Used Jalapeno Barrels for Mix Station?

[Globalbutterfly]

I can get used 55g food grade barrels with screw off plastic lids for $25 (good price around here.) BUT they held jalapeños.

Planned to do a good bleach water soak/scrub, followed by a vinegar/soak scrub and thorough rinse. However, based on past experience with jalapeños in the kitchen, I’d be surprised if the smell ever goes away completely.

I’m ok with my basement smelling a bit like a Mexican restaurant, but would this be a REAL problem/concern for the tank chemistry and inhabitants?

 

[crawling junk]

Keep it spicy

 

[Burrito]

following, around me there is a source that constantly sells those blue 55g drums previously used for soap for $5..

 

[TheHarold]

I'd think that it wouldn't be a problem after cleaning. I would have no problem putting a drop or two of Jalepeno juice in my tank; after dilution in water in 55g, the amount is essentially zero. And there would be even less than a drop within the plastic of the barrel after cleaning.....

 

[Thingsibuild]

I used pickle buckets it was fine. Bleach it first sun dry after.

 

[User]

If it really bother you, pour in 9 gallons of water, 1 gallon white vinegar, and 2 boxes of baking soda, then roll it around to get it all over the inside. The froth will act like a scrub . Then rinse with water, air dry


That worked for my barrels that contained stewed tomatoes.

 

[Geebs19]

All 3 of mine has different potent spices in them. I just left bleach water in them for a week and sun dried and havent had any issues.

 

[Globalbutterfly]

I don’t mind the smell, just wondered if any residual capsaicin would be a problem. I know sometimes something we can eat easily is toxic to other animals (i.e. onions can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs*).

 

[blabay]

I have 2 blue barrels with locking lids that held jalapeños as well. I tried everything mentioned above as well as several other methods to get rid of the smell. Didn't do much. I also was worried about the capsaicin being a problem. Did you end up using them?

 

[homer1475]

I have stored salt water in old pickle pails for a couple weeks. Even though they were old pails, the water still smelled like pickles. I used it without a problem.

Not the same as capsaicin, but after a good wash I think you'll be fine.

 

[mav3rick478]

Reusing barrels from restaurants or farms or vineyards is the best. Cheap and always food grade. Quick soak and clean with citric acid and good to go!

 

[arctictwist]

Reusing barrels from restaurants or farms or vineyards is the best. Cheap and always food grade. Quick soak and clean with citric acid and good to go!

I also have some pepper barrels i need to clean. Whats the process to use citric acid?

 

[mav3rick478]

I also have some pepper barrels i need to clean. Whats the process to use citric acid?

I would go a little less than when using to clean pumps and equipment, so 1/2 cup per gallon of water because you're not trying to dissolve coraline. Fill it up as much as you want to and roll it on it's side for awhile back and forth making sure to clean as much as you can. Then rinse with clean water afterwards and finally let it air dry as beat as you can.