Cleaning vs Sanitising: What's the Difference, and Which Products Need Rinsing?
Quick answer: Cleaning removes visible dirt and residue. Sanitising kills the bacteria and wild yeast you can't see, and it only works on equipment that's already clean. ChemSan is a no-rinse sanitiser: use 2ml per litre with at least 2 minutes' contact. VWP and Young's Cleaner/Steriliser clean and sterilise in one step but must be rinsed off. ChemClean is a strong alkaline cleaner, so rinse it off and then sanitise.
Poor hygiene is the most common reason a home brew goes wrong. The products can seem confusing, but it's simpler once you know that cleaning and sanitising are two separate jobs.
Two different jobs
- Cleaning removes dirt, yeast rings, dried sugar and stains you can see. A sanitiser can't get through grime, so this always comes first.
- Sanitising kills the bacteria and wild yeast you can't see, just before the equipment touches your beer or wine.
Which product does what?
| Product | What it does | How to use it | Rinse? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChemClean | Strong alkaline cleaner for fermenters, kegs and equipment | 50g per 5 litres to scrub, or 50g per 20 litres to soak | Yes, then sanitise |
| VWP | Cleans and sterilises in one step | 1 teaspoon per gallon (4.5 litres), 2 if heavily soiled. Leave 10 minutes | Yes, thoroughly |
| Young's Cleaner/Steriliser | Cleans and sterilises in one step | About 1 teaspoon per 1.5 litres (a 10g sachet in 4 litres). Leave at least 10 minutes | Yes, thoroughly |
| ChemSan | No-rinse, self-foaming acid sanitiser | 2ml per litre (10ml in 5 litres). At least 2 minutes' wet contact | No. Just drain |
A simple routine that works
- After each brew: rinse equipment straight away, before residue dries on.
- Clean: soak or scrub with ChemClean, VWP or Young's Cleaner/Steriliser, then rinse well with clean water.
- Just before use: wet every surface with ChemSan at 2ml per litre, keep it wet for at least 2 minutes, then drain. Don't rinse. A little foam is harmless.
If you'd rather use just one product, VWP or Young's will clean and sterilise in one go. You'll have to rinse afterwards, though, and that means your equipment touches tap water again.
Safety rules worth remembering
- Never mix ChemSan with chlorine cleaners. The combination releases chlorine gas.
- Don't use ChemSan on soft metals. It's an acid sanitiser.
- Don't mix VWP or Young's with ChemSan, and rinse well between products.
- Treat ChemClean with care. It can cause severe skin burns and eye damage, so wear gloves and eye protection and don't breathe the dust. Keep it away from acids and don't use it on Teflon-coated surfaces.
- Don't make ChemSan stronger than 2ml per litre. At higher strengths it needs rinsing.
For a wider comparison, including Milton and household products, read Best Sanitiser for Home Brewing. You'll find all these products in our cleaning and sanitising range.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to rinse ChemSan?
No. At 2ml per litre ChemSan is a no-rinse sanitiser. Drain well, and any foam left behind is harmless.
Do I need to rinse VWP?
Yes. Always rinse thoroughly with clean cold water after VWP, or the residue can taint your beer or wine.
Is ChemClean a sanitiser?
No. ChemClean is a cleaner. Clean with it, rinse thoroughly, then sanitise with ChemSan. See our guide to sanitising home brewing equipment.
Can I mix ChemSan with bleach or other cleaners?
No. Never mix ChemSan with chlorine cleaners because it releases chlorine gas. Don't combine it with Young's Cleaner/Steriliser or VWP either. Rinse well between products.
How long does ChemSan need to work?
Keep every surface wet with the solution for at least 2 minutes, then drain.