How to Clean a Wine Demi-John A wine demi-john is a type of glass vessel used for fermenting and aging wine. Due to its large size and shape, cleaning a demi-john can be a bit challenging. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily clean and maintain your demi-john to ensure the quality of your wine. In this article, we will guide you on how to properly clean a wine demi-john. Before diving into the cleaning process, it is important to gather all the necessary materials. You will need a bottle brush, warm water, mild dish soap, white vinegar, and a sanitizer or sterilizer such as sodium metabisulfite or Campden tablets. It is crucial to sanitize your demi-john to prevent any bacterial contamination that could affect the taste and quality of your wine. To start, pour out any leftover wine or sediment from the demi-john. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any loose particles. Make sure to remove the airlock and bung if they are still attached. Next, fill the demi-john with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Using a bottle brush, gently scrub the inside of the demi-john, paying extra attention to the neck and bottom where sediments tend to accumulate. Be careful not to use excessive force as it may damage the glass. Repeat this step as needed until the demi-john is clean. After cleaning with soap, it is important to remove any residue or odors that may remain. To do this, rinse the demi-john thoroughly with warm water. Then, fill the demi-john with a solution of one part white vinegar and three parts warm water. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour to loosen any remaining particles or odors. After the soaking period, rinse the demi-john again with warm water to remove the vinegar solution. Once the demi-john is clean and free of soap or vinegar residue, it is time to sanitize it. Sanitizing is essential to ensure that any potential bacteria or contaminants are eliminated. There are several sanitizers available on the market specifically designed for winemaking, such as sodium metabisulfite or Campden tablets. Follow the instructions provided with your chosen sanitizer to properly sanitize the demi-john. Usually, this involves dissolving the sanitizer in warm water and allowing the demi-john to soak for a specified amount of time. After sanitizing, rinse the demi-john one more time with warm water to remove any sanitizer residue. Let it air dry in an inverted position to ensure any excess water drains completely. It is important to store the demi-john in a clean and dry area to prevent the growth of mold or any other contaminants. Cleaning and maintaining your wine demi-john is crucial for the successful fermentation and aging of your wine. Regular cleaning and sanitation will help preserve the flavor and quality of your wine while preventing any unwanted off-flavors or spoilage. By following these steps and using the appropriate cleaning materials, you can ensure that your wine demi-john is ready for your next winemaking adventure. Cheers!