Mould In Bottles After Cleaning

[Juzz]

Let me start by saying I am not looking at starting another thread on how to clean and sanitise bottles, there are many of these getting about.

I am wondering if anybody has problems with mould in bottles AFTER they have been cleaned but have been sitting for a while?

When I have a load of bottles cleaned but I dont need them all, can I just store them until I am ready to use them without having to wrap in plastic or cover individually with glad wrap/foil? If i just put them into boxes and stack will they be mould free when i pull them out to sanitise and bottle? They may have some insects, but i dont want mould.

Presently I only clean what i need, and if I have a few extras I just reclean them as a precaution.

 

[newguy]

The only time I get mould in my bottles is when I don't rinse the beer out of them properly. If they're rinsed well and allowed to dry, there should be no problems.

 

[Fatgodzilla]

The only time I get mould in my bottles is when I don't rinse the beer out of them properly. If they're rinsed well and allowed to dry, there should be no problems.

Without sound bleeding obvious, I ensure all bottles are completely dry before storing until re use. I have a sun drenched deck so can air dry bottles there. I've had minor problems of mould in winter months when failed to dry out but then found a night in front of heater solves the problem. After that store in a dry area. There should be no chance of condensation forming in the bottle if everything is dried then packed in a dry area. That way, I rarely have any problems at all when it comes time to refill.

 

[pint of lager]

The same goes for your fermenters. Store them clean and dry. With your bottles, wash them up and store them upside down in crates where they can drain and dry. A day or so in the sun will speed up drying. Next bottling day, they will need a sanitise and they are ready to fill.

If you store them right way up, you will have dust and bugs in them. Plus they won't dry readily.

 

[Lindsay Dive]

Store them upside down

 

[Lindsay Dive]

typing at the same time eh!

Regards,
Lindsay.

 

[Jerry]

Juzz,

If you don't already have one then get yourself a bottle draining tree from your LHBS.

Rinse the bottle and stick it on the 'tree'. Leave it there until your ready to fill again or store it in a box/crate when its dry.

Bought mine years ago and even though I keg I wouldn't do without it.

Cheers

Scott

 

[warra48]

Just make sure you rinse them out properly after use. I stick mine on the prongs in the dishwasher to drain (they don't get washed in there, only drained.) I store them in cartons to keep the dust and bugs out. Never had a mould problem.
Before bottling, a quick rinse with sanitiser is all that's needed.

 

[Juzz]

Thanks for the feedback, I already make sure they are dry before taking them off the bottle tree - good to know that i dont have to rewash any bottles that I have previously cleaned and stored. Thanks again.

 

[TidalPete]

The same goes for your fermenters. Store them clean and dry. With your bottles, wash them up and store them upside down in crates where they can drain and dry. A day or so in the sun will speed up drying. Next bottling day, they will need a sanitise and they are ready to fill.

If you store them right way up, you will have dust and bugs in them. Plus they won't dry readily.

Juzz,

As POL says, you will have no trouble with mould if you let your (cleaned) bottles dry in the sun & then cap with clean used caps (also sun-dried) until needed.
why not have a look around a few building sites, metal merchants, etc. for a few off-cuts of galvanised reinforcing mesh & make up a couple of drying trays like this ----


I have had two for a long time (20 odd years) now & they are made to accommodate 24 tallies each. A few hacksaw cuts & a few bends & Bob's your Uncle.
The end handles were welded on.

TP :beer: