How to get rid of past-beer aroma in plastic keg?

[tudou]

I have a 5 gallon plastic keg that I use for my big batches when the bottles are full. Over the past few years it has been a trusty vessel for many a brew, but unfortunately it has an ever-so-faint beer aroma to it now - even after a vigorous clean with bleach and a brush.

It's not necessarily a bad smell, just mildly faint and sweet and malty. However, I am concerned about it interfering with the flavours from future beers that get stored in it for any length of time.

Is there any way to get rid of this or is it just something that plastic kegs will take on over time.

[Morrisoff too]

Hi

Yes they do take on a smell over time. Always seems to smell vaguely of beer and bleach to me. Best way I've found of getting rid of it, or at least minimising it is sodium metabisulphate and citric acid mix. Makes sulphur dioxide gas, so don't sniff it, nasty stuff. Two heaped teaspoons of sod.met. and one level teaspoon of citric acid in two litres of hot water. Put lid on, give it a shake, swirl it round and leave it for half an hour then empty (hold your breath) and rinse.

[Belter]

You don't need to get rid of this smell it doesn't affect anything.

[Beer O'Clock]

You don't need to get rid of this smell it doesn't affect anything.

And I've always found it kinda reassuring.

[floydmeddler]

You don't need to get rid of this smell it doesn't affect anything.

And I've always found it kinda reassuring.

Couldn't agree more. I actually really like it.

[IPA]

I have a 5 gallon plastic keg that I use for my big batches when the bottles are full. Over the past few years it has been a trusty vessel for many a brew, but unfortunately it has an ever-so-faint beer aroma to it now - even after a vigorous clean with bleach and a brush.

It's not necessarily a bad smell, just mildly faint and sweet and malty. However, I am concerned about it interfering with the flavours from future beers that get stored in it for any length of time.

Is there any way to get rid of this or is it just something that plastic kegs will take on over time.

I know I keep banging on about it but try calcium hypochlorite it is the most effective cleaner/steryliser you will ever find. Two teaspoons in a 5 gallon barrel is the dose and you will find it at your local swimming pool supply shop.

[AceMcAce]

You don't need to get rid of this smell it doesn't affect anything.

And I've always found it kinda reassuring.

Couldn't agree more. I actually really like it.

I've started using it instead of aftershave.

[Beer O'Clock]

And I've always found it kinda reassuring.

Couldn't agree more. I actually really like it.

I've started using it instead of aftershave.

Now, that's just being silly

[LeeH]

I've just let mine soak in quite a strong dilution of bleach and I can still smell Ginger!

[jonnyt]

Have you tried hot water and Oxy?

[LeeH]

No, I just left it. I doubt it will make my festival kit taste of ginger.

I will try oxi when I clean it after this one.