Which is the right Sanitizer for Wine Bottles--help :P

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UDV

NewBee
Registered Member
Mar 20, 2008
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NYC
Hi.

I'm sort of confused about how to use my bottle sanitizer. I have a number of bottles that I sanitized by putting in the dish washer and letting them run a full cycle at 170, and then covering the tops with aluminum foil. However I have about another 20 bottles that are clean but I am unsure how to sanitize them.

I have PBW wash, and San-san and Oxyclean, and both of them have me wash the bottles out after being santized. What is the name or product name of the right Sanitizer that is a one-step that I can rinse them out and then let to dry on a bottle tree so that I can use them again? The directions were completely vague on this. It's really cool washing them out this way, but if I have to rinse them out again, it sort of defeats the purpose if I have to rinse them out again.
 
UDV,

Iodophor is a no-rinse sanitizer. I have not had a single problem using it and it leaves no taste if diluted according to the instructions.

Angus
 
Hey, UDV!

I use Iodophor as well (It's called B-T-F) and I've never had a problem. What I do is fill my bucket with some pretty hot water (I have to be able to handle it) and add some according to the bottle specs (Remember the color it turns out to be when properly mixed). Then, I use my racking cane and hold down clean bottles until they (and the bucket) are completely full. I let them sit the prescribed time, then pull them out, drain, and let them dry. No need to rinse. No problem! Of course, I have no fancy equipment. Heck, I'm lucky to have carboys! :laughing7:
 
So I need to look for Iodophor or B-T-F. I wish this was more obvious sometimes.

I also predict a 100% chance my LBHS will not have it in stock.
 
I don't know, it's pretty common stuff. I haven't been to a LHBS that didn't have it in some way or another.... It's dark stuff (iodine, of course) and the stuff I get is in a semi-opaque bottle, so you can tell.
 
I also use Idophor. If you don't find it at your LHBS you might find it at your local restaurant supply store - or so I'm told.

What I do is fill my bucket with some pretty hot water (I have to be able to handle it) and add some according to the bottle specs (Remember the color it turns out to be when properly mixed).

Correct me if I'm wrong but I was under the impression that high temperatures reduced the effectiveness of Idophor. I always mix it with lukewarm (roughly 70-90F) water. I think it is rendered ineffective at temperatures over 120F. My memory is foggy though so don't take my word for it - check the bottle.
 
EGADS! You're right! It says right here: "Add B-T-F Iodophor to cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water." I wonder where I picked that little bad habit up? (maybe because things dry faster when hot?) I will definitely change my terrible ways! Thanks for the heads-up, UprightJoe!
 
The hotter the water, the quicker the gasses are 'heated' off and thus have less time in contact with the equipment. You get a nasty blast of gas. It is not hazardous unless ingested (see manufacturer data sheets), but unpleasant if you get it full in the face.

Angus