I have a 55 gallon drum that had thinner in it and I am trying to figure out how to clean it out. I read that vinegar and baking soda mix would do it but that just doesn't sound right. I want to make a half and half grill out of it. Charcoal one side and propane on the other but the chemicals need to be out first. Do any of you know how to get it clean?
agreed build it and fire it good before using with food. seems like a lot of work though when you can get a dual fuel for about 150 bucks. the new drums are pretty thin and rust fast.
The problem with burning is I need to cut it up first and it would have to be a hell of a fire to be sure it's cleaned out. I'd rather not cut it up until I have a better plan on what I'm gonna do for it.
Could you do a sample test and see if dishwashing soap will dissipate the thinner like it does oil/grease. If so, whip up a gallon or two of soap/water and slosh it around for a few minutes… dump and flush with lots of water. Whenever I think of tanks that had oil/fuel/thinner in them, I remember a guy at a central Maine junkyard who tried to use a torch to cut the legs off of an old empty 275 gal oil tank… incredible explosion from very little oil but lots of air. Water is your friend for sure.
Pete, I prep barrels all the time to make my silly heaters. I usually just build a bonfire and roll them around in it, after making sure they are empty and have a couple big openings so there is no chance of pressure build up. However, when building in the city or somewhere that is inappropriate, I've had great luck using a weed burner to burn off any bad stuff. I'd say wait until you have a plan, cut it up, and torch it. If it doesn't come off with a good heavy duty torching, it won't come off when you cook. Do be careful about what was inside and cutting/burning, as mentioned. Most barrels are pretty benign, but thinner is really volatile, so make sure you take the proper precautions. If you are unsure, get a different barrel that had something non flammable in it. Oh, wear a respirator regardless of the method you use to get the paint and stuff off. That stuff is nasty regardless of whether it's in the form of smoke or grinding dust.
