Why don't we start with...

[Reg]

The pros and cons on household bleach...

[Andy]

I believe DaaB is our resident bleach guru!

I've never used the stuff for anything else than pouring down the toilet

[Andy]

QUOTE (Daft as a Brush @ Apr 21 2006, 12:33 AM) Soda Crystals. It can be used in varying concentrations depending on the task ahead, I find 1 tbsp/L of warm water works on most HB grime and when you're running low on elbow grease a 20 min soak usualy makes life easier. Although not quite as easy to find as thin bleach i've more and more supermarkets seem to be restocking this old housewives favorite, and again its cheap, the last 1kg pack I bought cost 58p. If your local supermarket doesnt stock try the local hardware shop, my one charges a £1 for a bag but in my opinion its still worth it even at that price.
Wilkos sell 1kg of Soda Crystals for 51p

[deadlydes]

what contact time do you suggest when using bleech at 3ml/l?

[Steeev]

Daab, wrt bottles. I see all HBS selling expensive bottle-drainers.
Would you say it's necessary to dry the bottles first?

Also wouldn't loosely applying caps (if you have the PET bottles) stop any nasties making it into the bottles while waiting for bottling.

My two pennies worth. For all tubing, make sure there are no air bubbles in the tubing when soaking in the sterilising solution.

Also, johnmac made a great point in the Kits section about making sure the tin opener is clean and sterile if you're using it to open tinned malt/kits. I know I've been guilty of overlooking the cleanliness of my tin opener on occasion.

[Steeev]

Well that's 15 quid saved not buying a big purple plastic tree.