Something strong to deodorise

[weiht]

I lent my cooler mash tun to a friend and it came back stinking like hell... I washed it, soaked it with pbw and followed by bleach for clothing, and the smell is still there!!! i can only assume that he left the grains in there overnight or even for days. Its foul and smelly, altho its better after the bleach, im worried about bacterials and bugs that may have made it its home.

Will washing and sanitising before brewing be good enough, since most of the wort is boiled for 90mins, or i should really just change to a new cooler? Anything stronger that could remove that smell? Im assume the smell is a sign of bacteria...

Appreciate any inputs

[weiht]

I added baking soda and soaked in warm water for half a day and the smell really improved, also the stains are also lighter now... I may soak it overnight or for days again just to make it better...

[Piscator]

Are you able to strip the mainfold and ball valve/tap? Washers and taps/valves make a great place for bugs to hide.

I'd be inclined to take apart whatever I could for a thorough clean - even if it is all on the pre-boil side, "you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear" as the saying goes.

Hmmmmm, maybe "Silk Purse" could be the name for the next brew

[weiht]

I always take take apart for a wash with every brew... Its pretty simple for my cooler box

[Piscator]

I always take take apart for a wash with every brew... Its pretty simple for my cooler box

I reckon you should be okay then, especially after a dose of baking soda.