Should I Bleach My Mash Tun?

[TRainH2o]

I had a brew day a few days ago. It ran late and was well after dark when I was finished. I had everything cleaned up except my mash tun. I use a 48 quart cooler. I dumped out the grain, rinsed it out and filled it with Oxyclean Free.

Needless to say life happened and I forgot I left it outside. It has been REALLY hot here and it has sit in the heat for about 5 days. Out of sight, out of mind. It doesn't look gross but is it a good idea to go ahead and put some fresh water and bleach inside, then rinse before using? Or, is bleach a bad idea? The only other cleaners that I have are soap and I have plenty of Star San sanitizer. Thanks for your thoughts. I'm not usually such a slacker.

 

[BLM]

I would think bleach would be just fine. then rinse real good

 

[babalu87]

Awe man, your gonna take all that patina off

 

[electric_beer]

Well, do what you want...but mash tuns don't have to be sterile by any means. Remember you will boil your wort almost immediately. As long as it doesn't "stink," you should be fine.

 

[Malticulous]

Bleach is not good to any metal parts. Don't let it sit longer than 20 minutes.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

"Should I Bleach My Mash Tun"

Is that a service they offer at the salon? hahahaha

 

[samc]

48 qt cooler = no metal

However I'd just give it a good spray of StarSan and save the effort & water of rinsing the bleach out.

 

[Malticulous]

48 qt cooler = no metal

I have brass and stainless in my MLT. Many have metal braids. I don't think it will work with only plastic.

However I'd just give it a good spray of StarSan and save the effort & water of rinsing the bleach out.

If you let it dry you don't need to rinse. Rinsing is not that difficult anyway.

Bleach is a better cleaner. It will remove the darkened stains.