Thanks for the info. I purchased "One Step" no rinse from my local brewing supply store (it seems so much easier). I guess my biggest question is how soon before using the equipment should I sanitize?
Immediately. Letting it sit lets dust rest delivering bacteria nad whatnot with it.
You only need to sanitize stuff that will touch the cold beer. The kettle, mash tun, etc are hot and don't need sanitation. Stuff like bottles, carboys, fermentation buckets, cold side hoses, airlocks, etc. all need to be sanitized just before using.
Or better yet, how long, once sanitized, will it stay sanitized? Should my bottles be dry before using? I'm sure these are some pretty basic questions for a lot of you, but this inquiring mind needs to know.
I sanitize my carboy and cover it with foil and store for weeks or months. Once sanitized, it stays that way. I do the same for bottles. Store upside down or cover with plastic wrap or foil.
Bottles do not need to be rinsed or dried fully. Be sure you follow the instructions with the no rinse sanitizer and DO NOT use more that directed. Doing so will nullify the "no rinse" part. Bottles should be cleaned very well, then sanitized and allowed to drain. It is okay to have some wetting the inside of the bottle but not pooling.