Cleaning your 55-gallon plastic barrel is important when storing food or any other edible items. This method will ensure that the barrel remains sanitary and free from any residue. To do this, first prepare a chlorine solution by mixing two gallons of water with half a cup of chlorine bleach. After mixing the solution, fill the barrel halfway and scrub the upper part of the barrel with a sponge. Once this step is completed, rinse the barrel well with clean water and allow it to air dry.
To begin cleaning a 55-gallon plastic barrel, first check for visible damage. If the barrel is visibly damaged, it should not be used to store chemicals. Broken barrels can be fixed or broken down and made 'new' again. Different types of chemicals require different cleaning methods. If you don't know what to use, consult the chemical manufacturer for proper cleaning methods. If you're unsure of the correct procedure, ask your local EPA office.
If you're using chemicals, you must ensure that the barrel is clean and disinfected. Before you start cleaning, check the barrel for visible damages. If it has any corrosion, it shouldn't be used for storage. Once this has been checked, it is time to choose the right cleaning substance. Your choice of solvent will depend on the type of chemical you're using. If you're not sure which solvent to use, ask the manufacturer for recommended cleaning products. If you're cleaning a plastic barrel, choose a solvent that's water-based. This will minimize the possibility of any chemical reaction.
If you're using chemicals that are not meant for human consumption, you can try a chlorine bleach solution. This disinfectant works on plastic barrels and is very effective against bacteria and fungi. To use it, mix 1 tablespoon of bleach into a gallon of water and shake the bucket a few times to mix the ingredients. Once the solution is mixed, rinse the barrel several times with clean water.
Before cleaning your 55-gallon plastic barrels, make sure they're ant-proof. You can buy rubber barrels that are ant-proof, but they may off-gas after some time. If the barrels are damaged, it's a better idea to use a water-based solvent. Otherwise, you'll have to use an alkaline solution instead. Remember to always wear protective gear when you're cleaning your barrels. Not only should you wear rubber shoes, but you should also use a rubber apron. A face shield will protect you from chemical splashes.
The first thing you should do is inspect the barrels for damage. If you're not sure how to clean your 55 gallon plastic barrels, contact the manufacturers of the chemicals. They can help you find out the best way to clean a barrel. If there's any damage, the chemicals might not be safe to use. This is where you should look for a solution to your problems. In addition to using the chemicals that you've purchased, you should also consider the type of solvent you're going to be storing.