Do Bottles Need To Be Dry?

[thestingers]

Hi,

Im new to this site but have posted on a few forums today and was recomended this site to ask my questions. So, I hope to put them in the sections of the site.

First my questions on sterilisation

1) My main worry. Am I getting overly paranoid when it comes to sterilizing? I sterilize everything, and then find I can’t put anything down. I know that sounds darft, but I don't know where to draw the line as I’m unsure as to how sensitive this brewing game is to the odd germ!

2) Once sterilized, do the bottles need to be dry from the cold water wash? or can I bottle up right away? I dont have/cant afford a bottle tree or washer.

3) can I leave bottle in steriliser for a few days? They are not that dirty, but I want them ready to go?

4) will steriliser decay the seals of flip top bottles? Do I remove the tops and then put them back on when needed?

thanks

[thestingers]

cheers, thats a great help