What is the difference?

Cleaning removes visible soil, dirt, stains and other debris from surfaces. It is generally performed by wiping surfaces down using a multi-purpose cleaner or soap and water.

Sanitation destroys viruses, bacteria, germs and other harmful microorganisms. It is accomplished by using a chemical designed specifically to kill bacteria.

Cleaning and sanitizing are two different processes, which should not be confused.

Anything that comes into contact with either beer or wine must be both clean and sterile. This would include fermenting vessels, all equipment, hoses, bottles, etc. This must be done at each stage of the process. Also, equipment MUST be clean before sanitizing, since you cannot properly sanitize equipment with visible residue on it. Equipment can be cleaned in advance, but cannot be sterilized in advance. You must sterilize equipment at the time you are going to use it.

The products we use for cleaning and sanitizing.

B-Brite is an eco-friendly cleaner that uses sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate to remove stains and other fermentation residues. B-Brite does not contain chlorine or sulfates, but instead uses active oxygen to safely and effectively clean plastic, glass or stainless steel. 

While it is not a sanitizer or disinfectant, B-BRITE has antimicrobial properties that are beneficial in fermentation settings.

Sodium Bisulfite is a granulated powder that releases sulfur dioxide when dissolved in a liquid such as water. It can destroy any wild molds and bacteria. Sodium Bisulfite is used as an equipment sanitizer. It can be used it to sanitize fermenting vessels, hydrometers, wine bottles, hoses or any other glass, metal, plastic or wood that comes into contact with wine or beer.

Food Grade Gloves, transferring wine must or beer from one vessel to another is necessary throughout the process. We use food grade gloves during any transference from one vessel to another.

Spray Nine, for general cleaning purposes such as wiping down cupboard doors, door handles, sinks, counters and our tabletop we use Spray Nine. It helps control mold and mildew and destroys bacterial odors and kills 99.9% Staphylococcus aureus in just 10 seconds.

This product disinfects germs, viruses and is an anti-bacterial cleaner without the use of bleach or corrosive chemicals and is safe for use around the home.