

  1. Purpose: The primary purpose of a brewing sanitizer is to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms that can contaminate the brewing equipment, ingredients, and final product.Sanitizing helps maintain the quality and safety of the beer or wine.

  2. Types of Brewing Sanitizers:

    • Chemical Sanitizers: These are the most common types of sanitizers used in home brewing. They include products like iodophor, Star San, and bleach solutions. These sanitizers are mixed with water and used to soak or spray equipment and surfaces.
    • No-Rinse Sanitizers: Some sanitizers are labeled as "no-rinse," which means you don't need to rinse them off after sanitizing. This can save time and reduce the risk of recontamination.
    • Heat Sanitization: In some cases, heat can be used to sanitize equipment by boiling or using high-temperature water.
  3. Sanitizing Equipment: Home brewers should sanitize all equipment that comes into contact with the beer or wine, including fermenters, airlocks, siphoning tubes, bottles, and caps. It's important to be thorough to prevent contamination.

  4. Sanitizing Procedure: The exact procedure for sanitizing equipment can vary depending on the sanitizer used. Generally, it involves mixing the sanitizer with water according to the manufacturer's instructions, then immersing or spraying the equipment and allowing it to air dry. For no-rinse sanitizers, no further rinsing is necessary.

  5. Contact Time: Most sanitizers require a specific contact time to be effective. It's essential to follow the recommended contact time to ensure thorough sanitization.

  6. Safety: When using chemical sanitizers, it's essential to follow safety precautions outlined on the product label, including wearing appropriate protective gear and avoiding contact with concentrated solutions.

  7. Residue: Some sanitizers may leave residues that can affect the flavor of the final product. This is another reason to ensure proper rinsing or use no-rinse sanitizers as recommended.

  8. Frequency: Sanitization should be a standard practice at various stages of the brewing process, such as before fermentation, bottling, and any transfer of liquids.

  9. Quality Control: Proper sanitation is a critical aspect of quality control in home brewing. Failing to sanitize adequately can lead to spoiled batches and off-flavors in the final product.

In summary, sanitizer for brewing is an essential tool in home brewing and wine making to maintain a clean and sterile environment during the brewing process. Different types of sanitizers are available, and following proper sanitization procedures is crucial to ensuring the quality and safety of the final beverage.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best sanitizer for brewing on the market
  

FastRack - 5lbs Logic One Step Cleaner Logic One Step 5 lb. - No Rinse Cleaner/Sanitizer For Home brewing Beer & Wine Making, White

FastRack

Based on 271 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Manufacturer

For 9 years now, we have been serving the brewing and winemaking industry as well as homebrewing enthusiasts with our game changing products under the brands FastWasher, FastRack and FastFerment . Our products have been carefully designed to bring you ease and peace of mind when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness in making your favorite beverage.  It doesn't matter if you are a professional in the industry or an individual who just enjoys brewing beer we have everything you will ever need.



The Science Behind One Step

One Step, the original no-rinse cleanser, uses active oxygen to clean your equipment. In addition to being designed to minimize residue and while maximizing detergency, One Step uses oxygen entrained within a mineral crystal that dissolves when combined with water. The oxygen is then released to form hydrogen peroxide – a compound long known for its sanitizing and disinfectant abilities. The hydrogen peroxide completes its work and then degrades into oxygen and water, leaving behind only the minerals that are stable, naturally occurring compounds – no different than minerals often found in drinking water.



Cleaning Instruction

Mix One tablespoon of One Step beer sanitizer with one gallon of warm water.



Satisfaction Guaranteed

FastRack is always aimed at being the best on the market for both quality and customer service. We stand by our products' quality with our 100% guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected]. We will ensure you have a great experience. 

