Cleaning a Rubber Bung

[mrgrimm101]

The rubber bung that I use on my carboy has gotten stained and has taken on a funky aroma. I don't think it has any effect on the flavor/aroma of my beer, but I want to try and clean it better. I have soaked overnight in PBW solution and OxyClean free on separate occasions and it doesn't seem to do anything. was wondering if it's a good idea to soak a rubber carboy bung in a bleach solution, or would that not really help either? Worst case I can replace the bung, I was just hoping there was something I can do to get the stains and smell out.

It looks just like this one with the hole drilled.

 

[Roland_deschain]

If you aren't against replacing it you could the the bleach soak. I'd be concerned about the rubber being damaged by the bleach but I have not tried it myself. Mine are similarly stained, I wash them with soap and hot water, dry and star-san and I haven't had any problems.

 

[mrgrimm101]

If you aren't against replacing it you could the the bleach soak. I'd be concerned about the rubber being damaged by the bleach but I have not tried it myself. Mine are similarly stained, I wash them with soap and hot water, dry and star-san and I haven't had any problems.

Are yours similarly stained? Do they hold a smell?

 

[kh54s10]

Mine are stained. I wash them in the dishwasher. I have not smelled them. A spritz of Starsan and good to go.

 

[lumpher]

Same here. My bung is old and smelly, but a little soap and water, and occasional Star-San, and it's all good again. (I bet you knew someone was going there...)

 

[Roland_deschain]

Are yours similarly stained? Do they hold a smell?

They are stained a little from over-zealous fermentation. They do have a little yeasty odor but it's not offputting to me.