Lounging By The Beach - Part 6

[Lisa66]

To any DIY'ers. When you let a new mix steep, how long do you let it go for, and with the cap totally off, or what?

I mixed 30ml of TFA Honeysuckle in a 60ml Amber Glass Bottle with a glass dropper. I bent a large paperclip to keep the cap lifted over the top, but off about 1/4 inch. Is that high enough?

Someone who mixed this said to let it steep for 4 days with the cap off the first day.

EDIT:
I tossed what I had and made new at 7.5%.

I'm not a DIYer but I buy juice mixed to order.........so it's "green" when I get it. I've never steeped with the cap off, but a lot of people seem to. I just open the bottle every few days, introduce a little air, recap, shake a lot, and keep it somewhere warm-ish if I'm in a hurry.

I think the benefit of keeping the cap off is for any alcohol (especially for certain flavorings) to evaporate off. If you're worried about germs (not sure if that's what you mean), couldn't you put something over the opening like a paper towel with a rubber band (air can still get through) or a thin piece of cloth?

 

[100%VG]

The basket for mine is small enough that a 30ml bottle won't tip over, so pretty much

This is a 60ml bottle with 30ml in it. I tossed the 15% Honeysuckle I made before and started over. I transferred it to this 60mlbottle because I was going to add VG Nic to cut the 15% to 7.5%, and then thought better of it.

Do you think I can get an ultrasonic cleaner like yours at Walmart? Do you think it will hold this 60ml bottle? I thought it was more of a tray, and I'd have to have sand to keep the bottle from falling over. Then I thought I could keep it upright by tying it with nylon string. I'll have to see what I can find.

Is Walmart a good source?

 

[100%VG]

I'm not a DIYer but I buy juice mixed to order.........so it's "green" when I get it. I've never steeped with the cap off, but a lot of people seem to. I just open the bottle every few days, introduce a little air, recap, shake a lot, and keep it somewhere warm-ish if I'm in a hurry.

I think the benefit of keeping the cap off is for any alcohol (especially for certain flavorings) to evaporate off. If you're worried about germs (not sure if that's what you mean), couldn't you put something over the opening like a paper towel with a rubber band (air can still get through) or a thin piece of cloth?

My thought about leaving the top covered was to protect from cat hair, dust, and other stuff in the air. I like the thought of using an ultrasonic cleaner to speed the steeping. I've done it your way in the past.

Scott posted about using a large fan that rattles. I tried that on my 500ml bottle filled with 200ml of CRH. It didn't work at all. It even settled the same as when left sitting on a table. It shook at lot, but apparently, not enough.

I'm not concerned about the alcohol being in there.

 

[100%VG]

I bought some Ethyl Maltol crystals from One Stop DIY to use as a Sweetener. It says to mix 1/4 Tsp in 10ml of PG or PGA. Being allergic to PG, I'll use PGA. Then it says to start with 1-2 drops/6ml for Sweetening, and add more as needed. I'm hoping this will be less of a Coil Gunker than Splenda and EZ-Sweetz. I haven't tried it yet. The Honeysuckle tasted OK without it. It just wasn't totally right at 15%.

ETA:
You people who can use PG may not fully realize just how lucky you are.

 

[Lisa66]

VG, gentle warmth really does help, if you don't have access to the ultrasonic yet. The hubs' TV is just wide enough and flat enough on top to line bottles up on. Given his penchant for ESPN, it's a system that works for me.

 

[Stoneface]

This is a 60ml bottle with 30ml in it. I tossed the 15% Honeysuckle I made before and started over. I transferred it to this 60mlbottle because I was going to add VG Nic to cut the 15% to 7.5%, and then thought better of it.

Do you think I can get an ultrasonic cleaner like yours at Walmart? Do you think it will hold this 60ml bottle? I thought it was more of a tray, and I'd have to have sand to keep the bottle from falling over. Then I thought I could keep it upright by tying it with nylon string. I'll have to see what I can find.

Is Walmart a good source?

My UC is about 25 years old, and only has a "Hi/Lo" switch. Newer ones have time limits for the run cycles. I just tried to find the Ultrasonic thread, but I can't locate it at the moment. I'll look again, but I didn't want to keep you waiting forever. Most of the people posting on this forum haven't bought the cheapest UCs with any luck...they have bought some with 30 minute cycles and some that might have a heat feature. I'll try to locate some links for the better models that have been noted.

You really won't need to do anything to keep the bottle upright in the machine, the vibration is not that violent at all. It is quite gentle (although they all make some noise).

If I were in your position, I would steep first and then add VG. The VG doesn't do anything to speed steeping...

 

[Lisa66]

I bought some Ethyl Maltol crystals from One Stop DIY to use as a Sweetener. It says to mix 1/4 Tsp in 10ml of PG or PGA. Being allergic to PG, I'll use PGA. Then it says to start with 1-2 drops/6ml for Sweetening, and add more as needed. I'm hoping this will be less of a Coil Gunker than Splenda and EZ-Sweetz. I haven't tried it yet. The Honeysuckle tasted OK without it. It just wasn't totally right at 15%.

I believe you're right on the ethyl maltol, as far as gunk goes. I actually like the flavor better, too, although others might not.

 

[Lisa66]

VG, maybe you could find an ultrasonic cleaner on eBay....once you have figured out what you want to get?

I have to get rolling - I have an early morning tomorrow and still have some things to do. See you later, VG and Stone. Sleep well.

