Fermentation Bucket Smells Like Vinegar

[blstr]

Hi everyone, I've been brewing for a few years and never come across this before. I pulled my equipment out for a Saturday brew day.

I'm used to my bucket smelling hoppy/beery but it had a real sharpness like vinegar. I soaked in oxyclean and even a 5% bleach solution but nothing gets rid of this smell. Is this off smell normal or is it time for a new one?

 

[BrandonS]

Is it the bucket or the spigot? You could maybe just swap out the spigot. If there is no spigot it wouldn't hurt to get a new one if you been using it a few years anyways. Maybe even consider glass or a Speidel upgrade.

 

[snackson]

I've used a vinegar/Dawn soap mix a few times to get rid of smells in multiple different containers, not just brewing. I know adding vinegar to a vinegar smelling container doesn't sound like a solution but could work. That or try some baking soda, make a paste and wash it with a sponge. Like Brandon said though, it might just be time to replace.

 

[blstr]

I've got it on a multi-day soak with a little bleach and oxyclean....I'll let you know if it works. In the meantime, I've been looking into buying a new fermenter. I'd like to get away from the bucket without shelling out lots of cash. Anyone have a low cost preference?

 

[Bellybuster]

You really shouldn't mix bleach and oxyclean. Not as harmful as other mixtures but still not advisable.

As for the bucket, save your time and money and buy a new one. Problem solved.

 

[Bellybuster]

As for new fermenters, I can't say enough about my Speidels. Love them.
That said, I used a snake keg for years and years and also have no complaints other than weight.