15g barrels Safe? Used for soap?

[Mojzis]

On Craigslist I found a guy selling 15g HPDE (#2) barrels for cheap. He said they used to carry soap for his dairy equipment. I was going to pick up several of these to use for fermenters and grains.

Think I can get all of the soap residue out? Safe?

 

[jflongo]

I don't see why not. Rinse it with hot water, give it a good oxy clean soak for a few hours, then rinse it out with hot water.

 

[Newsman]

Yeah, multiple hot water rinses.... maybe even build a stand so you can do a long flush upside down with hot water. Maybe even drain your hot water tank into it with the barrel inverted. You definitely do NOT want that stuff in your brew!

 

[Mojzis]

That's what I figured. Always better to get more opinions though.

Thanks!

 

[flars]

Some HDPE plastics will absorb aromas of what they contained. Since this contained soap for dairy use I would think it will rinse out very well.
Test will be to rinse, seal, and then open the next day to check for soap aroma.

 

[Mojzis]

I finally got around to picking these up. I bought 4. It turns out they individually held soap, sanitizer, a concentrated base, and the last a concentrated acid. Not what I wanted but for 5$ i figured I'd give them a shot.

I haven't taken the time to write down the chemical names and check the msds's for the info. I figured I would neutralize the residual acid and bases and likely the sanitizer (baking soda & vinegar). The soap should be easy enough with several hot rinses. I work in a lab so I've been considering bringing in some samples to pH and see if the neutralization works.