Is my fermenter doomed?

[Immocles]

Hey folks
A friend of mine came across a gallon jug on a family farm a few weeks back. It was quite dirty and soiled, but I told him I'd take a shot at it getting it clean. I soaked it for about a week and scrubbed around with a brush as best I can, but I can not seem to get a few orange/yellow splotchy areas clean. Is it possible that the glass is simply stained and safe to use? I'm involved zero dollars, and its only a 1G jug so simply tossing it is definitely an option if using it will cost me a gallon brew.

Pics to follow!

 

[Immocles]

 

[brewster2012]

I'd soak it in bleach then rinse thoroughly. If that doesn't work, I'd use it for loose change storage or as a decorative piece.

 

[bracconiere]

age vodka on oak chips in it......

 

[IslandLizard]

Did you use some scouring powder such as Barkeeper's Friend (or plain Comet) on the brush to get those small patches out?
If they don't come off with that, I don't think they ever will and belong there.

Just sanitize well before fermenting a batch of beer in it.

 

[Immocles]

Thanks for the replies. I soaked it in oxyclean for about 30 hours for the initial clean, that took care of a good chunk of it. Then it sat on a pretty strong solution of pbw for 4-5 days.

I think I’ll give the comet or bleach a shot. I know we have that lying around somewhere

 

[bracconiere]

if worse comes to worse, a bottle of carlo rossi is only $8......it even comes full of wine!

 

[Immocles]

Hah well like I said, it was free anyway.

 

[RPh_Guy]

You need an acid, not bleach.

 

[Immocles]

You need an acid, not bleach.

Hmm. What type of acid? Anything that's going to be harmful or require me to use goggles and gloves, I'll just forget the jug. But if like a vinegar soak works, well then...

 

[RPh_Guy]

The BKF suggested by @IslandLizard would be fine, or if you have citric acid or lemon juice that would be good. Vinegar should work as well -- people even use ketchup for cleaning stains like this.

Stuff like oxiclean removes organic residue (and bleach works in a similar fashion), but you need an acid to remove inorganic residue. It helps dissolve metals, metal oxides, and many salt residues.

 

[Immocles]

Hmm, gotcha. Thank you!

I debated dumping a can of coke in there to see if it took anything off. Had luck with that in the past, but I'm running low on cans in these trying times.

 

[RPh_Guy]

Yup, the phosphoric acid is also how it eats through your teeth.

Coke wouldn't be my first choice because it's so dilute. Weak acids are probably better for this because they're non-hazardous in relatively high concentrations.

 

[dyqik]

if worse comes to worse, a bottle of carlo rossi is only $8......it even comes full of wine!

I think "proto-vinegar" might be a better description of the contents.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

1 gallon jugs are not expensive. Why risk it?