Infection in Bucket - Throw Away Bucket?

HokieBrewer · 07-03-2009, 02:24 PM

Hey everybody,

I forgot about a bucket of cider I had from about eight months ago. The airlock had dried up and the cider was 100% infected. Nasty stuff.

Anyways, I want to use the bucket again, but I'm afraid my next batch will get infected. I scrubbed it down with B Brite, soaked it in a bleach solution over night, and now I've StarSan'ed it.

Would you re-use it or toss it and get a new one?

**MeatyPortion** · 07-03-2009, 02:27 PM

Depends. Is it scratched up inside?

fratermus · 07-03-2009, 02:30 PM

I wouldn't toss it but I'd mark it with a big X probably use it around the house.

**EdWort** · 07-03-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fratermus

I wouldn't toss it but I'd mark it with a big X probably use it around the house.

+1 Never again for brewing.

**zac** · 07-03-2009, 02:36 PM

Brew up a small beer that you would be heart broken if you lost it & give it a whirl.

Trencher · 07-03-2009, 03:10 PM

Yeah I'd make it a new cleaning bucket. Rather buy a new bucket than lose a batch of beer.

BreWirfel · 07-03-2009, 03:13 PM

agree...spend the 15 bucks for a replacement, and use it as a cleaning bucket.

**samc** · 07-03-2009, 04:01 PM

Keep some tools in it. You can pick up buckets for free many places or at worst case a few bucks at a bakery or doughnut shop which is a lot easier and cheaper than tossing an infected batch.

HokieBrewer · 07-03-2009, 04:21 PM

Thanks everybody. Just picked up a new True Brew bucket. It's got minor scrateches in it, so I turned around and took it back but they all had scratches in them. Do I need to be worried or is it only a concern if the scratches are deep?

Simphoto02 · 07-03-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HokieBrewer

Thanks everybody. Just picked up a new True Brew bucket. It's got minor scrateches in it, so I turned around and took it back but they all had scratches in them. Do I need to be worried or is it only a concern if the scratches are deep?

As a rule of thumb, scratches=bad. I have a Ale Pail that I use all the time as a priming bucket. Many SMALL scratches, but it always gets a long sit in the sanatizor prior to any use. As a matter of fact it is my Sanitizing bucket, prior to priming.

Use a better bottle or glass carboy for your fermentation and use the buckets for cleaning, sanitizing and maybe priming like i do.