What's y'alls method for cleaning RO/DI Barrel?

[Dancingmad]

Howdy Y'all,

I've got a 55g barrel - I've been using it for a decade. One of those blue foodstuffs barrels used for vinegar or soy sauce (probably...). It's got a hole at the top, mug sized, w/ a screen, and 2 bung holes (mid and bottom) for plumbing. Thinking it could probably use a clean. Toss in a couple cups of bleach then rinse it with the hose/power washer, then air dry is my current idea. How'd y'all do this? Is it even worth doing?

 

[Rob A]

Skip the bleach I haven't rinsed mine in 6 years there is dead bacteria all over the bottom it's not hurting anything and I'm lazy.

 

[JGT]

Same here. 6 years no cleaning. If it ain’t broke….

 

[BryanM]

I only use mine for RODI water, it is sacred, and it seems to stay clean.

 

[Privateye]

I use water cooler jugs to store my RO/DI but they're always spotless. Even in past work, I don't think I've ever needed to clean an RO reservoir.

Bleach might work for some of it, but honestly I think a muriatic acid solution would do a better job. Just be sure to keep it away from metal while it's soaking. The fumes will rust things overnight. And of course wear PPE and use safe practices.