Five Star Star San 16 Ounce Brew Sanitizer — Concentrated High-Foaming No-Rinse

Star San by Five Star is a concentrated, no-rinse acid sanitizer designed to rapidly sanitize homebrew and pro-brew equipment with a high-foaming action.

Designed for brewers who need a fast, reliable sanitizer, this 16-ounce bottle of Star San mixes at a low dose to create an effective, odorless solution that requires minimal contact time. Its high-foaming nature penetrates seams and hard-to-reach spots on fermenters, kegs, and other brewing gear while the no-rinse formula simplifies post-sanitizing steps. Keep in mind it is acidic, so prolonged contact with soft metals should be avoided and ground shipping is required within the contiguous U.S.

How concentrated is Star San and how do I mix it?

Star San is highly concentrated; the standard mixing ratio is one ounce of sanitizer per five gallons of water. That dilution yields a solution sufficient for routine brewing sanitation while keeping residue and odor minimal.

• Mix 1 fl oz per 5 gal (approx. 7.5 mL per 19 L).
• Use the built-in dosing neck on the bottle for accurate measuring.
• Solution remains effective for 3–4 weeks if stored in a sealed container.

How long must surfaces remain wet to be sanitized?

Star San works quickly; short contact times are all that’s needed for effective sanitation. Allowing surfaces to stay wet for the recommended contact time ensures proper coverage; excess foaming may require a bit more drain time before use.

• Typical contact time is 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on conditions.
• No rinsing required when the solution is allowed to air-dry on stainless at the right concentration.
• Drain excess foam from plastic fermenters before filling.

Why does Star San foam and how should I manage it?

The formulation produces persistent foam on agitation, which helps reach cracks and joints but can extend draining time. You can limit foam by adding the sanitizer to water already in the vessel and by siphoning liquids rather than pouring the solution between containers.

• Foam improves contact in crevices and under gaskets.
• Add to filled vessels to reduce agitated foaming.
• Siphon to transfer instead of pouring to keep foam down.

Are there surfaces I should avoid or special storage tips?

Because Star San is acid-based, minimize prolonged contact with soft metals to prevent etching or discoloration. Store mixed solution in a sealed container to preserve activity for several weeks, and keep the bottle capped and away from extreme temperatures.

• Limit contact with aluminum and other soft metals.
• Store mixed solution sealed — effective up to 3–4 weeks.
• Shipments limited to ground within the contiguous United States.

Who is this for: Star San 16 oz from Five Star suits homebrewers and professional breweries who want a concentrated, easy-to-measure sanitizer that foams to reach tight spots and dries without a rinse on compatible surfaces. It’s ideal for anyone sanitizing carboys, kegs, fermenters, kettles, chillers, and similar equipment — particularly when speed and thorough coverage matter. If you work with soft metals often, take care to minimize contact time or choose alternative tools for those parts.