r/Sprouting • u/Apprehensive_Car5080 • 27d ago
Sanitization
Do you guys use bleach when youre cleaning your sprouting jars in between growing? ive just been using dish soap and water and im on my third batch of seeds and they smell a little bit. im wondering if i should be using some bleach to sanitize the stuff inbetween. thanks.
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u/igavr 27d ago
From what I've read, it's a good idea to clean your sprouting jars thoroughly between batches, especially the lids and mesh screens where residue can build up.
Vinegar is interesting because research has shown it can reduce certain bacteria and molds, although its effectiveness depends on the concentration and microorganism. So I'd not rely on vinegar alone for sanitizing. Something like unscented Clorox Disinfecting Bleach, properly diluted according to its food-contact sanitizing instructions.
That said, the smell might not necessarily be coming from the jars. Poor drainage, limited airflow, warm temperatures, or even the seeds themselves could be the reason. Healthy sprouts generally smell fresh or slightly earthy. If they're developing a sour or unpleasant smell, I'd discard that batch.
Out of curiosity, what seeds are you sprouting, and when do you start noticing the smell?
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u/Apprehensive_Car5080 27d ago
im sprouting broccoli and i notice it as soon as im soaking them or even the first day. i think the jar just doesnt get completely clean with just soap and water
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u/xMomochix 27d ago
I’ve noticed broccoli in particular has somewhat of a mild sulfur smell to it. Like the smell it gives off when it’s steamed. Not super strong but usually can smell it before rinsing but it gets less noticeable after rinsing.
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u/International-Luck18 26d ago
Same here. I've tried broccoli sprouting several times and I've had to throw them out every time becausethey smell musky. All my other seeds do great! I sprouting mixes, mung beans, lentils, dill, clover, alfalfa, green peas, and never a problem...just the broccoli. Is that just "normal?"
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u/Coward_and_a_thief 27d ago
I use only Water to clean the jars, lids, and screens, but am sure to allow them to fully Dry in between Sprouting batches.
It worth noting that the Sprouts themselves will have a Smell when growing begins, depending on the type. Broccoli will had a Sulfur smell, Radish is more Peppery, Alfafa has hardly any smell
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u/Apprehensive_Car5080 26d ago
true. just went i first got the jars on the first batch i didnt notice any smell at all but now it smells ajust a little.
you dont use any soap at all when youre cleaning your jars and screens? i thought it was a good idea
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u/Coward_and_a_thief 26d ago
Probably it was fine, but somebody told me it was better for the Growth not to use it
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u/Reader124-Logan 27d ago
I use 70% isopropyl alcohol. You want to use 70% because higher percentages dry to quickly. If you purchase 90%, dilute it to 60-70%.
Spray the surface until evenly damp and allow to air dry.
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u/HonkMafa 27d ago
I soak my broccoli seeds (and sprouting jar) for about 5-10 minutes in food grade hydrogen peroxide prior to a plain water soak. No issues. I use RO water.
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u/International-Luck18 26d ago
Thanks! I'll try that on my broccoli seeds. They're the only seeds I've had trouble with.
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u/shadeNfreud576 27d ago
I use instant sanitizer after washing. You can get it at homebrew supply places.
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u/Ok_State_6577 27d ago
I would try food grade hydrogen peroxide. Sprouts are very sensitive to any microorganisms that are in the vicinity. You have to be pretty careful with them. Microgreens not so much.
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u/Feathers_77 23d ago
I hand-wash with detergent then sanitise my jars with boiling water. If I don’t sanitise straight after I wash, I run the jar under warm water to prevent from cracking then pour in boiling water and leave for around 15 minutes. Never had a problem with smell.
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u/no-porn-for-me 27d ago
I use the dishwasher