Ok to brew in this?

[Zombie13]

I got a plastic water bottle from my dad. It's still got the label for the water company that originally filled it, and all my dad did was put pennies in it. I know it needs to be cleaned and sanitized, but otherwise is it ok to use? I think it's #2 plastic. The bottom lists that it is NSF certified for water only and should not be refilled with any other liquids.

Any insight would be appreciated. If pics are needed, I can provide them.

Z.

 

[snevey]

Probably not due to the scratches that the coins may have put in the plastic. You don't want to use a scratched plastic fermenter, whether it be a bucket or a better bottle. Plus money is the dirtiest thing in the world...

 

[zimman]

my worry is the inside is scratched because of all of the pennies. what are you planning on doing with it?

fermenting?
secondary?

 

[whatisitgoodfor]

Scratches are bad. Plus, think of all the grubby filthy disgusting hands that have touched those pennies. It would be the equivalent of fermenting in a politician's morals.

Also, I'd be surprised if anyone made a water bottle out of #2 plastic. Every polylethylene bottle I've seen was a milky translucent, not the clear that people normally associate with water bottles. #1 (PET) is much more likely.

Generally speaking, 1 and 2 bottles are fine, just steer clear of 7 (misc plastics)

 

[DavidHawman]

I say soak the bottle full with 1/10 dilution of bleach and try it out. Scratches or no, nothing can survive a bleach bath.

Look on the bottom and see if it is actually #2 plastic first though.

 

[Zombie13]

I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. I was thinking maybe secondary, or in a pinch a primary if I wanted to brew something and didn't have a spare carboy.

The 'dirty' aspect I figured would be taken care of between a hot water/soap bath, and some sort of sanitizer or other (iodine or bleach or both separately), and visibly it doesn't look too scratched.

I didn't see a recycle symbol/number combo on the bottom that you usually see on plastics to tell you the makeup, but there is a 2 in a 'date wheel' type thing. I can post a pic if you would like.

Z

P.S. keep the information coming, I really appreciate it.

 

[Bacchus]

I say soak the bottle full with 1/10 dilution of bleach and try it out. Scratches or no, nothing can survive a bleach bath.

Look on the bottom and see if it is actually #2 plastic first though.

Yep.....good old bleach inema will fix 'er up for sure. That baby could be crawling with AIDS and good old unscented Clorox will make it cleaner than the day it was created.