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I recently got back into brewing after a 5 year hiatus, and noticed that my StarSan is a little darker in color than the stuff they sell at the LHBS. The guy at the LHBS said it can lose its potency, but should be fine. I used a little bit more than I would have (not much) if it was fresh, and everything seemed normal.

Has anybody here had to store StarSan for a long period of time (2-5 years)? And if so, how did it work out?

Ben Belchak
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  • see also this question - how long does starsan last http://homebrew.stackexchange.com/questions/404/how-long-does-starsan-last – mdma Apr 30 '12 at 07:06

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I'm still using the same 32oz bottle that I bought four and a half years ago with no problems. To check for potency of the made-up solution

  • ensure that the pH is below 3.5
  • check that there is still some foaming when shaken
mdma
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  • pH should be 3 or lower. See here – FishesCycle Apr 30 '12 at 13:49
  • pH 3.5 is the limit - see here - a transcript of the Brewing Netowrk show featuring Charlie Talley of Five Star Chemicals, where he goes into some detail about what makes StarSan effective. – mdma Apr 30 '12 at 14:21
  • Thanks! The stuff foamed wonderfully when I mixed it, so I am assuming it is still good. I'll get some litmus paper next time I am at the LHBS and test it for sure. – Ben Belchak Apr 30 '12 at 14:41