At Five Star Chemicals, we know maintaining cleanliness and sanitation is essential for product quality and safety. With the introduction of our newest product—Saniclean PAA Pro—we’re here to explain all the added benefits of switching to this multipurpose sanitizer, cleaner, and descaler (especially for Star-Xene-heads)! Saniclean PAA Pro offers ease of use, a range of applications, and cost-savings for old-school and new-school brewers alike.
Activation and Preparation
First, let’s look at the prep time and additional chemicals each option requires.
Star-Xene
- Requires activation with citric acid
- Takes about 20 minutes to prepare
- Users must manually mix Star-Xene and citric acid in specific ratios before it becomes effective.
- Dosing range: From 4 ounces Star-Xene + 8 ounces citric acid to 16 ounces Star-Xene + 8 ounces citric acid per 31-gallon barrel
Saniclean PAA Pro
- Ready-to-use—no activation step required
- Simple dilution into water is all that’s needed for use.
- Dosing range: 1.7 ounces to 5.3 ounces per 5 gallons of water
Verdict: PAA Pro wins in ease-of-use with no prep time and no need for additional chemicals.
Cost Comparison
Then, let’s look at the relative costs.
Star-Xene
- $772.50 for 5 gallons = $154.50 per gallon
- Citric acid (required for activation): $210.08 for 50 pounds = $4.20 per pound
- Cost per 1-barrel dosage: Ranges from $9.54 to $21.30, depending on the amount used
Saniclean PAA Pro
- $180 for 5 gallons = $36 per gallon
- Cost per 1-barrel dosage: Ranges from $3.36 to $8.40, depending on the concentration used
Verdict: PAA Pro is significantly more cost-effective, both in price per gallon and cost per use.
Equipment Compatibility
Both sanitizers are safe for use on:
- Fermentors
- Kegs
- Brite tanks
- Hoses
- Packaging lines
And they’re both compatible with:
- Stainless steel
- Plastics
- Rubber gaskets
Verdict: It’s a tie—both products offer broad compatibility with standard brewing equipment.
Foam and Application Use
Star-Xene
- Low foam, making it ideal for clean-in-place (CIP) systems
Saniclean PAA Pro
- Low foam in general use, but foaming increases when used with a coarse sprayer
- Offers multipurpose use including sanitizing, light cleaning, and spraying
Verdict: Star-Xene maintains consistent low foam. PAA Pro offers more versatility in application but may foam more with specific spray systems.
Additional Benefits
Star-Xene
- Straightforward sanitizer when activated
- Ideal for routine equipment sanitation
Saniclean PAA Pro
- Contains nitric acid, which can extend the time between passivation cycles—a significant maintenance advantage
Verdict: Sancilean PAA Pro provides a functional edge with nitric acid for extended equipment protection.
Conclusion
The following chart sums up the comparison.
Final Recommendation
For breweries prioritizing cost-efficiency, ease-of-use, and extended maintenance intervals, Saniclean PAA Pro is the clear choice. While Star-Xene may still be suitable for operations already accustomed to its use and activation process, its higher price and added preparation steps make it less favorable for fast-paced brewery environments. We know you’re going to love PAA Pro! Contact us today for pricing and formatting.