How do you clean an oil drum?

Question

I have a 200litre oild rum had 10/30 oil in it and I would like to use it for a water butt with a screw 2inch and 1inch bung on top the best way of cleaning it ,not clinical just for rain water usage

Answer 1

YIPES! Start with a steam cleaning........like done on automobile engines. Then scrub out with a degreaser....probably take several scrubbings........then back to the steam cleaner. Gee, I'd just use a poly rubbish container and add the valve at the bottom........no scrubbing.

Answer 2

Use a very strong industrial strength detergent. Do it about 4 times as if you use the rainwater for watering plants etc the toxins in the oil might kill them off. Finish with high pressure spray and then with very hot water. Careful with the oily water as it must not get into the drainage system.

Answer 3

This can be dangerous, please be very careful removing the top, I had a friend killed some years ago when he cut a barrel with a grinder, it blew up, he died as a result, people here are right, it is easier and better for all kinds of reasons to buy a plastic one, also, the steel will rust fairly quickly unless you line it.

Answer 4

if its only for rain water you could cut the top off then clean it out! very difficult to clean properly otherwise.

ever thought of using a wheelie bin to collect water? jus pinch one from the next avenue and clean it out! far less aggro!!! hope this helps.

Answer 5

tons of wd40 followed by tons of washing up liquid and steam cleaner it would be easier and cheeper and mor enviromtaly friendly just to go to b&q and buy a proper butt

Answer 6

oil and water do not mix,draw water out from bottom of drum,

Answer 7

good old fairy