Re-using Fermenters that held relish?

[SamHain]

I have read using buckets that held relish,pickles or BBQ sauce is a no go...but I was told that using Baking Soda and a Star San soak will clean 'em. I have access to a bunch of free 6.5 gallon relish buckets.

True or or Not True?

Thanks!

 

[onthekeg]

I would do an oxyclean soak in the sunlight for a week or so. Then see if its better.

 

[wolfman_48442]

Relish and pickles I think you can get rid of. BBQ sauce seems to never go away...
Straight dish soap (like Dawn) with no moisterizers and vitamin E and other crap is good for getting rid of any grease.
Then I'd use Oxiclean in some hot water, with some gentle scrubbing with a sponge or nylon brush if necessary. Don't use anything that can scratch the bucket.
Sanitize with Star San after you got all the food out.

 

[BeerDoctor5]

Personally I would just buy a 6.5 gallon new fermenting bucket. They're under 20 bucks and for the amount of time and money for a batch of beer it's worth it for peace of mind.

 

[Revvy]

If you've read it, then you've probably seen that folks have tried everything including what you've mentioned and it hasn't worked.

The pickling brine penertrates way too deep into the plastic.

And probably the olives as well.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/pickle-bucket-173350/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/pickle-buckets-144485/?highlight=pickle

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/pickle-taste-bourbon-stout-132670/?highlight=pickle

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/pickle-bucket-grist-104109/?highlight=pickle

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/pickle-bucket-85010/?highlight=pickle

As all the above threads have shown, even multiple soakings of oxyclean won't work....If it were that easy there wouldn't be so many threads.

As much as I am all for scrounging, recycling and repurposing, and finding free stuff for our hobby. I have to say pickle buckets really just need to be passed by. Get yourself some frosting buckets, or even soy sauce buckets from the local chinese takeaway, but not anything with vinegar, it's an acid and will penetrate the bucket, or go get white hdpe buckets from lowes or had....