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Hello,

I was wonderring if anyone had an idea on how to clean a 1000 ltrs tank (IBC) that was previously used for petrol to be able to reuse it as a water tank again ?

I wanted to use it for water for livestock and veggie patch ... but I wouldn't risk contaminating either of them with petrol ?

If it's a lost cause, please tell me and I will re-advertise it as a petrol tank this time.

Thanks,
Camile

I know in the chemical industry there are alot of substances that are hard to clean properly in which case its steam cleaning. I know this is the case for many solvents and things like glycol, after which tankers for example can be used for food. I don't know for defininte it's OK with petrol but it does seem very likely to me

If it has ever been used to hold leaded gasoline I would be tempted never to use it for anything releated to food use. If it were unleaded then detergent and hot water, followed by a few cold rinses would work.

But I'd check with your local authority about whether the washings can go down the drain or not. Whatever they may or may not contain (in the case of petrol, not a lot ) but it is the sort of thing that may well be covered by some strict rules.

are you able to ,more or less, fill the tank with water? Then skim off the resultant fuel,which will be floating on the surface,(or absorb with cotton wool pads.) You could try this,& then re-fill the tank, & add liquid Dettol.....not cheap,but probably cheaper than buying a 1000 ltr tank!!
good luck.

I second what AndyT says. Also fill the tank - use it for irrigating (once skimmed) refill and leave to stand for a few weeks, then empty. it should absorb any smell of petrol

Good morning,

thanks for the advices ... but I ended up rehoming it to someone that would use it for petrol again ...

it was stained inside (orange color) ... and really stank so I wouldn't have dared using it on my veggies or livestock ..

Thanks again,
Camile

I think that was the best course of action, well done!

Nev

Mine are both 2nd hand and were once used for storing red diesel and none of my birds have died nor have my veggies nor have we started growing extra limbs......

No ... but if your photo's anything to go by, you are beginning to look awfully like a chicken ...

boc boc boc bwaaaaaaaark!