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Sanitzing Bottle Caps

Is it necessary to sanitize bottle caps?   I was planning on just dumping them in some StarSan for a bit, but most things I've read say not to sanitize them unless they are visibly dirty.

Any thoughts?

 

Nuno wrote:

I was planning on just dumping them in some StarSan for a bit,

Isn't that sanitizing?

For a full batch of bottles you can either do that or just boil them all for at least 5 minutes.

For just a couple bottles I just spray the caps w/ starsan and cap.

 

thirsty wrote:

Nuno wrote:

I was planning on just dumping them in some StarSan for a bit,

Isn't that sanitizing?

For a full batch of bottles you can either do that or just boil them all for at least 5 minutes.

For just a couple bottles I just spray the caps w/ starsan and cap.

Yep...that is sanitizing..just wasn't sure if it was necessary after reading some instructions that said not to do it.  Better safe than sorry though I suppose...Just gonna drop them in StarSan for a minute before bottling.

Thanks.

 

I boil about 60 caps for 5 minutes before capping.  That way, I have some spares should something go wrong.  Haven't had an issue yet.  I would be wary about not sanitizing, doesn't seem worth the risk.

 

I have a mini gamma-irradiator that I use to nuke my caps.

When that is on the fritz, I just put the caps in a collander and dump them in and out of a bucket of sanitizer.

 

I boil my caps before using.

 

I count out my caps an immerse them in star san, pulling them out a couple at a time to cap.

I probably use more sanitizer than I need on all steps, but why risk it, when you're spending your time and money on the beer?

-R

 

Thanks for the feedback.  I'm on that same page with you guys.  Think I'll dump my caps in sanitizer for a few minutes before bottling tonight.

 

WARNING: If you use the oxygen absorbing caps getting them wet will activate the agent that absorbs the oxygen rendering them eneffective!!
According to Forrest @ Austin Homebrew Supply breweries do not sanitize their caps, just don't touch the inside of the cap. If using the oxygen absorbing caps cap as usual then turn the bottle upside down a moment to moisten the liner and activate the absorbant. (From a forum at homebrewtalk.com)

Also boiling caps can distort or loosen the seal.

Having said these things my own experience is my first couple of batches I boiled the caps with no problems. Then I went to sanitizing with one step and the only problem I had was when I dumped them into my strainer there was a reaction between the caps (Brewers Best) and strainer or the caps and each other and a bit of a rust starting to appear after just a few minutes exposure to air. I now just keep my hands sanitized and use my caps straight out of the package as do my brew club pres. and my LHBS owner with no problems so far. Hope this helps!!

 

Thanks Brewmando...will keep that in mind going forward.

 

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