We recommend safety soaking seed in cold water for a few minutes to eliminate microbes of bacteria. This is done by using 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 8-10 parts water mixture to soak your seeds. Many professional growers use this practice as it helps eliminate variables and trace microbes are found everywhere. Clean hands and sprouting equipment will also help. Make sure you are rinsing with cold water as hot or warm water can diminish viability of the seed.