Can I store my fermentation containers filled with sanitizer liquid

Question

Is there a maximum time I can keep the sanitizer liquid inside the fermentation containers? Would it be OK if I fill them with it and store them for a while, like a couple of weeks?

If not, would it be OK for a few days. Sometimes I fill them with the sterilizer to start some brewing, but then something else comes up and I don't find time to return to it until the next weekend.

I saw that the sanitizer powder tends to fall out from the water after I while and then just lies on the bottom of the container. Sometimes I stir it, to mix it again.

Answer 1

If you're using a powdered sanitizer, like One Step, it doesn't respond well to storage. It's a percarbonate based sanitizer that depends on O2 to work. If you store a mixed solution long, the O2 bubbles out making it unreliable. If you use Iodophor, you can store it for a week or 2 until it loses its color. It you use StarSan and mix it with distilled water, you can keep it almost indefinitely. I've had some in a spray bottle for 2 years and it was still good. So the answer basically comes down to depending on what sanitizer you use, how you mix it, and how you store it.

Answer 2

What I usually do is to clean my carboys right after I rack the beer into the next container. I find it's easier to scrub out the sticky bits if you clean right away. After the cleaning, I don't sanitize, and then I store the carboy upside down with a piece of paper towel on the bottom to catch any leftover liquid. Since I keep it closed up in storage, I can keep it free of dust for the next batch. When I brew again, then I do a quick rinse and sanitize it before use.