  • Oxygen based with a favorable cleaning power
  • One tablespoon per gallon of water
  • Made in United States
  • Package Dimensions : 14.2 L x 16.6 H x 16.2 W (centimeters)

User questions & answers

Question: What are the ingredients
Answer: It contains percarbonates, probably sodium, calcium or magnesium carbonates. Essentially, it is very similar to oxyclean, but from my experience it is better. That may be because it seems to be finer and goes into solution very quickly. One thing I know is that it works. Use it carefully in order to avoid splashing it in your eyes.
Question: will this be shipped in the plastic bucket or a plastic bag
Answer: As I recall, the bucket was shipped in a box.
Question: Can I run this through my Sanke tap, lines and facet, let dry then just switch back to beer
Answer: I personally use it as a cleaner only. I still highly recommend sanitizing with a sanitizer before committing anything to a vessel. Keg, Kettle, etc. It is nice for a relatively spot free rinse.
Question: Is this product safe for aluminum
Answer: As far as I know it is.

CentralBrewShop 1Step-8oz-NR One Step 8 oz. - No Rinse Cleaner/Sanitizer for Home Brewing Beer and Wine Making

CentralBrewShop

Based on 99 reviews Check latest price

Product description

All you need is 1 tablespoon and 2 minutes of contact time. No rinsing needed. Safe to use on any of your beer- and wine-brewing equipment. Clean your beer- and wine-making equipment quickly and easily with the non-toxic, oxygen-based one step no-rinse cleanser.

  • Clean your beer- and wine-making equipment quickly and easily with the non-toxic, oxygen-based one step no-rinse cleanser
  • All you need is 1 tablespoon and 2 minutes of contact time. Not rinsing needed. Safe to use on any of your beer- and wine-brewing equipment
  • Manufactured in united states
  • Is battery required: false

User questions & answers

Question: What are the ingredients
Answer: it's sanitizer. they're not going to tell you their proprietary ingredients. One Step is an excellent oxygen based cleanser. Requires two minutes of contact time, no rinsing required! ... Note: while technically a cleanser, One Step does have some sanitizing properties through the release of hydrogen peroxide. It can be used in no-rinse applications in most home brewing tasks.
Question: Is this shipped in the screw-top container, as shown in the picture
Answer: Yes, this size is a screw top.

One Step 8 oz - No Rinse Cleaner/Sanitizer for Homebrewing Beer and Wine Making

CentralBrewShop

Based on 240 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ONE Step. 8 oz.

  • Clean your beer- and wine-making equipment quickly and easily with the non-toxic, oxygen-based One Step No-Rinse Cleanser
  • Environmentally-friendly and non-harsh, One Step uses no acids and no chlorine, which can leave a film on glass and corrode stainless steel
  • All you need is 1 tablespoon and 2 minutes of contact time. No rinsing needed. Safe to use on any of your beer- and wine-brewing equipment

User questions & answers

Question: I just received this product and it came in a bag and the directions require that i rinse with water? Anyone else understand the "no rinse" product
Answer: It means you add the suggested amount to warm to hot water and rinse with that mixture. After you poor out the mixture from the container there is no need to rinse out the container of residue. Hope this helps.
Question: Can this be use on mr. Beer bottles to clean them
Answer: Yes. Clean and sanitize.
Question: Is it a cleaner, sanitizer or both
Answer: It's a sanitizer. I always clean my bottles with hot soapy water first, rinse well and then use Step One sanitizer.
Question: Is this product potassium metabisulfite
Answer: Actually, no where on the bag or the website does it state the ingredients. Which is odd now that you ask...

FastRack One Step No Rinse Cleaner - 1 Lb. (1Step-1lb)

FastRack

Based on 945 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Oxygen based with a favorable cleaning power. Environmentally friendly & non-toxic. No rinsing required.

  • 1 lb One Step No Rinse Cleaner
  • Model Number: 1Step-1lb
  • Item Package Dimension: 4.599999995308" L x 3.399999996532" W x 1.099999998878" H
  • Item Package Weight: 1.0 lb

User questions & answers

Question: Why does the image not match the product I received
Answer: They buy large quantities and divide it into smaller amounts to sell.
Question: Will this clean a kegerator line
Answer: I don't know. I use it to clean winemaking equipment prior to sanitizing.
Question: Is this accomplishing the same task as PBW - without rinsing
Answer: I don’t know what PBW is but One step is the only cleaner I use and you do not have to rinse after cleaning your bottles or equipment
Question: My package arrived and has homebrewstuff label. has someone used this 1 step and can confirm it is the same onestep made by logic inc in pa
Answer: HomeBrewStuff here, we receive One Step, from Logic Inc, in large pails. We then repackage the product to lower costs for us, and pass those savings on to the buyer. I hope this answers your question.

