Cork size

[sour_grapes]

No, StarSan needs to be in contact with the object being sanitized. It works by having a low pH, lower than bugs can tolerate. So the bugs need to be immersed in the low-pH solution to be eliminated.

 

[troycifer]

No, StarSan needs to be in contact with the object being sanitized. It works by having a low pH, lower than bugs can tolerate. So the bugs need to be immersed in the low-pH solution to be eliminated.

Thank you!

 

[cmason1957]

Can I do the same thing to sanitize my natural corks but use Star San solution instead?

No, metabisulphite sanitizes by the sulfur fumes interacting with the bacteria. Star San is a contact sanitizing agent.

 

[Johnd]

Can I do the same thing to sanitize my natural corks but use Star San solution instead?

Nope, the fumes do the work for you with the potassium metabisulfite, whereas StarSan has to actually be in contact with the surfaces you intend to sanitize.

Edit: didn’t intend to be redundant, just didn’t see the two responses on the second page..... carry on.

 

[Rocky]

Can I do the same thing to sanitize my natural corks but use Star San solution instead?

I would guess not. My understanding is that Star San sanitizes by contact with the object. Kmeta solution sanitizes both by contact and by the gas given off by the solution. That is why the "corkeators" e.g. JohnD's bucket, colander and lid set up, that people make up works so well. I have an old salad spinner. I put the corks in the basket, the solution in the spinner bottom and put the top on when I begin to bottle. By the time I am finished bottling, the corks are nicely sanitized by the gas.

 

[bstnh1]

Can I do the same thing to sanitize my natural corks but use Star San solution instead?

No. StarSan is a contact sanitizer. K-meta works by sanitizing with the fumes it gives off. You would need to wet the corks with StarSan and as Johnd said, that is not recommended.

 

[montanarick]

Can I do the same thing to sanitize my natural corks but use Star San solution instead?

K-Meta works by the S02 vapor produced. That doesn't occur with star san

 

[GaDawg]

I used the SO2 vapor method for about 5 years without a problem, then I changes to doing nothing. I keep my corks in a ziplock and I haven‘t had a problem in the last 8 years.

 

[cmason1957]

I am the same as @GaDawg, except I put mine in a plastic container and throw some dry K-meta powder in there with them. Don't know if it makes any difference or not, but it's what I do.

 

[KCCam]

Is Sodium Metabisulfite (Na-Meta? - never see it mentioned as such) the same as Potassium Metabisulfite (K-Meta) for sterilizing? I got a bag of Na-Meta when I inherited my wine-making equipment. I use if for sterilizing equipment. A little goes a long way and I still have lots left.
Is storing with powdered K-Meta or Na-Meta in a sealed container acceptable, or is the 10-15 minutes above liquid, when needed, preferable?

 

[sour_grapes]

Is Sodium Metabisulfite (Na-Meta? - never see it mentioned as such) the same as Potassium Metabisulfite (K-Meta) for sterilizing? I got a bag of Na-Meta when I inherited my wine-making equipment. I use if for sterilizing equipment. A little goes a long way and I still have lots left.
Is storing with powdered K-Meta or Na-Meta in a sealed container acceptable, or is the 10-15 minutes above liquid, when needed, preferable?

Yes, Na-meta works the same for sterilization as K-meta does.