Handcraft Supplies Sodium Metabisulphite is a sterilant, antioxidant and preservative for winemaking. Use it to make up a sterilising solution for brewing and winemaking equipment, and to protect finished wine or cider from oxidation and spoilage bacteria before bottling.
Uses
- Sterilising equipment - mixed into a solution with water
- Antioxidant - helps protect wine and cider from oxidation
- Preservative - guards against spoilage bacteria before bottling
Specifications
How to use
For sterilising, mix 1 teaspoon per pint (568ml) of water, coat all surfaces, then rinse thoroughly before use. Full details are in the How to Use box below.
Who it is for
Wine and cider makers who want one product for sterilising and protecting their wine. For stabilising, use alongside Campden tablets, and pair it with Handcraft Supplies Wine Stabiliser (Potassium Sorbate) to stop further fermentation before bottling. If you would rather not rinse your equipment, ChemSan is a no-rinse sanitiser.
Sodium Metabisulphite
How to Use
Dose
1 tsp per pint
sterilising solution
In wine
1/16 tsp per gallon
or 1 Campden tablet
Contact
10 minutes
then rinse
Used for: Makes a sulphite sterilising solution for equipment and bottles, and protects wine and cider from oxidation and spoilage.
When: Fresh, just before use on clean equipment; or in the must/wine before fermentation and at bottling.
Step by step
1Sterilising: dissolve 1 teaspoon per pint (568ml) of cold water.
2Coat every surface, leave 10 minutes, then rinse with cold tap water.
3In must or wine: just 1/16 teaspoon per gallon (4.5 litres), dissolved and stirred in - or use Campden tablets for easier dosing.
Good to know: Avoid breathing the fumes (sulphur dioxide) - use somewhere well ventilated; asthmatics take extra care. Contains sulphites. Harmful if swallowed; may irritate skin and eyes. Don't mix with chlorine cleaners or acids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sodium metabisulphite used for?
Making a sterilising solution for equipment and bottles, and protecting wine and cider from oxidation and spoilage. It's the powder form of Campden tablets.
How much for sterilising?
1 teaspoon per pint (568ml) of cold water. Coat every surface, leave 10 minutes, then rinse with cold tap water. See our guide to sanitising home brewing equipment.
Can I add it to wine?
Yes, but only a tiny amount - 1/16 teaspoon per gallon. Campden tablets make this much easier to dose.
Is it safe?
Use it somewhere well ventilated and avoid breathing the fumes (sulphur dioxide) - asthmatics take extra care. It contains sulphites.
