this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2023
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Homebrewing - Beer, Mead, Wine, Cider

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What liquid do people use for their airlocks?

I have been using water for a while but have recently seen people who think this isn't best practice and is likely to get infected.

I have also found out that the sanitizer I use breaks down over time so likely wouldn't be suitable. I have taken to using dish soap for now but don't know if there is a problem with this practice.

I am currently avoiding vodka because of the alcohol duty in my country.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

And liquor like vodka evaporates fast. Just use water.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Honestly lots of people are saying this and I am glad. I was told on the r/mead subreddit by a certain person that using water could lead to mold in the airlock. It's reassuring to me that not everyone thinks this as I have personally never seen it so I think it's quite rare.

[–] dcat 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

everyone who brews anything at home starts out being very worried about infection, meticulously cleaning every surface, and thinking that you’ve fucked the whole batch cause of minor shit.

as you go through this process a few times, you gain the experience of knowing what is a minor, or major screwup.

chances are you just ran into someone who has seen a bunch of youtube videos, or at most have brewed once or twice, and is still in the “oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck”-mentality, projecting their stress on to you.

brewing is supposed to be fun, i hope you have a good time brewing.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

They had the advanced flair so I think they had been brewing for a while. Lots of people on that subreddit seem to be a bit obsessive or perfectionist.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

If this is going to be a long term airlock situation Def check for mold or evap

Beer is usually a quick ferment.