Old glass carboy found

[roesn]

I found an old glass carboy the other day and was wondering if I could clean it. The reason I ask is because it has been collecting dust and dead bugs for probably over 20 years. Is there a way that I could clean this to ensure that it is safe and clean enough to use for brewing? Looks like it was also used as a coin bank at some point too. Can it be saved or is it junk?


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[DSorenson]

I'd run water through it, then use Oxy-free. Then I would rinse it out a bunch, then repeat. Then I would fill it up with star san. Then I might consider using it.

 

[brewerelated]

I would do as DSorenson says and wash it with some oxy-clean. Maybe let it sit filled with diluted bleach for a couple of days and then rinse it out thoroughly a couple of times and sanitize it with StarSan before using it.

 

[jimbrau]

Clean 'em out good and they should be fine.

I've got a batch of old "Arrowhead" water 5 gallon carboys probably from the 60's or 70's. I inherited them from a neighbor that used to make wine. The things sat around on their patio over there for who knows how long (couple decades at least).

For cleaning mine I just used some bleach, water, a carboy brush, and some elbow grease to clean 'em up. I am imagining the StarSan being acidic might help remove any old scale or mineral deposits from the glass.

My old glass has been working like a champ for me for over a year, and they've got a history to 'em so that's kinda cool.

 

[bja]

Clean 'em out good and they should be fine.

^This. Dust and dead bugs won't kill ya.

 

[Spartan1979]

If it was filled with coins, I'd have some concerns about scratches.

 

[bja]

If it was filled with coins, I'd have some concerns about scratches.

That's the nice thing about glass. It's very difficult to scratch.

 

[ChefRex]

Rid yourself of it, you have been warned!