Large 55-gallon plastic barrels are commonly used to create compost and collect rainwater. These barrels are large, and can be difficult to clean, as it is hard to reach the interior bottom of the barrel. By choosing the correct cleaning product to clean the barrel, you can effectively clean, disinfect and deodorize the barrel, without much effort. Does this Spark an idea?
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that will clean and disinfect these large barrels, without harming outdoor soil or any items that you store inside the barrel. Fill the container halfway, add 2 gallons of apple cider vinegar, and stir the solution to break up any residue or dirt buildup. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the upper half of the barrel, let the solution sit in the container for a few hours, then dump the solution, rinse with a hose, and allow the barrel too air dry.
Borax
Borax will remove mold and mildew from plastic barrels. Borax is good for barrels that previously stored liquids that caused mildew to develop. Fill the barrel halfway with water, pour in 5 cups of borax and 1 gallon of apple cider vinegar, then stir. Use a sponge or scrub brush to wash the upper half of the barrel, let the solution stand for a few hours, then dump. Rinse with a hose to remove any excess buildup, and air dry the barrel.
Dish Detergent
Liquid dish detergent works well in removing greasy residue, and is harmless to ground soil. Pour 1/2 cup of liquid dish detergent into the bottom of the barrel, then use a hose to fill the container halfway with water. Use a brush or cloth to scrub the upper half of the container, let the solution stand for a few hours, then dump. Rinse the barrel to remove any residue, leave it to dry.
Baking Soda
Baking soda works to deodorize surfaces, making this the perfect solution for plastic barrels that have an unpleasant odor. Pour 5 cups of baking soda into the bottom of the barrel, then use a hose to fill the barrel halfway with water. Add an optional 1 gallon of apple cider vinegar to disinfect the barrel. Scrub the upper half of the barrel with a brush or sponge, and let the solution sit for a few hours. Dump the solution, then rinse with a hose to remove any residue. Let air dry.
Tags: upper half, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, bottom barrel, cider vinegar