Cleaning Buckets

Jim W · Post by **Jim W** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 9:01 am

For those of you out there still using buckets, I have a question.
I have been brewing hot and heavy the last few weeks, and I am noticing a residual odor (that word makes it sound bad-beer smells GOOD), that I cannot get rid of. I clean the buckets thoroughly with dishwashing liquid and then use excess Star San when that is done. They then air dry until the next batch. I clean them again with soap and water prior to that batch. Anything any of you would change?
PS Whoever bought the pumpkin beer on Wednesday did a hell of a job.

sirgiovanni · Post by **sirgiovanni** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 2:53 pm

Are you fermenting in them? If so, you may want to go with glass carboys as a cheap alternative.

I use my old buckets as a sparge system so I didn't have to throw them away when I went to glass. They have a smell to them but I figure the wort is boiling after sparge so, *shrug*. I have been wondering lately about making/purchasing a stainless sparge if anyone can suggest a vendor for it or the parts.

Chris Alvey · Post by **Chris Alvey** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:08 am

Plastic buckets are cheap ... and if you can smell it, something's there. I would say better safe than sorry - use them when you brew for a bucket of sanitizer or something.

Either buy some new plastic buckets or go the carboy route. I really like the idea of non-breakable plastic, so I always recommend people use the Better Bottle carboys that are light, plastic, and pretty darn convenient. Downside is they are a bit pricey but, in my opinion, well worth it.

Jim W · Post by **Jim W** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:27 am

Feeling like a moron, a broke one at that. I now have a bunch of plastic buckets, that I paid a lot for. So that I could ferment 3 or 4 batches at once, and it sounds like I wasted my money.

Chris Norrick · Post by **Chris Norrick** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:07 pm

You might try a overnight soak in hot PBW (Powered Brewery Wash) from Five Star Chemicals. It's what I clean all my brewing equipment with. In the long run you will be better off with glass carboys (the 6.5 gallon ones are best). There have been some very positive reports on the Better Bottles as well.

Chris Alvey · Post by **Chris Alvey** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 12:39 pm

I was just picturing run of the mill buckets ... what kind did you get ? Do they have spigots, etc. ?

If so, you could save the lid and/or spigot and find some more common buckets (like at Home Depot or some such) and replace the bucket part.

PBW is magic, by the way ... definitely give that a try.

Jim W · Post by **Jim W** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 3:56 pm

No, you should have pictured the expensive 7 gal, ones and the ones with spigots. I had some ingredients coming from Northern Brewer so I called them this morning and added a Better Bottle Carboy and some of the PBW. That will give me two carboys and a shot a some cleaner buckets.
It was nice to be able to pull a little from everyone that posted a response. Thanks.
PS Is there any other stupid or expensive thing I am getting ready to do when it comes to brewing.

Kenny Lucas · Post by **Kenny Lucas** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:42 am

Nearly everything I do that is stupid ends up being expensive.

Chris Alvey · Post by **Chris Alvey** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:57 am

Nearly everything I do that is stupid ends up being expensive

Your sir, are correct.

My experiences include :

1. Don't involve the carpet in your brewing.
2. As tempting as it is, stay far away from the kitchen/stove/refrigerator/wife and limit brewing activities to outside if at all possible.
3. Use a blowoff tube (really...see number 1).
4. Get the thing you want first because, if you don't, several months later you're going to go ahead and purchase it anyway. This goes for brewpots, burners, mash tuns, pumps, wort chillers ... what else am I forgetting.
5. Purchase in bulk (except for seafood,) it's delightful.
6. Here's a money saver - dried yeast is actually pretty sweet.
7. If you are bad at plumbing, avoid it at all costs. Don't be tempted by the shiny copper devil. However, if you are good at it like Chris and Kenney and Peter and Jim whoever else has a brewing rig then it will still be expensive but so freaking cool.

sirgiovanni · Post by **sirgiovanni** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:47 am

Chris Alvey wrote:
4. Get the thing you want first because, if you don't, several months later you're going to go ahead and purchase it anyway. This goes for brewpots, burners, mash tuns, pumps, wort chillers ... what else am I forgetting.
5. Purchase in bulk (except for seafood,) it's delightful.

So what you are saying is that I should go ahead and get the 42 gallon conical fermenter? Then just figure out how to pay for it (fit it in the garage) along with the other upgrades later?

Kenny Lucas · Post by **Kenny Lucas** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:32 pm

If you're going on that theory, you better buy the walk in cooler to put your conic in first.

If you're going on that theory, you better buy the house to put the walk in cooler before you buy the conical....hope your wife is supportive of your hobby, it can become somewhat addictive and expensive.

sirgiovanni · Post by **sirgiovanni** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:19 am

Home brewing started before the wife and outlasted a 16 year marriage.

It can be done.

Jim W · Post by **Jim W** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:01 pm

Hey, the PBW seems to have worked. Although I purchased a much too small container of it. The Better Boy is holding a honey brown that I will bottle this weekend. So, I am happy with both suggestions.

Chris Alvey · Post by **Chris Alvey** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:46 am

Great!

That Better Bottle sure is light too, isn't it.

Jim W · Post by **Jim W** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 6:55 pm

I only have one complaint with the Better Boy and I am sure someone has the solution. It was a real booger getting the airlock and tap out of the top. It really cinched in there during the fermentation.
Any comments?