Expert: John Snyder - 11/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: John, I use Star-san on my equipment and rubbing alcohol to swab the decks and even pass spoons over flames. Do you think these bacteria are common or have to do with my (sometimes) kraut activities? Can they get into the air from that?? Or am I getting it under my nails??  Should I throw out my siphon tubing from time to time? I rinse it after use in cold water then run Star-san (bubbly type)through before next use when the inside is dry, as I do with everything else. I let it sit 2 minutes or more.
         Thanks,  -Jim

ANSWER: your kraut activity won't cause the problem you have.Definitely throw out that siphon hose.If you have access to a scope,you should split open the hose,and scrap a sample to look at,under the scope.How about your yeast?Are you using it over and over,it may be infected.An old Brewers saying "the bacteria is infected with yeast"when the yeast is really infected.It's not your nails either

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I suspect the hose. These last two failures have been after the brew passed through the hose. This is a 1/4-inch hose and impossible to really clean well. If I passed rubbing alcohol down it instead of the Star-san, let it sit, would that kill everything? I'll probably get a new one. BTW, I always use fresh (dry) yeast. ;-)

         Thanks,  -Jim

Answer
no that hose must be replaced.There are brushes available that can be used to clean the inside 1/4"The brush you buy must be a little larger in size,so that the bristles must be forced somewhat into the opening,so that you will get a good brushing action on the side wall of the hose After a good cleaning then you can sanitize.Clean the hose after each use.Remember once bacteria have become incapsulated on a surface,no amount of sanitizing will work