 

[100%VG]

My UC is about 25 years old, and only has a "Hi/Lo" switch. Newer ones have time limits for the run cycles. I just tried to find the Ultrasonic thread, but I can't locate it at the moment. I'll look again, but I didn't want to keep you waiting forever. Most of the people posting on this forum haven't bought the cheapest UCs with any luck...they have bought some with 30 minute cycles and some that might have a heat feature. I'll try to locate some links for the better models that have been noted.

You really won't need to do anything to keep the bottle upright in the machine, the vibration is not that violent at all. It is quite gentle (although they all make some noise).

If I were in your position, I would steep first and then add VG. The VG doesn't do anything to speed steeping...

Thanks for offering to get me the links.

I don't follow on steeping, though. If I added the VG later, there would be nothing for it to steep into. I make the USP VG and 36mg/ml mix into 6.5mg/ml at the same time I add the Flavoring. What would your process be?

 

[100%VG]

VG, gentle warmth really does help, if you don't have access to the ultrasonic yet. The hubs' TV is just wide enough and flat enough on top to line bottles up on. Given his penchant for ESPN, it's a system that works for me.

Crap. I lost my reply. The low heat makes a lot of sense.

I believe you're right on the ethyl maltol, as far as gunk goes. I actually like the flavor better, too, although others might not.

I'm looking forward to trying it when I need a Sweetener.

 

[100%VG]

VG, maybe you could find an ultrasonic cleaner on eBay....once you have figured out what you want to get?

I have to get rolling - I have an early morning tomorrow and still have some things to do. See you later, VG and Stone. Sleep well.

LOL (Lots of Love), Mon Cher.

Have a great night.

I'll look at Stone's links and do some research.

 

[Stoneface]

Thanks for offering to get me the links.

I don't follow on steeping, though. If I added the VG later, there would be nothing for it to steep into. I make the USP VG and 36mg/ml mix into 6.5mg/ml at the same time I add the Flavoring. What would your process be?

The flavoring already has 30ml or so of VG to steep into...but it wouldn't hurt to add more VG and then let it steep IMO, either way should work.

Here is the UC thread
Here are some of the models folks bought:
The Joy4Less 4810 is a popular model, but it is a bit pricey. It can be adjusted in several ways, though

The Black Hills model is also popular. I'd probably buy this one if I had to replace mine. The timer allows a 30 minute cycle (that means you only have to go back to it once to restart it, and a 30 minute cycle usually means it has a stronger motor in it).

The GB-928 also allows for a 30 minute cycle.

There are a few others in the thread, so feel free to go through and give it a read. I personally don't think a UC needs a heater for steeping. I fill mine with hot water from the tap, and it is always still warm enough after an hour cycle. The UC energy keeps the bottles warm. They say that steeping in a UC is better in glass bottles, but I get nearly the same results whether it is glass or plastic.

HTH


EDIT: Good night Lisa

 

[100%VG]

The flavoring already has 30ml or so of VG to steep into...but it wouldn't hurt to add more VG and then let it steep IMO, either way should work.

Here is the UC thread
Here are some of the models folks bought:
The Joy4Less 4810 is a popular model, but it is a bit pricey. It can be adjusted in several ways, though

The Black Hills model is also popular. I'd probably buy this one if I had to replace mine. The timer allows a 30 minute cycle (that means you only have to go back to it once to restart it, and a 30 minute cycle usually means it has a stronger motor in it).

The GB-928 also allows for a 30 minute cycle.

There are a few others in the thread, so feel free to go through and give it a read. I personally don't think a UC needs a heater for steeping. I fill mine with hot water from the tap, and it is always still warm enough after an hour cycle. The UC energy keeps the bottles warm. They say that steeping in a UC is better in glass bottles, but I get nearly the same results whether it is glass or plastic.

HTH


EDIT: Good night Lisa

Thanks for the links. I'm going to dive into them as soon as you head out for the night. I'm sure they will be most helpful!

 

[Stoneface]

Thanks for the links. I'm going to dive into them as soon as you head out for the night. I'm sure they will be most helpful!

You're most welcome

There are 3 of those UC threads...I think you can get most of the information in the third one. It is one of those topics where new folks come in all the time and much of the already learned material gets repeated.

I am going to head out now...I have a 9 am appointment in the morning, so I'm getting up and leaving early. Have a good night and happy hunting

 

[100%VG]

I'm into BSG 1980 now. Lorne Green has a beard, and I haven't seen Apollo and Starbuck yet. There's a guy who I think used to be on CHIPs who has the Children down on Earth.

 

[100%VG]

You're most welcome

There are 3 of those UC threads...I think you can get most of the information in the third one. It is one of those topics where new folks come in all the time and much of the already learned material gets repeated.

I am going to head out now...I have a 9 am appointment in the morning, so I'm getting up and leaving early. Have a good night and happy hunting

OK. Thanks again.

I hope you sleep well, but of course you will, because it's your own bed.

 

[Stoneface]

I'm into BSG 1980 now. Lorne Green has a beard, and I haven't seen Apollo and Starbuck yet. There's a guy who I think used to be on CHIPs who has the Children down on Earth.

No no no Hurry up and fast forward through most of that cheesy teevee programme!!



Night again....

 

[100%VG]

No no no Hurry up and fast forward through most of that cheesy teevee programme!!



Night again....

I knew that would make you laugh.

 

[Sundrinkr]

Dinner time!!!! And clean up pee and poopy time!

 

[100%VG]

Dinner time!!!! And clean up pee and poopy time!

Hi there, Sunshine.

Any luck getting the new babies to eat?

I was about to post this and saw you here.