Hi to all. I picked up a number of 4 gallon and 2 gallon plastic buckets at the bakery this weekend. We washed them all with dishsoap, but since they contained doughnut glazing, cream cheese icing and the ilk, they are still slightly oily to the touch which I figure will contaminate or flavor my wheat unfavorably. Does anyone know a surefire way to get 'em squeeky clean? Also would like comments on where my friends and I could go to acquire more 4 or 5 gallon plastic buckets besides Grocery store bakeries and regular bakeries (hope to avoid those buckets which have a very strong food smell. Thanks!

-- Brian McCabe (scout@integrityonline26.com), September 13, 1999

Answers

Just checked this out at another website. They ALL said not to dump the icing down the drain...scrape it out into a trash bag, and dump the first rinse wated outside in the weeds of something, because it WILL clog up the plumbing. Some suggessted Dawn dish soap, others used the laundry soap and bleach; evidently the latter combo got rid of the greasy feel. One of the ladies says that she never could get rid of the smell, but she puts the food in portions that her family uses in Zip-lock bags, and that it stays better that way, anyway. I have had pretty good luck with setting the pickle containers I find out in the sun for a week or so. You might try that too--it's free. Let me know how it goes. I am working on a way to clean out the frying oil from 5 gallon plastic jugs--you can't put your hand in there to scrub it out. But I think I am on to something...I'll have to try it again, then I'll let the World know!

-- Leann Banta (thelionandlamb@hotmail.com), September 13, 1999.

I also have some bucket that I am trying to clean up. The really strong smelling one did not respond to soaking with water and bleach, although maybe I didn't put in enough bleach. I'm going to try scrubbing it with baking soda on a damp sponge and then soaking it with more baking soda dissolve in the water. If that doesn't work, I might try vinegar. Or I might just give up and store something in it that won't take on odors, like something non-food. I do have an old pickle bucket that no longer smells of pickles, but it took a long time and I've used it for mixing potting soil, etc, so I wouldn't want to put any food in it.

Here in Wisconsin I have found new pails (5gal & 2 gal) for sale at TrueValue Hardware. I don't know if they are food safe. My sister claims they are the same thing. But a 5 gallon pail with lid costs about $6.49 before tax.

-- J.E.Froelich (dragnfly@chorus.net), September 13, 1999.

I read on another forum that cleaning the buckets with vinegar works. For other buckets, check with a sheet rock crew. Often they use pre-mixed joint compound and have plenty of empty buckets. For new, check the paint departments of stores. Wal-mart has them for $2.00+, but I don't know if you can get lids for them. BTW, in a bug-out storage container I stored "Coast" bar soap along with other items, and had a terrible time getting rid of the smell. If I have to evacuate for any reason I want soap to bathe with. I don't want the weight of glass or the fragility of it. Any ideas from anyone on how to stores soap in the same container that has food in it?????

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), September 17, 1999.

Get a fragrance free soap or make a simple castille soap without adding essential oils for fragrance. Cut a strip of newsprint type paper and wrap bar before putting in soap container or plastic bag. Or try letting the soap air for a few weeks before doing any of the above. In your "bug out" kit you need to have a set of clothing and extra socks - put the soap in the clothing.

-- Prisca Wooster (kerryw@hctc.net), September 18, 1999.

You guys have the answers already! Do scrape the icing, etc, into the trash to prevent the grease sticking in the drain. Do use Dawn, which is an excellent grease cutter. Bleach sanitizes. & most of all...vinegar! vinegar cuts grease & helps pull out the lingering odors. After initial cleaning, fill the bucket with hot water & some vinegar & let stand several hours in the sun. then give it a final washing to get the vinegar out. I've let clean buckets sit a couple of days before sealing up. Also, make sure the buckets you acquire are actually food-grade buckets. You don't want to use even food-grade buckets that have had paint or solvents in them, your foods can absorb the odors. You might want to check into the use of mylar bags with your buckets. good luck.

-- Al (alleycat8it@usa.net), September 22, 1999.

Try ammonia which is known to cut any greasy or oily residue. Then wash and rinse as you have. This has worked for me. Good luck.

-- Evelyn Owen (gen1eve@aol.com), October 05, 1999.

very hot water and a good healthy amount of baking soda, and time soaking, does wonders on removing odors. good luck.......gene

-- gene ward (gward34847@aol.com), October 20, 1999.

I recently read of a woman who put her buckets out by an active ant hill & let them clean out both the frosting & the dough remnants

-- Judy Genereux (thistle_farm@hotmail.com), June 25, 2000.

Though it costs, I use grain alcohol to cut through anything that soap and baking soda or vinegar can't. I buy the cheapest brand and use it sparingly, but it cuts through oily residue on containers and on shirts (!) really well. It is also a great disinfectant. It dissipates easily, so keep in a closed container in a cool dark place. I have soaked a coating of alcohol on a container to very good results.

-- Anne (HT@HM.com), June 25, 2000.

The importance of scraping out any remaining frosting or icing into the trash cannot be put strongly enough! Putting the residue down your drain is just asking your septic system or drains to set down its heels and QUIT. The fat that is used to make the commercial frosting is as stiff as pure petroleum - DO YOU WANT THAT IN YOUR PIPES?!?! And that's just your septic! I hope you don't eat that stuff on a regular basis...;)

-- Ginger Morgan (vermort@spacestar.net), January 16, 2001.