Five star Star San Acid Sanitizer for Surface Sanitation, 32oz

Five Star

Based on 935 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Everything you love about five Star sanitizer (Star San) but in an economical 32 oz. Container. The folks at Star San even kept the handy measuring tool built into the container making dilutions quick and easy. Star San is a go to sanitizer among home brewers, proving a true no rinse sanitation step that requires 1 minute or less. You can even place your dilutions into a spray bottle and apply directly to surfaces you want to sanitize, stretching your juice even further. Truly this stuff is a one stop shop for killing the bugs!.

  • Item Package Dimension:5.334 cm L X12.750 cm W X24.765 cm H
  • Item Package Weight:1.402 Kilograms
  • Product Type:Coat
  • Country Of Origin: United States

User questions & answers

Question: Can it be used Outdoor sanitation
Answer: I don't see why not you have to mix it with water so if you're using it outside it should be fine.
Question: Can this be used to sanitize old 5 gallon water jugs? I have some old ones that have sat in the garage for years, and they are probably a bit "funky
Answer: If they're glass just make sure they're clean and yest it will sanitize them. If they're plastic it depends on how old they are and how they have been stored. Plastic will oxidize over time. If the color of the plastic has started to change or the surface has become rough then they're probably not safe to store water, the star san will sanitize it, but the plastics will leach into the water.
Question: can this product be used for wine making as well
Answer: I agree with the other comments, you can use this sanitizer for wine and beer and whatever else you want to sanitize.
Question: Is this for a jacket or sanitizer
Answer: Sanitizer

Iodophor Sanitizer for Brewing or Wine Making 4oz

Learn To Brew LLC

Based on 60 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is a 4 oz. bottle of iodophor sanitizer. Use one ounce per five gallons of cold water. Iodophor is an Iodine based sanitizer and requires a minimum of two minutes contact time. One ounce per five gallons of water will provide 25 ppm of Iodine. Usage Instructions are included.

  • Iodophor 4 oz
  • Easy to Use - 1 oz per 5 gallons of water
  • Strong sanitizer

User questions & answers

Question: How much do I add to a gallon jug
Answer: The directions call for 1 tbsp for each 1.5 gallons of water.
Question: will this kill green algae that accumulates in my 5 gallon water bottles
Answer: That's a great question. Yes, iodophor is an algaecide and will work to treat the algae. However, any accumulated algae growth should be removed before treatment. Lastly, if you are seeing regular algae growth (which is completely normal in standing, untreated water), the necessary solution may not be sanitation. You may just need to increase your frequency of cleaning with warm soapy water and make sure to brush all inside surfaces. Algae can grow relatively quickly given the right environment. There are specialized brushes available for cleaning inside water bottles with narrow openings. Thanks!
Question: Can this btf iodophor be used in place of betadine as antibiotic wash for wounds
Answer: I am an ER doctor; We avoid full strength betadine/iodophor on open wounds - but DO use if diluted down. On Intact skin, it can be used at full strength (pre-operative) as a surgery prep. (Avoid around the eyes.)

ONESTEP NO RINSE CLEANSER - 2.5oz Pack One Step Environmentally Friendly Sanitizer No Rinse No Clorine No Film

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Contains no chlorine, which can leave a film on glassware and corrode stainless steel. One Step is an excellent oxygen based cleanser. Requires two minutes of contact time, no rinsing required! Environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Safe for most hydration systems like Camelbak. Use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. 2.5 OZ Package

