Cleaning out water drums.

[Nbuuifx]

We were given a load of 20L drums which had soya oil in before. We used them for a summer and they were fine, they aren't needed over winter as we get enough rain. The next year they were starting to look a bit dirty inside, but they were ok. This year we are just starting to run low but they have gone quite dark inside. I think the oil residue is basically growing algae etc.

Can we just ignore it, give them a rinse and carry on?

Or any suggestions for cleaning them out?

Any other cost effective suggestions for taking water to the horses? We only need to do it for about 2 months each year.

 

[meleeka]

I used to put a handful of gravel in mine, with a bit of hot water and shake.

 

[Britestar]

Denture tablets also give them a good clean, but I like the gravel idea.

 

[Alibear]

For the caravan ones I give a good sluice out with milton fluid made up to the appropriate amount.

 

[Fieldlife]

Or milton? Gravel and good shake and rinse out lots


There is also good algae and bad algae smell.

If smell ok, I would give a bit of rinse and keep using.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Soak them in Milton then use hot water to scrub

 

[Nbuuifx]

They don't smell too bad, they just don't look great. The problem with scrubbing them is getting in through the relatively small hole at the top.

 

[Steerpike]

I used Milton tablets in mine

 

[poiuytrewq]

I used to put a handful of gravel in mine, with a bit of hot water and shake.

That's genius! Thank you!
Someone gave me a little put of "magic balls" that you put inside vases and things that are too narrow to get your hand in properly to clean and they are amazing, so this is the same idea, I just never in a million years would have thought it!
OP- I find a small amount of water works best as you can really viciously swish and the dirt just gets knocked off!

 

[Nbuuifx]

We tried a bit of gravel in previously, but it didn't do a great deal. I ended up using the pressure washer but have only been able to get the bottom half due to the angle etc. I do have a drain cleaning jet which may work to get round and point back but won't be easy.

They smell ok though, so hopefully will be ok to use.