6 replies to this topic

[VirginiaBeach]

Hello,Is it alright to keep a bucket of star san and a bucket of PBW around for a while (not concentrated, already mixed with water)? Will they lose their effectiveness? I'm trying to see if I can stretch out their applications and save a little $$. Will they react over time with the plastic used in Ale Pail type buckets?Thanks.

[carluchi]

Starsan should be good as long as the ph is still at or lower than 3. I have kept a 4 gal pail around for a couple of months without issues. Again, check the ph. Not sure about PBW, my first reaction is no, but I have no experience doing it.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

Hello,Is it alright to keep a bucket of star san and a bucket of PBW around for a while (not concentrated, already mixed with water)? Will they lose their effectiveness? I'm trying to see if I can stretch out their applications and save a little $$. Will they react over time with the plastic used in Ale Pail type buckets?Thanks.

star san is def fine for a while in the ale pail buckets. The PBW - I don't use it so I'm not sure but my gut says probably not good for an extended period.

[Spoon]

As Long as the Star-San is bubbley/frothy it is good. I use Oxy-clean so I cant comment on the PBW.

[ChicagoWaterGuy]

PBW lasts a while. Only trouble is that its more effective when its hot. I've kept a bucket for weeks and it'll still eat up organic stuff. As for Starsan, I never keep it. I know that if the ph is in range, its supposed to be good. But its also supposed to remain clear and mine never stays clear after a day. Starsan is my last line of defense against infection. Its not worth it to me to take a chance. I buy it by the gallon so it only costs $.23 to make 5 gallons.

[ChefLamont]

I usually dont keep starsan if it gets cloudy from something. Other than that, I have kept it weeks - even months with no loss of effectiveness.I use the cheap generic oxyclean (Sun Cleaner) from Wallymart. It is not work the hassle/savings of storing. Plus by the time I am done using it, it does not look like any liquid I want to keep, so I dont know about PBW either.

[gnef]

I keep star san for months at a time, just checking the pH periodically. I know it isn't that expensive, but I do like spending that money elsewhere.PBW will retain some of its cleansing power, but not all, as part of it is a release of oxygen for cleaning, and once that's gone, no way to get it back without having to add more of the powder. I have read of some reusing it, and just sweetening the solution with a tablespoon or scoop more of powder concentrate when it has been sitting for a while.