Taking the step into homebrew

[c_bigsby]

Alright, so I have finally decided that homebrewing is going to workout the best for me. Just tired of constantly placing orders and figured this would save me some hassle and money. I'm not stupid but I'm also no scientist and after doing research and seeing different procedures I still have one question. I just want to make sure my gear is sterile in the end. Now from what I've read the heat from mixing will make it sterile but is the heat from mixing really enough or do I need to take another step? Or will the BA itself keep the gear sterile?

 

[sluggy]

You don't want to use much heat if you can help it. Keep the rest of the operation sterile.

 

[1-Cent]

Heating the solution doesn't kill bacteria at all, careful not to give yourself an infection there bro. If you were to actually sterilize it via heat you'd most likely destroy the hormone too...

The filtering process takes out probably 98% or more of the gunk that's going to give you a bad time. Many people get away with just using a 0.45um syringe filter and to be honest I used just that for a number of years without any issues. If you're filtering by hand 0.22um is obviously better but it'll suck to do it.

The BA kills everything left over and keeps bacteria introduced through the stopper from growing. Let it sit for at least 24 hours to let the BA do it work.

 

[Xodusforever]

A lot of people don't even filter. Another problem is once you break a seal on those vials, bacteria can and will invade them. Dust, fibers, etc aren't the issue and don't cause infections (within reason). It's the bacteria. Start sterile. Don't make huge batches that will sit around for longer than 6 months. Don't reuse syringe filters. You will be golden.