Iodophor vs. Star San

[wezil]

I recently got a Beer Gun, but this question could apply to any CPBF.
I would like to keep a keg of sanitizer handy for anytime I want to use my Beer Gun. Normally I use Iodophor. From what I understand Iodophor is no longer good when it loses its color. It seems to loose its color after a few days, even in a keg. I was wondering would Star San last longer? How long is it still good after I mix the keg up?

TIA
Brad

Crossposted: B3 forum, thebrewingnetwork.com forum, beeradvocate.com, NothernBrewer forum

[Lufah]

It is good until the ph goes above 3 or it becomes cloudy. Whichever happens first. I usually run out of star san before it goes bad. You can also get a non foaming version of star san now. It might be better for you if you are going to be pushing it through lines with pressure.

Travis

[Danno]

StarSan is good as long as the pH stays below 3 (I think it's 3). When it goes above it turns cloudy. Be careful when using StarSan with copper items. Long term contact will reduce the oxide layer which isn't necessarily a bad thing but the copper should be rinsed well before use. It's like when you clean copper with vinegar.

[Bugeater]

If you have hard water, it is best to use distilled or RO water to mix your StarSan. It will stay at a good ph a lot longer.

Now that someone has mentioned Starsan and copper, I brushed some undiluted on some copper fittings I soldered up for making a CFC. It cleaned them up nice and bright! A good rinse and they were good to go.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company