- Purpose: Keeps bacteria from ruining your brew. This is non-negotiable.
- Types:
- Star San: No-rinse, foamy, effective.
- Iodophor: Works great, but can stain plastics slightly.
- Experience Level: Beginner. Spraying, soaking, dunking—it’s easy.
- Pro Tip: “If it touches the beer, sanitize it.” That’s the golden rule.
Star San – 16 oz Concentrated Sanitizer
Industry standard acid-based no-rinse sanitizer.
Long-lasting foam keeps surfaces protected.
Same trusted sanitizer, larger supply for regular brewers.
Bulk buy = best value if you brew often.
Low-foaming alternative to Star San.
Great for bottling or kegging where foam is annoying.
Bigger bottle for heavy users who keg or bottle often.
Iodine-based, no-rinse sanitizer.
Color fades when solution is spent (easy to tell when to replace).
Same iodine sanitizer in bulk for frequent brewers.
One Step No-Rinse Cleaner & Sanitizer – 8 oz
Powdered cleaner/sanitizer combo.
Good for beginners who want simple prep.
Craft A Brew – Single Use Sanitizer Packets
Pre-measured packs = foolproof mixing.
Perfect for small batch brewers or travel brewing kits.
Five Star Powdered Brewery Wash (PBW) – 1 lb
Technically a cleaner, but often paired with Star San.
Removes organic crud before sanitizing — the perfect 1–2 punch.
Why These Are Worth Your Scrub (and Spray)
| Sanitizer | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Star San | Fast-acting, self-foaming acid-based, no-rinse, long-lasting solution (holds 3–4 weeks) | Everyday fermenter sterilizing; trusted staple among homebrewers. |
| Iodophor (BTF brand) | Iodine-based, low-foaming, no-rinse with visible color fade indicating exhaustion | Excellent visual feedback for knowing when it’s time to remix. |
| Saniclean | Non-foaming acid rinse for clear, residue-free sanitation—great for fermenters or draft lines | Final rinse when you want to avoid foam build-up. |
| Bleach | Cheap and effective, but requires rinsing and proper dosage to avoid off-flavors or metal damage | Emergency backup—only if you’re prepared to rinse thoroughly. |
What Brewers Say (Reddit Wisdom)
“PBW is the most popular cleaner and Starsan the most popular sanitizer.”
— u/dingledorfer2
“I usually use Star San, but also consciously mix it up with iodophor around every fifth batch.”
— u/chino_brews
Pro Tips for Sanitizer Use
No-Rinse Reigns Supreme: With sanitizers like Star San and Iodophor, there’s no need to rinse—rinse water can re-contaminate your gear.
Spray Smart: Keep a diluted batch in a spray bottle for quick sanitizing of tools and surfaces during brew day.
Rotation Is Wise: Switching between Star San and Iodophor helps avoid persistent contamination issues and gives you multiple lines of defense.