Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Rubbing Alcohol  (Read 2367 times)

Offline flbrewer

  • Brewmaster General
  • *******
  • Posts: 2161
Rubbing Alcohol
« on: May 16, 2015, 03:21:45 pm »
Why not use rubbing alcohol for spot spraying of equipment? Seems cheaper and there is no need to mix a specific ratio for a spray bottle. 

Offline MDixon

  • Brewmaster General
  • *******
  • Posts: 2331
Re: Rubbing Alcohol
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2015, 03:26:37 pm »
Because isopropyl alcohol isn't for human consumption, you could use some Vodka. I think StarSan would prove to be one of the least expensive solutions.
It's not a popularity contest, it's beer!

Offline flbrewer

  • Brewmaster General
  • *******
  • Posts: 2161
Re: Rubbing Alcohol
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2015, 04:25:55 pm »
I use SS, just asking.

Offline 3bbrewing

  • Retailers
  • Cellarman
  • *
  • Posts: 36
  • San Diego, CA
Re: Rubbing Alcohol
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2015, 05:59:47 pm »
While it's an excellent sanitizer, regardless if it's denatured ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, it's very toxic to drink.   However, when applied topically (i.e. on skin before a shot, or as an equipment sanitizer...), it evaporates.  Unfortunately, what is used to denature it does leave behind some undesirable residue in very minute amounts.   

I use it to sanitize the mouth of a flask for yeast starters, cleaning surfaces where I do yeast work, and such, not with with anything that contacts my beer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Offline erockrph

  • I must live here
  • **********
  • Posts: 7794
  • Chepachet, RI
    • The Hop WHisperer
Re: Rubbing Alcohol
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2015, 09:45:06 pm »
If you wanted to use alcohol, 151 proof spirits would be the ideal choice. Cheap vodka is only 40% alcohol and isn't effective as 70%.
Eric B.

Finally got around to starting a homebrewing blog: The Hop Whisperer

Offline dzlater

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 525
  • Dan S. New Jersey
Re: Rubbing Alcohol
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2015, 03:55:28 am »
Everclear   
Dan S. from NJ

Offline a10t2

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 4696
  • Ask me why I don't like Chico!
    • SeanTerrill.com
Re: Rubbing Alcohol
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2015, 11:46:13 am »
Isopropyl alcohol and a flame is what I use to sanitize all my brewing/lab equipment. Cheaper and more effective than chemical sanitizers. The flame is key, though.
Sent from my Microsoft Bob

Beer is like porn. You can buy it, but it's more fun to make your own.
Refractometer Calculator | Batch Sparging Calculator | Two Mile Brewing Co.