Infection in Bucket - Throw Away Bucket?

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?

Depends. Is it scratched up inside?

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

fratermus said:

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

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+1 Never again for brewing.

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

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

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

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.

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?

HokieBrewer said:

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?

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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.

HokieBrewer said:

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?

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No, do not fear the tiny scratches. Fear the big scratches!

If you're really worried about it, buy some fine (300+ grit) wet sandpaper and lightly sand the walls (no power tools).

Seriously, there is no need to throw out a good bucket, infection or otherwise. It's called proper cleaning and sanitation technique. Unfortunately, most people fear the infection bogeyman 'round here...

Thanks everybody for the replies. Lamarguy, I'm goin with your advice on this one. Don't let me down!!!