Cleaning and testing barrels

[re76]

I recently picked up two 55 gallon barrels that were used to store jalapenos. They are blue food grade plastic.

I have washed them out with both Dawn dish soap and then a bleach solution.

Is there anything else I should do in terms of washing? There is still a faint pickled jalapeno smell.

What tests can I do to ensure they are safe for storing RODI and salt water? I was definitely thinking a phosphate test to make sure they don't leak phosphate. Is there any other tests I can do?

I would appreciate any and all advice!

 

[billdogg]

As long as you rinsed them well after the Dawn and the Bleach, they will be fine.

FWIW - My mixing barrel is a blue 55g barrel that had been used for photographic developer or fixer (certainly not "food safe"!) I did pretty much what you did to clean it and then put it in service. That was about 1988. I still use the same barrel and have never had an issue with it.

hth

 

[Sk8r]

You might check the ph of water left there a week, start and finish: pickled jalapenos do have vinegar. Their own 'kick' is alkaline, which I would think the vinegar would take care of.