Plastic fermenters retaining beer scent?

[stem42]

Hi,

I use plastic tanks to ferment my beer. After 3 or 4 brews I noticed that I cannot get rid of the beer smell. And yes I wash them thoroughly.

As an experiment I washed, scrubbed and rinsed one of them twice using soap. Then I disinfected it and rinsed again. Once dried it still smells like beer...

Is this normal?

Thanks!
Ste.

 

[brewing_clown]

In my experience, yes.

 

[j1n]

first off i wouldn't scrub plastic since the small scratches can hide bacteria and infect your beer. use a micro fiber towel if you really need to use something since they don't scratch surfaces.

i only use PBW and hot water to wash my fermentors and no they dont smell like beer when im done washing them.

 

[kh54s10]

I believe it is normal. I don't pay any attention to that. Freshly washed and dried still has a strong smell, it will fade with time but might never totally disappear.

My buckets hold beer or wine smell much more than my Better Bottles do so the type of plastic seems to be a factor.

Be careful "scrubbing" plastic. Scratches will harbor contaminates.

 

[mkyl428]

It's pretty normal, +1 on the not scrubbing plastic I also wouldn't use soap since it can leave a film that will kill head retention.

The smell won't effect the next batch, but if you are worried about it try soaking in hot water and distilled white vinegar that should help

 

[MindenMan]

Beer scent in your buckets is normal and won't affect the next batch flavor wise. Don't use anything that could scratch your fermenter for reasons mentioned above. Good luck.

 

[TheMadKing]

Yep totally normal. I just soak overnight with PBW or Oxy and then scrub using only the palm of my hand so I don't scratch it, then rinse thoroughly. I've been using the same plastic fermenter for about 5 years with no infections.

 

[Yesfan]

I remember the first beer I brewed and I noticed this same brew smell after I cleaned my bucket. I was worried at first, but loved the scent of the used (and cleaned) bucket after that first fermentation.


After I was told by the brewing gurus (brewrus??) that this is normal and also expect it to smell like that for now on, I did cartwheels down my driveway. I like the scent of a just cleaned post fermentation bucket/carboy personally. It's almost as pleasing as opening a pack of hops.

 

[stem42]

ok, I will never scrub again!

Thanks!