How to sanitize a Stone

[CaptMogul]

I have a S/S Stone that I have been using for over 12 years. Attached to it is a 5' tubing that I slip on to a medical o2 tank. After use I wash in PBW and before use I soak in Iodine solution. Every once in a while, when I think about it, I will boil it . I have not had an infection but............................ What are you doing that I might change my habits?
Ed B

 

[Dgallo]

I have a S/S Stone that I have been using for over 12 years. Attached to it is a 5' tubing that I slip on to a medical o2 tank. After use I wash in PBW and before use I soak in Iodine solution. Every once in a while, when I think about it, I will boil it . I have not had an infection but............................ What are you doing that I might change my habits?
Ed B

Boiling it is really all you need to do. I would just worry about that personally

 

[Vale71]

Boil it before every use.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Boil or bake.

 

[smcinco]

Pressure cook if you want absolute certainty...

 

[Chorgey]

Boil or bake.

How long of a boil?
What would the time and temp be for baking?

 

[Dgallo]

How long of a boil?
What would the time and temp be for baking?

15 minute boil, at least a 30 minute bake above 250. If you do bake it, make sure it’s dry prior to doing so.

 

[Qhrumphf]

I've always boiled mine for 10-15 mins while whirlpooling.

Baking I don't know the process, but I know that people do it. I presume 450F would do it but I don't know for how long.

 

[Qhrumphf]

The temps involved will kill almost all non-spore microbes basically instantly (and if you bake long enough high enough even those). But you need to make sure that the heat has time to penetrate all the way through (much like cooking poultry). As water conducts heat better than air, I'd sooner go with boiling it personally.

 

[smcinco]

One major positive of baking or pressure cooking (autoclaving) is that you can wrap it in foil so it'll essentially be sterile until you need it

 

[Dgallo]

One major positive of baking or pressure cooking (autoclaving) is that you can wrap it in foil so it'll essentially be sterile until you need it

Baking is not quite a positive over boiling. Pressure cooking is only better than boiling because you can go higher that 212 but all 3 will work.

 

[smcinco]

Baking is not quite a positive over boiling. Pressure cooking is only better than boiling because you can go higher that 212 but all 3 will work.

Gotcha. Just saying with respect to being shelf stable and non-time sensitive to use afterwards.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Baking is not quite a positive over boiling. Pressure cooking is only better than boiling because you can go higher that 212 but all 3 will work.

To clarify, for stone sanitation prior to use all three will work. You can't reach sterile just boiling (though sterile isn't necessary for this purpose).

If your goal was to sterilize and store the stone under sterile conditions for later use, then autoclave/pressure canner or baking would be necessary.

 

[DarrellQ]

These instructions came with my stone.

 

[jerrylotto]

Hrm -I've just been circulating sanitizer through mine in the same direction as gas flow for a few minutes - I use iodine.

 

[Davidio]

I have a pot that I put my racking hose, stone w/ tubing and a large spoon in and bring it to a boil. I boil the water and then keep it there hovering around boiling temp for 20-30 minutes. Boil again after use. No issues...

 

[jaysandersonamfm]

When you say boil it, are you just boiling it in the kettle with the wort, or are you boiling it in water before hand?

Thanks!

 

[Vale71]

Just plain water! Why risk getting it dirty and possibly clogging the pores unnecessarily?

 

[govner1]

I just soak mine in StarSan before and after each use. I also flush it w/ O2 while it’s in the StarSan.
No issues in 9+ years.

 

[Mtrhdltd]

I just soak mine in StarSan before and after each use. I also flush it w/ O2 while it’s in the StarSan.
No issues in 9+ years.

I do the same, no problems that I know of and 14 years on one stone.

 

[Davidio]

When you say boil it, are you just boiling it in the kettle with the wort, or are you boiling it in water before hand?

Thanks!

Not sure why I would boil a stone in the wort...I chill the wort and rack and Then oxygenate...

 

[Rikk]

I boil it along with my transfer hoses in water while I boil the wort.

 

[bartichex]

I just soak mine in StarSan before and after each use. I also flush it w/ O2 while it’s in the StarSan.
No issues in 9+ years.

This is exactly what I do too.

 

[Gozie Boy]

Sanitize line. Bake stone for 30+ (sometimes longer if I'm busy with other stuff) at 400F. No problems.

 

[grampamark]

If it was a Sam Stone wouldn’t it already be baked? (That’s a reference to a John Prine song and I just couldn’t resist ).

 

[Bilsch]

Boiling or baking is going to blind the pores eventually. Best to store it in a weak (3-5%) sodium or potassium hydroxide solution which will remove all organic residue rendering it clean and sterile without clogging. Rinse with starsan before use.

 

[Spartan1979]

I store my wand in starsan.

 

[CaptMogul]

Thanks everyone, never thought of dipping it in the wort for a few. Bilsch has a good thought of ridding the organic stuff.
Ed B

 

[Qhrumphf]

I wouldn't necessarily trust caustic to get all the way in there, at least if not coupled with anything else (though caustic and a sonic cleaner is a great way to clean a stone). Like anything else, chemical means only go as far as the chemicals can penetrate. Inorganic material buildup can potentially limit the effectiveness of caustic (if you happen to have nitric acid on hand...). And then the same will be the case for sanitizer. That's why if heat can be used, I would use heat. Especially with something like a sintered stone where you can't practically inspect it. Heat penetrates. Though as said I'd use water and not wort.