Fermentation bucket smells of yeast after being cleaned

[Extralike]

Hey,
So I have a plastic fermentation bucket. Brewed a couple of beers in it, and each time cleaned it well. I have been on a break from brewing because of school so haven't been brewing for almost half a year. Today I opened it, and I smelled the sweet smell of yeast.

Now don't get me wrong, it's a great smell, but I was wondering, does it mean my bucket is infected? Is it normal? Haven't had any infected batch yet, but I was just wondering.

 

[Bearclaw215]

Some plastics can pick up the smell of what was in it, my brand new hdpe bucket smells like peaches right now 2 weeks after use. You can put baking soda in for the smell and that should help. You should only be worried if your getting off flavors.

 

[fmr_army]

Concur. Sanitize it well and you should be fine. My buckets have definite smells to them but seem not to have a resident infection.

 

[Jupapabear]

I dry hop alot, so my buckets smell great. Don't worry too much about it. Just clean well and sanitize.

 

[BigFloyd]

It's fine. That smell means that you've been fermenting beer in it.

 

[mjdonnelly68]

Smells like beer - never fear.
Smells like rear - pitch the b*tch!

 

[GHBWNY]

Same. My bucket is like a room deodorizer in my cellar! Last batch was a wheat beer and mmm....
If you're hestitant about the possible infection issue (which from my experience you don't have to be), you could fill the bucket with warm water and stir in a tablespoon of bleach and let it sit overnight. Rinse and dry good and let it air out for a day before using it.

 

[flars]

Odors of the previous contents in plastic are almost unavoidable. I would recommend not storing your plastic buckets sealed. Any moisture present can concentrate odors and promote the growth of mold.

 

[bloom_brewer]

Maybe try soaking for a day or two with pbw or oxyclean then sanitize before using again.


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[stpug]

Hey,
So I have a plastic fermentation bucket. Brewed a couple of beers in it, and each time cleaned it well. I have been on a break from brewing because of school so haven't been brewing for almost half a year. Today I opened it, and I smelled the sweet smell of yeast.

That's the "patina" of a brew bucket . Nothing to be concerned with unless it smells rotten/bad/gross/vile/putrid/etc