Problem with a new SS Conical Cleaning

[gronniger]

Hey guys, New to the forum. I have a question regarding a new conical fermenter I purchased. I got this 7 GAL Stainless Steel Conical fermenter off of ebay and it is very pretty but I am having some issues cleaning it. It has a machine oil and some kind of pickling agent in it. I have used PBW, 1 STEP, Star San, and as a last resort dawn dish soap (to cut the oil) to attempt to clean it. I have literally scrubbed this for hours and I cannot get the funky oil smell out of it. I thought I had it clean and transferred a brew to it for secondary and it ruined the beer; it took on the machine oil taste and smell... After wasting what would have been a good batch of beer on it I have continued to clean it and try pouring water and/or beer in it and letting it sit for a while, then dispensing so that I can taste test. I CANNOT get the smell and taste out of this... Anyone purchased one of these? What was your experience, please help!?

[Henning1966]

Question have you used hot pbw? If not try that. If that has been done go to the can of bar keeps friend and a green scotch bright pad that will surely knock the oil off.

[gronniger]

Yes, I scrubbed about 3 gallons of very hot PBW in it little by little. Seemed to help, perhaps slightly. I just can't shake it! It is be the cleanest looking piece of SS I have in the house!

[SoCalBrewer]

Question have you used hot pbw? If not try that. If that has been done go to the can of bar keeps friend and a green scotch bright pad that will surely knock the oil off.

+1

A good over night soak in warm PBW and a scrub with a white scrubby pad should do the trick.

[Whitebeard_Brewer]

Na, you are screwed......box it up and send it to me, I will dispose of it properly!!

[gronniger]

Thanks for the tips guys, I will try soaking it in some PBW overnight, maybe over a few nights. I don't want to take anymore chances. I have this great looking conical sitting empty as I ferment in a plastic bucket...

[Push Eject]

Ouch! PM Palmer here for his suggestions.

[foomench]

+1 on the Bar Keeper's Friend. While oxalic acid is classified as a weak acid, it is pretty strong and great for cleaning stainless.