Plastic fermenters

[Dextolen]

I've been cleaning out my plastic primary fermenter with a sponge, bleach and water. I then fill it with cold water and 1/2 cup of bleach and let it sit for an hour or so.


I've notice that it's still a bit discolored and smells somewhat yeasty, not unpleasant, just 'used'. I've used it and not encountered any contamination, but on my last batch I had a strong ferment and it left the krausen crusty bits all over, so I used the 'rough' side of the kitchen sponge, that's not too severe of a surface to cause bacteria friendly abrasions, is it?

How often do you replace your primary bucket and should I or is the discoloration/smell normal?

Is there a way to clean it more deeply than bleach?

[fretlessman71]

Normally, I'm one to say "It's probably fine", but taste that last batch very carefully - if you notice anything off at all, get a new one. Can't be all that expensive, can they? If you've used yours for a whole lot of batches, then you probably got your money's worth out of it. Might be time to upgrade to a glass carboy, eh what? :)

[YamahaXS]

you're probably alright. Both of my current plastic primaries are slightly discolored and my oldest one (i use it as a back up) is really discolored.

You soaking them with a ton of bleach....so I doubt that anything could live through that.

cheers,
Jeff

[Dextolen]

I've been meaning to make the jump to glass carboys for primary, but I think I'll beat up this bucket one or two more times first. I'll keep a nose (and tongue) out for anything off next time.