Jan 2004
Yuck! That terrible smell... Any alternatives?
January, 2004 Filed in: Wine making
If we had a dime for every time we were asked this question, you might find the Creative Connoisseur gang on a beach in the Caribbean. Yes, we know that Sodium Metabisulphite, aka Sterilant or sanitizer is not a popular choice because of its distinct, unpleasant sulphur smell. But while there are alternatives, it will always be the most effective sterilant to use to help insure no unwanted “nasties” ruining your wine or beer. Sulphur has been used since Egyptian times as an excellent preservative and sterilizing agent and it will remain the sterilant of choice for a long time yet.
However, from time to time, customers remark that they have heard of a “non-smelly” sterilant. Well in fact they do exist and we thought we would let you know about them.
The first is a product called Iodophor. As the name suggests Iodophor, is an iodine based material with relatively no odour. Many of you will remember Mom putting iodine on our cuts as children to ward of any infection. Yah remember the ouch! While it can be used as a sterilant, Iodophor does have some limitations. Iodophor, must be mixed with water and used within 24 hours of mixing, or it will become ineffective. It also can not be re-used. Iodophor must also contact the surface to be sterilized for a minimum of 20 minutes in order to sterilize properly. While this maybe practical for glass bottles, carboys and primaries, it would be difficult to achieve this in a filter machine or a siphon hose. Reportedly, items sterilized with Iodophor do not have to be rinsed with water afterwards. Just let them drip dry. However, I would feel more comfortable to rinse with water.
Creative Connoisseur sells Iodophor in our additives section. It comes complete with instructions.
Another possible sterilant is Chlorinated Cleaner, aka the “pink stuff”. The chlorine contained in the cleaner is the responsible agent for sterilizing. However, like Iodophor, the cleaner solution must remain in contact with the surface to be sterilized for a minimum of 20 minutes.
What is the conclusion? Sodium metabisulphite remains the most effective sterilant, in terms of not only effectiveness, but also ease of use. Having said this Chlorinated Cleaner is a “must” for insuring clean conditions for your precious wine. The cleaner is excellent in removing stains and the film that collects on glass, which may contribute to off tastes. While Sodium Metabisulphite may be an excellent sterilant, there is no point in sterilizing “dirt” so include the double treatment of cleaner and sterilant.
However, from time to time, customers remark that they have heard of a “non-smelly” sterilant. Well in fact they do exist and we thought we would let you know about them.
The first is a product called Iodophor. As the name suggests Iodophor, is an iodine based material with relatively no odour. Many of you will remember Mom putting iodine on our cuts as children to ward of any infection. Yah remember the ouch! While it can be used as a sterilant, Iodophor does have some limitations. Iodophor, must be mixed with water and used within 24 hours of mixing, or it will become ineffective. It also can not be re-used. Iodophor must also contact the surface to be sterilized for a minimum of 20 minutes in order to sterilize properly. While this maybe practical for glass bottles, carboys and primaries, it would be difficult to achieve this in a filter machine or a siphon hose. Reportedly, items sterilized with Iodophor do not have to be rinsed with water afterwards. Just let them drip dry. However, I would feel more comfortable to rinse with water.
Creative Connoisseur sells Iodophor in our additives section. It comes complete with instructions.
Another possible sterilant is Chlorinated Cleaner, aka the “pink stuff”. The chlorine contained in the cleaner is the responsible agent for sterilizing. However, like Iodophor, the cleaner solution must remain in contact with the surface to be sterilized for a minimum of 20 minutes.
What is the conclusion? Sodium metabisulphite remains the most effective sterilant, in terms of not only effectiveness, but also ease of use. Having said this Chlorinated Cleaner is a “must” for insuring clean conditions for your precious wine. The cleaner is excellent in removing stains and the film that collects on glass, which may contribute to off tastes. While Sodium Metabisulphite may be an excellent sterilant, there is no point in sterilizing “dirt” so include the double treatment of cleaner and sterilant.