How to clean IBC tank which contained silicone?

[muckdiva]

I just bought two recycled IBCs tanks to use as water storage on the lottie. Apparently they contained silicone for coating paper used to wrap food. The guy I bought from said the tanks are perfectly safe to use as the silicone is food grade - he uses them to water his sheep in fact, but suggested I should hose each tank out before using it. Thing is, this is easier said than done - ordinary washing up liquid doesn't really work - there's kind of a gunky film over the water which poured out after I'd swished soapy water about in the tank and I'd like to get them as free from this as possible before filling them with water for the plants.

Any ideas from IBC gurus out there very welcome?

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi MD - I'm in the same position as you, the residue left over in my container isnt a problem, but its too late now - I'm up to 125 gallons and counting! Hope you solve your problem. Bernie

[Matt.]

If you have a pressure washer it might help but I'd try it on a spray setting first rather than needle. You should be able to get to the majority of the container with the nozzle through the main hole?

Out of interets where did you get them from and did they deliver? I only ask because I live in Oxfordshire aswell.

[muckdiva]

Thanks Matt. They came from Jensen Pallet Supplies in Warwickshire (we are on the border of Warks). I can PM you guy's number if you are interested - not sure if he has the tanks in stock, but he can get them in. I don't think they have a website, or I'd post a link.

[pigletwillie]

All I do with mine is put about 50 litres in and then agitate a bit and let it out until it runs clear. Mine had drewfloc in them, which is totally safe but is like water insoluble wallpaper paste. It soon disipates with use.