No head retention since I started AG - Page 2 - HomeBrewChatter.com Home Brew Forum

PseudoChef · 02-07-2010, 04:57 PM

I found (at least I think) my head retention issues were due to running my bottles through the dishwasher, even without detergent. Once I switched to just dunking in Star-San, I began having much better head retention.

murl · 02-07-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shrekfx

are you force carbing or sugar?

Corn sugar

Steve Urquell · 02-07-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PseudoChef

I found (at least I think) my head retention issues were due to running my bottles through the dishwasher, even without detergent. Once I switched to just dunking in Star-San, I began having much better head retention.

I've heard that the "no spot" rinse agents are a head killer.
That's why I just use my dishwasher as a bottle tree.

murl · 02-07-2010, 05:16 PM

I use regular palmolive to clean carboys etc. Bottles I rinse immediately after use with hot water multiple times to get the yeast out. I never use the dishwasher on anything I brew with. I do exactly like pseudochef, dunk in starsan and pour it out, but I don't rinse. I use 1 oz per five gallons of starsan. Could this cause it?

I let the beers carb at least two weeks.

I don't carry any of the break material over from my kettle to the carboy.

Highlander · 02-07-2010, 05:58 PM

I never use anything except for water to clean my fermenters (soak with hot water, and brush when necessary), and I keep a weak bleach solution in them when not in use so they are ready when needed.

I don't want any kind of soap in them as I don't know how to get it out. Head problems in glasses is often due to soap residue on the glass. I don't know if this could contribute to your problem or not.

flyangler18 · 02-07-2010, 06:07 PM

I think residue from the dish soap is the culprit here. Hot water + Oxyclean is the best cleaner there is for the homebrewer, IMO.

murl · 02-07-2010, 06:08 PM

I was soaking mine with a mild bleach solution too. The weather started getting colder so I couldn't leave them outside and my wife doesn't like mento leave them soaking in the apartment. I may try this once the weather starts warming up.

murl · 02-07-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyangler18

I think residue from the dish soap is the culprit here. Hot water + Oxyclean is the best cleaner there is for the homebrewer, IMO.

We must have been posting at the same time.

So oxyclean is acceptable but detergent is not? Oxyclean always leaves a slick film on my stuff no matter how many times I rinse. I will try oxyclean next time and see if the problem gets better. If this were the case I would think it would effect my extract brews as well.

flyangler18 · 02-07-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murl

We must have been posting at the same time.

So oxyclean is acceptable but detergent is not? Oxyclean always leaves a slick film on my stuff no matter how many times I rinse. I will try oxyclean next time and see if the problem gets better. If this were the case I would think it would effect my extract brews as well.

Yeah, percarbonate-based cleaners are the best choice for equipment cleaning; the slickness is, I believe, a function of excessively hard water.

davebl · 02-07-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murl

We must have been posting at the same time.

So oxyclean is acceptable but detergent is not? Oxyclean always leaves a slick film on my stuff no matter how many times I rinse. I will try oxyclean next time and see if the problem gets better. If this were the case I would think it would effect my extract brews as well.

Rinse with cold water

02-07-2010, 04:57 PM	#11
PseudoChef Mmmmmmm...so meaty. Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NashVegas, TN/Sometimes Forest Park, IL Posts: 5,383	I found (at least I think) my head retention issues were due to running my bottles through the dishwasher, even without detergent. Once I switched to just dunking in Star-San, I began having much better head retention. __________________ "Logic is not a reverend's strong suit." - adrock

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02-07-2010, 05:16 PM	#14
murl Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 537	I use regular palmolive to clean carboys etc. Bottles I rinse immediately after use with hot water multiple times to get the yeast out. I never use the dishwasher on anything I brew with. I do exactly like pseudochef, dunk in starsan and pour it out, but I don't rinse. I use 1 oz per five gallons of starsan. Could this cause it? I let the beers carb at least two weeks. I don't carry any of the break material over from my kettle to the carboy.

02-07-2010, 05:58 PM	#15
Highlander Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 515	I never use anything except for water to clean my fermenters (soak with hot water, and brush when necessary), and I keep a weak bleach solution in them when not in use so they are ready when needed. I don't want any kind of soap in them as I don't know how to get it out. Head problems in glasses is often due to soap residue on the glass. I don't know if this could contribute to your problem or not.

02-07-2010, 06:07 PM	#16
flyangler18 I IV V Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hanover PA Posts: 3,342	I think residue from the dish soap is the culprit here. Hot water + Oxyclean is the best cleaner there is for the homebrewer, IMO.

02-07-2010, 06:08 PM	#17
murl Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 537	I was soaking mine with a mild bleach solution too. The weather started getting colder so I couldn't leave them outside and my wife doesn't like mento leave them soaking in the apartment. I may try this once the weather starts warming up.