Reusing vegetable oil tote for sap

[Plutoman15]

So I got 2 330 gallons totes that had sunflower oil in them this summer for free. I should have cleaned them right away but I didn’t. I am now trying to clean them. So far I put a gallon of dawn soap in each and filled them up for 24 hours. I am now doing it again with baking soda.

What else should I do to get the old oil residue out?

If a little residue remains stuck on the sides, will it effect the taste of my syrup or will the sap not carry it because it is water versus oil?

Thanks,
Joe

[maplwrks]

Don't use them.

[Plutoman15]

Speaking from experience with oil or general experiance with odor/flavors getting into sap?

[wnybassman]

Back when I got my first tank, which held canola oil, it was recommended to me to use dish detergent because of it's oil/grease dissolving ability and the fact it didn't get real sudzy. Dawn is probably real good at cutting the oil, but I imagine lots and lots of rinsing was involved to get rid of suds? Anyway, even after about 4 years now there is still slight odor from that tank but nothing that seems to make a difference in the sap. I have since bought two others that were commercially cleaned and zero odor and use those more than the original one now.

[MapleMark753]

I have not done so personally, but organic sunflower oil is used by some as a defoamer in their maple operations. Like you referred to above a concern is that odors, flavors, contaminants etc...get into the sap and then the syrup. Can you get to the inside with powered water spray and a brush? I do know that both oil and soap are tough to completely get out and leave your stuff completely clean. And, oil can spoil too. But I know that your goal is to get them completely clean. I'd just suggest that if you're not able to get them completely clean you risk ruining your hard work of collecting sap and making great syrup. good luck to you.

[bmbmkr]

I have used several IBC's them the last 3 years and have had no off flavors- mine also held vegetable oil. I am working towards replacing them with stainless, but you have to start somewhere. I used dishwasher soap, as it does not require near the rinsing, but then again, water is cheaper than sap. I rinse the sap tanks several times throughout the season with permeate.

[Plutoman15]

Thanks everyone for some input.

I think I will try some dishwasher detergent. I believe they also have enzymes in them that breakdown oil. I also have a small pressure washer I can try but getting the upper third will be a challenge. These tanks are way bigger than what I need since it will only collect 13-20 taps so I am hoping if I can get the bottom half really clean and the upper half to not have much or any odor maybe it will work this year. I guess I will know after the first boil.