Sodium percarbonate is an excellent and very popular low-cost general sanitiser. When dissolved in water, it produces an oxygen bleach which is effective at sanitising most brewing equipment, including stainless steel, silicone, plastic and glass (but not brass or aluminium). It can be considered a no-rinse sanitiser in most applications, as the only things it adds to the water are sodium, carbonate and free oxygen. The first two are natural components of groundwater and the third is what does the sanitising…the tiny amounts left in a properly drained fermenter will just help the yeast out initially. Where oxygenation should be avoided, however (such as kegging, or bottling using forced carbonation), a rinse with boiled water is advisable.

Directions:

• All equipment should be cleaned (foreign matter scrubbed off) prior to sanitising.
• Dissolve 3 – 6 grams (0.5 to 1.0 teaspoons) of sodium percarbonate per litre of water, depending on the sanitising strength desired.
• Soak all equipment in this solution for at least 30 minutes (longer is better).
• Drain all solution (no-rinse method), or drain and then rinse with cool boiled water.
• Your equipment is ready to use immediately.