Re-using videne solution for 'must' stirring spoon???

[HLA91]

Hey Guys & Gals

Just a thought, save me making up a new solution of videne each time I need to sanitise my turkey baster to take a sample,
would videne keep in a container for say 3-4 days enough time for me to take consequtive hydrometer readings?

Also what about my plastic spoon where I have to stir a must for 10 days, do you snaitise it every day in a new solution?

Many thanks

HLA91

 

[BigYin]

I *think* it will last longer if it's kept in the dark..... :hmm:

 

[Cyclops]

Air tight is the main thing, i have some in a spray bottle and it retains its colour for weeks, if i expose it to air it lasts a few hours.

 

[HLA91]

Ahh, so I could make up a 2 litre batch and then once I sterilise my spoon I can pop its in a plastic bottle and use it for a couple of days then is it?

What does everyone else do when they need to stir must for a number of consecutive days

 

[Moley]

What does everyone else do when they need to stir must for a number of consecutive days

I leave the spoon in the bucket for the duration.

 

[HLA91]

I did think of that but the spoon doesnt fit in the FV, its a Youngs 3 gallon job.
I'm considering cutting the end off of the spoon to shorten it and then sealing the open end in some way.
That is unless someone has anotehr suggestion?

 

[Nunfa1]

I did think of that but the spoon doesnt fit in the FV, its a Youngs 3 gallon job.
I'm considering cutting the end off of the spoon to shorten it and then sealing the open end in some way.
That is unless someone has anotehr suggestion?

a wooden spoon that you could leave in?

 

[HLA91]

But I think a wooden spoon has the potential to absorb some of the must leaving a smell on the spoon that would render it useless? Just trying to think of a way of sealing the sawn off end of the spoon so the inside won't harbour bacteria.
Lighter and pliers maybe?

 

[Moley]

Sealing the end? The inside? What inside?

What sort of spoon are you using? If it's the HBS standard long-handled white plastic Young's variety then it should have a solid shaft. I have a long-handled Stainless spoon which is just right for my 10 litre kitchen caddies.


Ok, I started typing then went away and tried something. You're absoltely right, that white plastic spoon is about two inches too long for a 3 gallon bucket. As I've only just bought a new one last weekend, I just scored around the shaft of the old one with a Stanley knife and then snapped it at the score. Solid shaft, clean break.



Nunfa1: Wooden spoons are an absolute :nono: unless you're stirring a boiling must or sugar syrup.

 

[HLA91]

Solid! Well I would have sworn otherwise with the weight and feel of them, and yes I am on about the youngs long white one. Well that's sorted then those extra inches will be off today, thanks for the info.
I still have to see this solid inside to believe it though, unbelievable.

Back to the videne issue, do you make up a new solution for your turkey baster each time you need to take consecutive daily readings?

 

[Moley]

I never take consecutive daily readings, but I am happy to re-use Videne solution over a period of a couple of days and while it still has any colour to it.

Come on though, I paid about eight quid for mine (could probably get it cheaper next time) and measure it out with a small syringe. That's working out at 2.4p per litre of solution, so I think I can afford to chuck it and mix fresh.

 

[HLA91]

True about the price, the only reason I need consecutive readings is for my beer which is still producing enough gas to bulge the lid of the fv 12 days after mixing, strange.

 

[Aleman]

The old guide to go by is if it has colour then it is safe to use . . . however, I prefer to make up a new solution each time. . . .I left my bottling gun in videne solution and the amount of clouding due to bacterial contamination is surprising after a few days.

If you want your working strength Videne solution to last make it up with pure water, and add a few drops of phosphoric acid to it (Ideally to take the pH to 3.0 or less), Store it in a dark container, in a cool place. . . . I would never pour a 'contaminated' solution back into this working solution either . . . down the drain it goes.