Used mixing station barrels need cleaned

[Michael pugh]

I just purchased 2 75 gallon water mixing barrels. The previous owner bought them brand new and used if for a short period of time. He then stored them outside and some debris got in it. I need to clean them but what is the most reef safe way?

I planned on just rinsing it out with a hose first then wash with vinegar and water then dry it out.

Is dawn soap a bad idea cause I thought of doing that also.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I'd blast them with the hose and then wipe them down with bleach/water, rise them again and dry.

 

[Tautog]

Dawn wouldn’t hurt, but it may take a bunch of rinsing to get the suds out, but still use bleach or vinegar for the last cleaning.
I use 50 gal barrels, and I used straight bleach, they were very dirty, but rinsed good, then straight vinegar to clean again, but I didn’t rinse after, just wipe down. And extra vinegar you miss won’t hurt anything. Every other month I clean mixing barrel with vinegar. Hold your breath when cleaning inside the barrel, or pass out.

 

[Peace River]

I'd blast them with the hose and then wipe them down with bleach/water, rise them again and dry.

+1. What I would do - hose, bleach, rinse, sun dry, and skip the dawn. Good luck!