Carboy smell?

Twofox · 02-19-2010, 11:29 PM

I used a 5gal carboy as a secondary. When I bottled, I rinsed it out real well, and got all the gunk out of it. I don't believe I used any soap, but I might have. That was about 3 weeks ago now.

While putting a carboy handle on it today, I noticed a funky smell coming from it. Looks clean. Will I be ok just cleaning it with hot soapy water and a brush or should I take more drastic measures to clean it before I use it again?

mikebiewer · 02-19-2010, 11:49 PM

In my opinion.

Its always good practice to scrub and clean with a solution, then rinse really well.

I've started using Oxy Clean Free and soaking my gear in it. It gets all the stains out and breaks up that crust that is on the side of the fermenters and leaves them smelling clean.

I believe you can get Oxy Clean Free or a store brand that has the main ingredient "Sodium Percarbonate" in it for your looking to save some change.

Then just make sure to rinse really well and rinse and sanitize before next use.

TipsyDragon · 02-19-2010, 11:57 PM

i recommend using some PBW or OxyClean. just follow the directions and they will break up any left over contaminants that may be causing your smell.

**KevinW** · 02-20-2010, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twofox

I used a 5gal carboy as a secondary. When I bottled, I rinsed it out real well, and got all the gunk out of it. I don't believe I used any soap, but I might have. That was about 3 weeks ago now.

While putting a carboy handle on it today, I noticed a funky smell coming from it. Looks clean. Will I be ok just cleaning it with hot soapy water and a brush or should I take more drastic measures to clean it before I use it again?

As previously mentioned, percarbonate cleaners very much recommended but try not to use any "regular" soap like dish soap if you can help it.
If not rinsed really good they can leave a residue that could potentially affect the head retention of your beers! Not necessarily a health issue just aesthetics!

Is it a glass fermentor? I recommend a carboy brush if you do not have one but only if it is a glass fermentor, the plastic ones can scratch too easy!

Just my humble opinion

Twofox · 02-21-2010, 08:06 PM

Thanks for all the replies!

I used some Dawn dish soap on it today with the carboy brush and it seems to have come clean. And yes, I rinsed with hot water till it ran clear

I'll look into getting some percarbonate (Oxyclean free) too!

**PhelanKA7** · 02-21-2010, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twofox

Thanks for all the replies!

I used some Dawn dish soap on it today with the carboy brush and it seems to have come clean. And yes, I rinsed with hot water till it ran clear

I'll look into getting some percarbonate (Oxyclean free) too!

I would soak your carboy overnight with that Oxi Clean when you get it. Dawn will leave behind a residue that you really don't want. It's not a big deal, but you should try and reduce any variable you can, and dish soap residue is one of those that you don't want if you can help it.

jjones17 · 02-21-2010, 10:15 PM

I actually have a plastic primary fermentation bucket (one of those white PET semi translucent ones that do not actually seal) that stinks like hell ever since I fermented an extract batch that did not turn out all that well. I pitched at a very high temp (noob mistake) and the beer ended us extremely cidery. Actually, after 4 months without improving it was dumped. The fermenter still stinks, though it was cleaned and sanitized well. I used it on a well made AG IPA, and everytime you smelled inside the fermenter it still smelled like that cidery crappy beer. However, I bottled the IPA and it tasted great, no hint of any off flavours. It almost seems like that PET stuff takes on odours and never lets go.... and as long as your sanitizing practices are solid,no harm.

PatientZero · 02-22-2010, 12:08 AM

Personally, I've ALWAYS used bleach and have never had a problem. It does a good job of getting remaining krausen and whatnot off of the sides and it's always stayed sparkly clean. Just make sure you rinse. And rinse. And rinse some more. Usually I rinse alternating hot and cold water for 4-6 times before using it.