2torial #0726:
Learn2 Brew Your Own Beer (continued)

Say "no" to germs

Unfermented beer is warm and sweet, the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. To keep these microscopic beer lovers from enjoying your beer before you have a chance to, sanitize all your equipment before starting the brewing process. Check your home brewing store for brand-name sanitizers and follow the manufacturer's instructions, or try these remedies:

Use unscented household bleach. To sanitize your fermentation vessel, fill it with water (tap water is fine). Mix in 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of unscented bleach, and let it soak for 15 minutes. To clean your spoon and plastic hoses, add them to the bleach and water solution. After the soaking process, wash all equipment thoroughly with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse everything off extremely well.

Boil water. To sterilize your brew pot, fill it with water, bring the water to a boil, and empty the water.

Note: Wait until after your brew has finished fermenting to sanitize your bottling bucket, bottles, and crowns. See Step 6 for details on how to do this.