Scratches in bucket

ks_medic · 09-10-2009, 02:16 AM

I was cleaning out my primary bucket when i noticed a few scratches through out the inside of the bucket. Then i remembered I used a metal spoon to really stir up the wort when i pitched. Not huge scratches but noticeable when you run your hand across them. Is the bucket still good to use or do i risk infecting my next batch ?

Parker36 · 09-10-2009, 02:19 AM

You are definitely running the risk, and once you get that first infection, it will be more or less impossible to get rid of. Might want to quit it with the metal spoon and retire the bucket to starsan/cleaning or grain storage.

**Baldy_Beer_Brewery** · 09-10-2009, 02:19 AM

I've never had it happen, but I've read that a knife can be ran across the scratch to take them out.

And in the future, you don't need to stir the wort after pitching the yeast. They will do fine on their own.

ks_medic · 09-10-2009, 04:20 AM

yeah it was a noob mistake using a giant metal spoon to aerate the wort. But i did mix the hell out of the wort.

I used that bucket for my first batch and sadly its already out of commission.

Kauai_Kahuna · 09-10-2009, 05:18 AM

If you clean with bleach or oxyclean, they really do a good job of cleaning and getting into tiny scratches. If you sanitize well I think you will not have a problem, but the risk is increased.
But if you can get a replacement for cheap, it is better than have a batch of beer go bad.

**scrambledegg81** · 09-10-2009, 07:00 AM

If it's a plastic bucket (and you're excruciatingly careful about it), you can use a long stove lighter or other flame source to melt the scratch back into the bucket.

**Baldy_Beer_Brewery** · 09-10-2009, 12:08 PM

Sorry, I thought you were using the spoon to mix the yeast into the wort. For aeration, a large whisk does a nice job before pitching.

eelpout · 09-10-2009, 12:30 PM

I think it will be fine, unless you sharpened that metal spoon into a razor before you stirred with it.
really, how much scratchin can you do unless you are tryin to scratch it. (not sure that came out right!)

**Budzu** · 09-10-2009, 12:45 PM

Bacteria and scratches can be microscopic. Even the flesh of your hand can scratch. I have one 10 gallon bucket I ferment with sometimes but I will never touch the inside with anything. My better bottles have never seen a brush and never will.

OP, take this opportunity to get a better bottle or glass carboy. Much nicer than a bucket anyway.

ks_medic · 09-10-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrambledegg81

If it's a plastic bucket (and you're excruciatingly careful about it), you can use a long stove lighter or other flame source to melt the scratch back into the bucket.

well i gave the ol' flame a shot, the scratches are gone but now the area is discolored and has the texture of a golf ball. dunno if that's better or worse.