  • No Rinsing Required - 2 Minute Contact Time - "Best Cleaner I've Ever Used" (PJ)
  • Oxygen Based - Safe for Brewing, Wine Making, and Camelbak Hydration Systems
  • Environmentally Friendly and Non-Toxic - Product has been on the market for years
  • Removes the Guesswork - Use 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water.
  • 2.5 Ounce Trial Size - Mix a Quart or a Gallon - Makes 5 Gallons Solution - Safe for Use on Equipment Caps Bottles

Five Star 1 Gallon Star San No Rinse Acid Sanitizer Homebrew Brewing Equipment

Five Star

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It is safe for use on all surfaces, but use caution since it is an acid; contact with soft metals, rubber, and plastic should be kept to a minimum. Star San is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and will not harm septic systems. This listing is for a GALLON size of Star San

  • Star San is an acid-based no-rinse sanitizer that is effective and easy to use.
  • Made from food-grade phosphoric acid, safe for people and the environment.
  • Star San is self-foaming, which helps it to penetrate cracks and crevices.
  • Odorless and flavorless, no need to worry about tainting your beer or wine.
  • Does not require rinsing when used at the recommended dilution.

STARSAN 32 Five Star San Brewing Equipment Sanitizer 32 Ounce Concentrate

Five Star

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Here's a step up for your sanitizing routine.  Use Star San when you want to be absolutely sure there is no chance that any organisms could spoil an expensive batch of your prize homebrew.  The whole point of home brewing is to kick back, relax, and have a hombrew, so use Star San according to the instructions and stop worrying about infections! Bottle comes with a handy measuring section.  Star San is an acid-based sanitizer that is quick, odorless, tasteless and safe for most materials except softer metals.  Star San is a self-foaming acid sanitizer ideal for brewing, dairy and other food and beverage equipment.  It is economical, use just 1/4 ounce to make up a gallon of sanitizer!

  • FOOD GRADE COMMERCIAL SANITIZER FOR BREWERIES, DAIRIES, AND FOOD PROCESSORS
  • SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR HOME USE WHEN MIXED AS DIRECTED
  • CONCENTRATED 1 OZ MIXES WITH WATER TO MAKE 5 GALLONS (1/4 OZ MAKES 1 GALLON)
  • ALLOW SANITIZER TO REMAIN IN CONTACT AT LEAST 30 SECONDS - DO NOT RINSE
  • HANDY MEASURING SECTION ON BOTTLE - DON'T FEAR THE FOAM!

BTF Iodophor Sanitizer 32 oz

National Chemical

Based on 88 reviews Check latest price

Product description

BTF Iodophor sanitizer is specially designed to offer you maximally effective brewing sanitation. Mix it with warm or cold water (it's not designed for hot water), and it will reduce spotting, streaking, and filming in your brewing setup and tanks. A single 32-ounce bottle can make up to 320 gallons of odorless, tasteless, low-foaming cleaning solution that will prevent uncontrolled yeast or bacteria deposits on your homebrew equipment. Don't trust your sanitation needs to any cut-rate cleaner. With BTF iodophor sanitizer you know that you've got what you need to keep your system running clean. In stock and ready to ship. Features: 32 oz screw top plastic bottle. Reduce spotting, streaking, and filming in your brewing setup. Odorless, tasteless, and easy on your hands. Also available as a discounted case of twelve 32 oz bottles. NSF listed. OMRI listed (for organic use). No rinse sanitizer if used at the directed dilution. Specs: package dimensions: 9 1/8"H x 3 1/4"diameter.

  • 32 oz screw top plastic bottle
  • Reduce spotting, streaking, and filming in your brewing setup
  • Odorless, tasteless, and easy on your hands
  • Also available in a discounted case of (12) 32 oz bottles
  • Package dimensions: 9 1/8"H x 3 1/4" diameter; capacity: 32 oz

User questions & answers

Question: is this environmentally friendly
Answer: I believe so, it is iodine, not chemicals. You only use @ a TBSP for maybe 4-5 gallons. Better too weak than too strong.
Question: Can Iodophor be used to sanitize silicone spatulas
Answer: I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Not sure what type of silicone, but if sanitizer is left in white plastic brewing buckets too long, it will darken them a bit.
Question: When properly diluted, does BTF wet plastic, or does plastic need to be soaked to get sanitized
Answer: Best to soak it 2min. However this will discolor the plastic
Question: Can this be used to sanitize a stainless steel sink
Answer: I use this to sainitize a lot of my stainless steel brewing equipment it will work just fine on your stainless steel sink.

