getting rid of suspected soap residue on a tank?

that would be getting RID of suspected soap residue...sorry. anyway! I just bought a 20 gallon off a guy from craigslist. tank looks in good shape but I think he cleaned it with the soapy mixture I saw him cleaning his truck with when I pulled up. I didn't say anything but was kind of disapointed. is there a good way to ensure all that residue is gone before I try to set this thing up. i'm gonna test it for leaks tonight...

 

hi, sorry your having to go through this. I would suggest doing a wipe through with bleach. a good wipe down. then do a good clean rinse with water several times... dry it out... and you should be good... best of luck.

 

Yep, I agree (in part) with the above.

A good solid wash with a solution of hot water and bleach (rather than just pure bleach). Repeat a few times. Rinse with hot water.

Then, leave to dry in the sun (if possible) for a day or two.

Note: you can also use a mild solution of warm/hot water and white vinegar.

 

Yeah never use pure bleach...for one it's not necessary and only wastes bleach and two it becomes that much harder to clean out. I work in the food manufacturing industry and to clean the slicer we have in the office we use I think a teaspoon to a gallon ratio (might be even higher like 5 gallon).

 

jamus34; I used to be in food service as well and remember having to measure bleach solution. most places have converted to an automatic mix. so convenient, and much easier than explaining to a stoned 16 year old why dumping pure bleach all over the place is a bad idea. I'll take your suggestionsj. I soaked it overnight with water and about three cups of vinnegar (20 gallon tank). I'll give your tip a try...

 

As long as you used white vinegar

Just as an FYI - the reason I suggest leaving it in the sun is that the UV can help to sterilise things as well (just in case you were curious)

 

yes, I used pure white vinnegar. I thought a good balsamic reduction would add some nice flavor but since I won't be pickling any gree tomatoes until next fall I used up the rest of the white

 

hahaha