Whether you’re canning cold brew, beer, or any other beverage, proper sanitation is key to ensuring product quality and shelf life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sanitize your cans like a pro, whether you're filling by hand or running a small-scale production line.
1. Start with Clean Cans
Before you even reach for sanitizer, give your cans a quick visual inspection. Look for:
- Dust or debris
- Dents or defects
- Signs of moisture if they’ve been in storage
If your cans were stored uncovered or in a dusty environment, give them a quick rinse with clean water. Sanitizer is most effective on a clean surface.
2. Sanitize Using a No-Rinse Food-Grade Sanitizer
The industry standard is to use a no-rinse, food-safe sanitizer. Popular options include:
- Star San – Acid-based, safe and effective for home or commercial use
- Peracetic Acid (PAA) – Common in commercial breweries and cold brew operations
- Iodophor – Iodine-based and widely used in beverage production
Recommended Method:
- Dilute properly (e.g., Star San: 1 oz per 5 gallons of water)
- Use a spray bottle, can rinser, or sanitizing tunnel
- Spray the inside of each can thoroughly
- Let them air dry for at least 1 minute—do not wipe or rinse
3. Best Practices
To avoid contamination or wasted effort, keep these tips in mind:
- Never use bleach – It leaves residues and corrodes aluminum
- Don’t rinse after applying no-rinse sanitizer
- Don’t stack wet cans – This can trap moisture and lead to microbial growth
- Only sanitize right before filling
- Optionally sanitize can ends/lids—especially for longer shelf life
- Minimize time between sanitizing and seaming
Scaling Up?
If you’re increasing production, automation can save time and improve consistency:
- Use in-line can rinsers with sanitizer jets or air knives
- Install UV light tunnels for extra sterilization
- Purge with nitrogen right before filling to displace oxygen and reduce contamination
Have questions or want help optimizing your canning process?
Reach out to us at info@oktoberdesign.com. We're happy to help.