Wine making

[Jacalou]

Hi all, I've recently started a 4 week wine kit. The instructions advise I use a potassium solution in the airlock. Can anyone explain why I can't use water? Thanks

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I use the same Milton solution I use to sterelise the airlock before use, I have used plain water in the past and can only assume they are advising the use of something that wouldn't ruin your wine should it get sucked into the DJ.

 

[Jacalou]

Great, thanks for the reply.

 

[Graz]

Plain water could go a bit manky (i.e. grow some bacteria / mold) over 4 weeks even if boiled. The potassium (sorbate?) will preserve the water. I used to stick a bit of sodium metabisulfite solution in mine, to make dissolve 6 Campden tablets + a pinch of citric acid in a litre of water, don't breath the fumes from it pretty bad for your lungs.

 

[Jacalou]

Never thought of that. Thanks Graz.