diff --git a/Homebrew/Sanitation.md b/Homebrew/Sanitation.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e62b3b9 --- /dev/null +++ b/Homebrew/Sanitation.md @@ -0,0 +1,24 @@ +Sanitation is important when brewing alcohol, as bacterica can cause the alcohol +to turn to vinegar or cause illness upon consumption. Sanitation is not the same +as cleaning. Cleaning is removing large things like fruit pulp and dirt. +Sanitation has the goal of removing micro-organisms like unwanted yeasts and +bacteria. There are two main ways to sanitize: heat and chemicals. + +The most accessible heat sanitation method is your dishwasher's sanitation +cycle. This is most useful for things like bottles and other larger glassware, +as the cycle often takes many hours, and leaves your items hot enough to +potentially kill your yeast. + +Chemical sanitation is useful for small items, items you want to use +immediately, and temperature sensitive plastics. There are many different brands +of chemical sanitizer, which can be purchased online, at restauraunt supply +stores, and homebrew stores. Star-San is quite common, and what will be +described here. Mix 1oz of product per 5 gallons of tap water. Wet whatever +surface you want to sanitize for one minute. Allow to air dry. Use your solution +within the same hour it was made. + +If you are brewing with heat, everything that touches the brew after heating +_must_ be sanitized. If you are brewing without heat, all containers, presses, +and equipment should be sanitized before use. An important use of chemical +sanitizers is to fill airlocks to prevent airborn microbes or fruit flies from +getting into your brew. \ No newline at end of file