Five Star 1 Gallon Star San No Rinse Acid Sanitizer Homebrew Brewing Equipment by Five Star

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It is safe for use on all surfaces, but use caution since it is an acid; contact with soft metals, rubber, and plastic should be kept to a minimum. Star San is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and will not harm septic systems. May arrive as four separate 32 oz. containers of Star San.

One Step - 8 oz.

FastRack

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ONE Step. 8 oz.

  • Clean your beer- and wine-making equipment quickly and easily with the non-toxic oxygen-based One Step No-Rinse Cleanser
  • Model Number: 1Step-8oz
  • Item Package Dimension: 4.0" L x 4.0" W x 4.0" H
  • Item Package Weight: 0.5 lb

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be used in oak barrels
Answer: Yes it can be used to to clean and kill all bacteria on any and all things. The reason it is such a great product is it no rinse. I use it on all my beer and wine making equipment !!!! It is a great product!!!!
Question: does this do the clean and sanitize, or do you need two different products
Answer: I should add that I use only this (no additional sanitizer) on a carboy that doesn't have a film as a way to sanitize before adding in my wort. I haven't used this to clean after, I do that with warm water and a carboy brush. Never had a bad batch of wort.
Question: What are the ingredients in One Step
Answer: The ingredients in One Step include the following: sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate and sodium chloride.
Question: Why not just use a bleach solution
Answer: If cleaning your brewing equipment, know that bleach residue will give your beer a band-aid taste. Stay away from it. I've used 1-step for years and have never had an infection or off flavor to my wine or beer. Its good stuff and easier to work with than other products I've tried.

Five Star PBW - 1 lbs - Brew Cleaner Buffered Alkaline Detergent

Five Star

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

PBW is a safe cleaner. Removes stubborn stains, hard water usable, wide temp range compatible, easy rinsing. The product is manufactured in the United States.

  • EASILY REMOVES STAINS- Tackle organic materials and stains with this non-caustic, alkaline based cleaner
  • VERSATILE APPLICATIONS- This cleaner can be used to clean all types of equipment as well as household surfaces Great for kettles, fermentors, carboys, kegs, pots, brewing systems, wort chillers, and heat exchangers
  • WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE- Has the cleaning power to work at low and high temperatures
  • USED BY PROFESSIONALS- Trusted by many craft brewers, PBW has been a standard cleaner in many professional establishments
  • EFFECTIVE IN HARD AND SOFT WATER- Specifically formulated for brewing, this a robust cleaning ability is a variety of environments

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a "no-rinse" solution
Answer: PBW Is a cleanser, so you will rinse after use. After cleaning and rinsing, try Five Star's "Star San" which is a no-rinse Sanitizer.
Question: Will this work plastic to clean water reservoirs like camel-bak
Answer: It would work well I think with some soaking to clean gunk out of the bladder and tubing. I've used it on plastic brewing equipment without problems, although nothing as soft and flexible as a Camelbak bladder. Be sure to rinse really well!
Question: There isn't an ingredient label. what is in pbw? can it replace soda when making homemade cleaning solutions
Answer: PBW is 29% sodium percarbonate, 31% sodium metasilicate and 23% sodium sulfate. It also contains surfactants and chelaters (5% each) and a gelling agent (7%). I don't know if that would replace soda when making homemade cleaning solutions, but hopefully this information will be helpful.
Question: Is this food grade
Answer: No this product is not food grade. A food grade chemical can be added to a food product and ingested. Yes, this product was formulated to be used to clean food processing/brewing equipment but it would be classified as an A1 material under NSF. This means it's a Non Food Contact Material, classified as a "general cleaning compound" approved for use on "food contact surfaces" as a cleaner but requiring a complete rinse with potable water with no residue remaining on the surface

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