Sodium Metabisulphite for sanitizing (beer brewing)?

[kokonutz]

Hi all...waiting on my Star San delivery. However, my window to brew (aka free time for "dad") is days before that Star San arrival. I was given a bag of Sodium Metabisulphite by a local brewer wine maker down the road. A few questions in my head begin

• any brewers out there try this stuff?
• Is this a suitable sanitizer for brewing beer ? Maybe it doesn't matter but the sodium and sulfite parts make me wonder
• Do I need to rinse? I've read mixed reviews (do vs don't) and don't like the idea of any chance of introducing unwanted microbes, etc

I did read around and I did a big ol search on the forums, but mostly found info on Campden tablets (which is effectively the same thing i think?)

Thanks all

 

[RPh_Guy]

It can be used as a no-rinse sanitizer but it should be mixed with an acid for best efficacy. I suggest 1 Tbsp of metabisulfite and 1 Tbsp of citric acid per gallon.
If you don't have acid, something like 3 Tbsp of the metabisulfite per gallon should work, especially if you use RO or distilled water.

Warnings:
The vapor is dangerous to asthmatics.
It has a limited shelf life if exposured to air, maybe 1-2 days at the most.
Do not store it in a container with any metal because it is potentially corrosive.

 

[kokonutz]

Thanks @RPh_Guy - what is RO?
I forgot to ask, I've read that it can ruin the flavors of the beer. I don't plan to use the mbs for bottling only for brew day (will have the star san by then).

Maybe I am overthinking the whole thing.

 

[kokonutz]

ahhh. reverse osmosis

 

[Pappers_]

You can also use boiling water to sanitize equipment, which is probably what I would do if I didn't have any Star San or iodophor available.

 

[The_Bishop]

Not a great idea if trying to sanitize a glass fermenter or plastic!

 

[RPh_Guy]

I've read that it can ruin the flavors of the beer.

Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg aroma) is definitely a risk if too much of the sanitizer gets in your wort or beer. However it is short-lived in beer if you use high oxygen processes.