how to avoid scratching fermentors?

Can anyone give me a few ideas/tips about how not to scratch a fermentor?

I have scratches in mine....and I dont really know how I got them. I guess it was the vigorous stirring with the plastic spoon.

 

It seems unlikely your plastic spoon would have scratched your bucket, though it is possible. The way many folks scratch their fermenters is during the cleaning process. Avoid using the abrasive side of your sponge. You can clean it effectively with a long soak in PBW or oxyclean. Then a soft sponge will typically do the rest.

Now that you do have scratches, you need to be very careful about sanitation. Scratches are great places for bacteria to hide. The best way, in my opinion, to sanitize your container is to fill it completely with a no-rinse sanitizing solution, and let it soak for a long time. Typically I will fill it after mashing in, then drain it as I approach the end of the boil. By the time the wort has cooled sufficient to transfer, the bucket will have air dried.

I've been using the same bucket now for nearly 15 years without a problem.

 

Buy glass

-Sapp

 

Well it depends on what you mean by scratch, the surface inside the fermentor isn't perfect even from the manufacturer and if you look closely with have micro fissues on the surface.

People seem to go mad about scratches but if you don't want scratches then you have to go glass. Unless it is a deep and significant dig in the surface that prevents cleaning then I don't worry and as hercher points out it becomes largely a moot point if you soak above the scratch line.

Scratches are problem if they stop you cleaning the surfaces and the scratch is only sprayed and not saturated.

 

I just use Better Bottles and glass carboys.

When it's time to clean one, I just fill it with hot water and a scoop of Oxyclean. I cover the mouth with aluminum foil (to prevent the neck from drying out as the water evaporates) and just leave it for a day or two.

Then I dump out the soapy/dirty water, rinse it a couple of times with cold water, then dump in a gallon of StarSan, swirl and shake it around for a minute to get it all nice and foamy, then dump out as much as I can and cover the top with a sanitized piece of aluminum foil (not the same piece as before) and a couple rubber bands.

No scrubbing required at all, and it's sanitized and ready to go the next time I need it.