View Full Version : How do you clean a plastic storage tote
Twindadx2
11-04-2013, 03:34 PM
Hey everyone. I am looking for some advise on cleaning a plastic storage tote. I just picked up 2 ibc 1000L storage totes. I plan on using them this year for sap storage. They are both really clean looking inside, but they have not been in use for about a year. I was wondering about rinsing the inside with a pressure washer and using soap an bleach. We are on a well so I don't want to fill them both right up to the top with water, then waste it. What does everyone use to clean their sap storage tanks?
PerryFamily
11-04-2013, 04:30 PM
I used a hot water steam cleaner and some biodegradable cleaner but hot water is the key.
maple flats
11-04-2013, 04:53 PM
First and foremost, be 100% positive it was only used for food items and nothing with a strong taste, smell/odor. Then I do it in steps, 1st I open the drain and run a sprinkler inside for at least 1 hr. My sprinkler is on a tripod and I rigged a rope to close it up when inside. I ran a white camper hose rated for potable water, connected to the tripod sprinkler and I have the legs set so they are right to have the sprinkler about 1' down in the tote. I let it run about an hour with the drain valve open. Then I pull the rope to collapse the tripod and pull it out the top. Then use my pressure washer to flush anything that is still on the lower half of the tank. Next I fill the tank, when about 1/2 full, I add Clorox to leave it at 5% solution when full. I then finish filling until it overflows. I clean the cap and then put the cap on. I let this set at least 30 minutes but often overnight.
Then I drain the IBC and let it air out for several days with the top able to breathe but not wide open for something to get in. After several days, I flush well with my pressure washer, and it is ready to use. Cap tight and wait. Just before use, I flush again with the pressure washer.
All of this may be overkill but I then know it is clean. When I am pressure washing I have the IBC tilted at about 45 degrees and the valve at the low spot.
If you are not 100% sure the IBC was only used for something acceptable, don't use it. The ones I use has vanilla extract, canola oil or sunflower oil. The 2 oils can be used for a defoamer and one of the subtle tastes of maple syrup is vanilla.
Shawn
11-04-2013, 04:54 PM
We use white vinegar and rinse with hot water, clean just about everything with this and it works very well.
Wanabe1972
11-05-2013, 02:58 PM
If you are using IBC I have found an outlet for liners thatgo into these. They are formed to fit right in an you can still use your inlet and outlet. They are about 45 each and wash out pretty well so you can get a whole season out of them. And yes they are for potable water.
Chicopee Sap Shack
11-05-2013, 04:47 PM
What's the link to the liners?
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Wanabe1972
11-05-2013, 05:42 PM
Sorry should have shared that. Www.freedommfg.com
sg5054
11-06-2013, 11:02 AM
Very nice. Problem solved!
David in MI
11-17-2013, 06:17 PM
I picked up one of these from Northern Tool last year. It really helps get the underside of the top and the upper portion of the sides that are difficult to reach with a pressure washer. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200308357_200308357
I know this is an old thread, but has anyone actually used these liners?
buckeye gold
01-10-2019, 10:44 AM
Here are links and help
Go here https://www.access.fda.gov/
Choose the module with this wording:
FURLS Food Facility Registration Module (FFRM)
Form 3537/3537a
OMB Approval Number 0910-0502
OMB Expiration Date 08/31/2019
See OMB Burden Statement
It will take you to this:
https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FoodFacilityRegistration/ucm084398.htm#changereg
Choose "cancel registrations"
it will take you here:
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Forms/UCM072017.pdf
Fill in and submit and you wil get confirmation you are no longer registered.
Oh Yeah you'll have to log into your account first.
Uhhh...how does this relate to cleaning totes or if anyone has used the tote liners?
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