Saving & reusing bentonite

[Elmer]

Bought some speedy bentonite.
Followed the direction last night: boil 1 pint water, add 2 or 3 tbs, let sit over night.
I added 2 TBS of the slurry to my wine and was left with quite a lot .
Since I hate to waste wine stuff I am curious if I can store this and reuse it later?
What would be the shelf life?
Considering 2 Oz was only $2.95 at LHBS, should I toss the ret and just buy more when needed?

 

[dralarms]

I have the same question.

 

[botigol]

Let me start off with...I don't know. However, just thinking it out here, basically you have clay-based mud so if you were to allow it to dry out you should be able to follow the same rehydration procedure using the same batch next time or if the next time will be in the not to distant future maybe spritz it with Star-San or k-meta solution to prevent any nasties from surviving and cap until you are ready for it.

 

[vernsgal]

I agree with botigol but also don't really know. I can't see why it wouldn't keep other than drying out but then water should just rehydrate it.

 

[BernardSmith]

I make a batch of Bentonite - mix it using a blender - and keep it in a bottle with a tight fitting cap. It does not dry out - no place for the water to evaporate. I simply shake the bottle vigorously before I pour it and it seems to be effective month after month.

 

[Stressbaby]

Speaking theoretically:
If bentonite works by adsorbing proteins, you would think that bentonite would have a lifespan, which would vary depending how much protein was adsorbed to the clay. I wouldn't bother reusing it.

 

[WVMountaineerJack]

I think your term reusing is confusing things, you are not reusing it after you already added it to wine, you are just wanting to use all that you made up. Good question though. WVMJ

 

[BernardSmith]

I think your term reusing is confusing things, you are not reusing it after you already added it to wine, you are just wanting to use all that you made up. Good question though. WVMJ

Indeed, I was assuming we are talking about using STORED bentonite that had been mixed with water but not harvested from the bottom of a carboy. Totally agree that once used to remove proteins and other particles that its use would be over.

 

[richmke]

The water gives nasties an opportunity to grow. I would think that storing rehydrated bentonite would be a problem.

I suggest rehydrating what you need, not the entire bag. At my LHBS, they sell it in 8 oz bags (227 grams). The instructs say 2 tsp in 1/2 cup water for 5 gallons. WE gives 15 grams in their kits.

 

[cimbaliw]

Could you freeze the slurry in nifty single use packages? Maybe you could use an ice cube tray that would be about 2T. Assuming that is the recommended dose.