Cleaning plastic Ale Pail

[pa-in-utah]

I racked to the secondary a few days ago and cleaned my primary very good with mild dish soap and hot water (twice). After drying and sitting to air out for a few days, it still smells like my beer did.?.?.?.? How do I remove the fermented beer smell? Will my next batch pick up any of the "flavor"?

I thought maybe a light bleach solution and then wash again. Slight discolor as well from the fermentation. How can I get the "brownish" tinge out of the primary?

 

[bradsul]

I haven't had primary buckets stain, but to get the smell out I just soak overnight in a light bleach and water solution. Works every time, just make sure you rinse REALLY well.

 

[Beerrific]

I would go with the bleach option as well. You might try Clorox Clean-up it is a soap with bleach, you can also get store brand, spray it all on the inside then 'scrub' with a sponge.

Like bradsul said rinse really well.

 

[torpshootr]

I also use bleach to clean my fermentation bucket, but it doesn't competely remove the smell of the beer. I wouldn't worry about it. I've seen no negative effects of the odor.

Cheers,
Ken

 

[pa-in-utah]

Thanks Ken..... I was worried with the "odor" of beer in the primary. I guess bleach it is...... just rinse well.
Thanks guys.

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Don't use anything abrasive (even the back side of a kitchen sponge is too much). Scrub with a soft cloth or soft sponge if you must. Use OxyClean to reduce the staining. Bleach should neutralize any lingering smell.

 

[feedthebear]

Brewmaster's Bible says a cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water and soak overnight.

I use 5 tablespoons of Straight A and 5 gallons of water. I've never really had any odor or staining problems with my primaries.

 

[tdavisii]

I use bleach some times and a lot of the time i use iodine. I think the key is make sure the water you are using is very hot. Seems to permiate the plastic if its real hot.

 

[bandt9299]

My buckets always stink and I've never had a bad batch. Try as you may and you'll never get that smell out, don't worry about it! As long as its clean!!!!!

 

[Ridge Runner]

After I dry hopped for my APA I had strong, sweet hoppy smell in my primary. I took the hottest water I could get from the tap and added 3Tbsp One- Step for 3 hours. No more smell. Good luck! RR

 

[SpamDog]

I had the same problem after my 5 gal batch of mead.. I just figured I would live with it.. since then I have done about 5 smaller 1 gallon batches and used my primary for sanitizing solution.. I noticed the other day that the smell is gone.. doubt it was the Star-san but you never know.. I just assumed it was the soaking of warm water for a few hours at a time that did it.. YMMV

SpamDog

 

[Denny's Evil Concoctions]

Strong mix of oxyclean and water will scrub the stains right out of plastic (left to soak for a day or more).

Baking soda and water overnight or longer will remove odors.

 

[dibby33]

Oh no, a barrel that smells of beer. I would throw it out, or post to Tasmania and I shall 'clean' it for you.