homebrewandbeer.com

Caught up with the in-laws on the weekend and was discussing the virtues of homebrewing, as you do. I mentioned that the only annoying aspect was sanitising the bottles. They suggested using a steam cleaner. You know those home cleaning appliances you see advertised on infomercials. Supposedly there is an attachment that will fit in the top of a bottle. The temperature is about 120c, so it should kill any nasties in the bottle.

Has anyone tried using these?

Cheers,
Bob

havent tried it myself but i have heard it is possible

I think it would sterialize the bottels as well as clean them as I use one of these steam cleaners at work to remove the grease out of the exhaust fillters and it works really well

I did a sterilising as part of a cause at uni, steam is better then dry heat especially if it is under pressure, I am not sure of the set up or procedure but you can also use UV to steralise, this part of the cause was about how to steralise medical instruments and it was a couple of years ago (had a shitload of ways to do it) so I forget the exact time you would need but if offered a couple of brews would gladly dig up my notes

bob,
dunno mate.
lets get loaded on the weekend.

my place or yours?

regards,

sanchez

Bob the Brewer,

The steam cleaner of which you speak could be used as a steriliser. A couple of things to consider though, at that temp to be effective it would take anything up to 15mins(not including cooling and drying time), however the higher the temp the less time it takes. Benchtop autoclaves hold 134C for 3 mins.

Secondly it would need an attachment that secured the bottle (or even a rack to place many bottles onto) so the steam is directed in and was also able to vent (maybe a small hole in the side) so pressure doesn't build up and make a rocket of your bottles or destroy them.

I don't think it would be too effective in removing crusty bits from bottles. It would certianly soften them so that they brushed off easier. Perhaps you could try using it on a couple of bottles next time. Have a couple that you only clean and sterilise with the steamer, a couple that are already clean an thus only need sterilising with the steamer, and the majority using you current tried and true method so you dont waste the bottles. See if it is worth the effort and if it is a practical solution.

Thanks Terry I thought i might work, but the time involved would make it more effort than its worth.

Sanchez, that the best plan i've heard all week!