12 replies to this topic

[Dave McG]

I stopped into Subway for lunch today and a guy was throwing out a 5 gallon pickle bucket. I asked him for it, and he gave it to me. I'm not going to ferment in it, but I would like to store grain in it. The problem is that it smells strongly like pickles, and I don't want that flavor to carry over. I washed it with dishsoap when I got home, and now I made a baking soda paste and smeared it around real good. I'll leave it in there for a while. Are there any easy ways to get rid of strong smells? Ultimatly, I could toss it and buy a new bucket for a few bucks, so I don't want to go nuts.

[jayb151]

I would second bleach. At least a week soak, then see where you're at.

[BarelyBrews]

Any plans to come to michigan at all? i can get you 20 nice 5 gallon buckets now.More later if you desire.Food grade,no aroma of any kind.If not i guess i would try the other mentioned stuff.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

Oxyclean or bleach?

I would second bleach. At least a week soak, then see where you're at.

this - also maybe throw some TSP in with the oxyclean. also could try PBW.

[ChefLamont]

I could toss it and buy a new bucket for a few bucks, so I don't want to go nuts.

IMHO, this sounds like the best option so far. Beyond that I would think starting with bleach would be a good idea.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

IMHO, this sounds like the best option so far. Beyond that I would think starting with bleach would be a good idea.

Where can food grade buckets be had for a few bucks?

[strangebrewer]

To my knowledge you can't get the smell out completely. I wouldn't spend much time on it.

[consumes]

To my knowledge you can't get the smell out completely. I wouldn't spend much time on it.

not worth the effort to get them smell free ...... i've never heard of anyone doing it sucessfully check your local area for food processing plants ie canneries .... they usually have more than they want anyway

[MyaCullen]

To my knowledge you can't get the smell out completely. I wouldn't spend much time on it.

not worth the effort to get them smell free ...... i've never heard of anyone doing it sucessfully check your local area for food processing plants ie canneries .... they usually have more than they want anyway

yep, I tried for weeks to get the smell out of a pickle bucket, bleach, PLC, Oxyclean, Baking Soda, never got it all the way goneso I made Kraut in it

[Genesee Ted]

Where can food grade buckets be had for a few bucks?

Restaurant supply stores.

[MyaCullen]

Restaurant supply stores.

thisand really big kettles tooand good thermometers

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

thisand really big kettles tooand good thermometers

where are these mysterious stores? I've never seen one. Just found one - may have to check it out!

[Cliff Claven]

I've picked up some buckets at the Asian restaurants. Soy Sauce was the product in them. There is no smell in them. They also have a gasket.I asked at the local grocery with an Asian kitchen, free.At one of the restaurants, $2.