Repurposing LME Barrels

[microbusbrewery]

My LHBS gave me a couple of empty 15 gallon LME barrels. I'm planning on tying them into my RO system and using them to store RO water for brewing. One problem, they smell very strongly of LME. Actually more like oxidized LME at this point. I'm afraid this will lead to off-flavors in my beer, so I want to neutralize it as much as possible.

I have them soaking with oxyclean right now. I thought I'd follow that up with a good rinse, then:
1. Baking soda solution
2. Rinse
3. White vinegar solution
4. Rinse
5. Pray that the smell is gone

If you've done something similar (especially if it was successful) please share your process.

 

[DaleHair]

If all that fails you might try putting some liquid chlorophyll in them and letting them set overnight. I say this because I've known some to put used pickle buckets upside down on the grass in the sun for several hours to remove the pickle smell.

 

[microbusbrewery]

I'll keep that in mind. Good news, after about 36 hours with oxyclean, the majority of the odor seems to be gone.

 

[dlaramie08]

Leave them out in the sunlight for a while. That'll get the smell out.