Cleaning diesel from a container

[donm]

Just had to drain all my fuel to repair a leak in the tank, so I bought two 25 litre containers, syphoned all of the diesel into them, fixed the leak and then put it all back. I would now like to use one of the containers to transfer drinking water when needed, so is it possible to clean one out sufficiently to be safe?

 

[Deleted member 36384]

If the containers are metal I would say yes it is possible, if plastic, maybe, probably not. I wouldn't bother though as 25 litter water canisters can be bought for very low cost if one shops around: http://www.bonnymans.co.uk/products/product.php?productID=6333

If you were wanting to try to clean I would use a steam cleaner after washing with a washing up liquid. Apparently Coke is a good remover of diesel stains and smells!

 

[donm]

If the containers are metal I would say yes it is possible, if plastic, maybe, probably not. I wouldn't bother though as 25 litter water canisters can be bought for very low cost if one shops around: http://www.bonnymans.co.uk/products/product.php?productID=6333

If you were wanting to try to clean I would use a steam cleaner after washing with a washing up liquid. Apparently Coke is a good remover of diesel stains and smells!

Thanks - they are plastic and I am just being a skinflint. I'll buy another one!

 

[VicS]

Thanks - they are plastic and I am just being a skinflint. I'll buy another one!

I acquired a 25 litre container for water... Filled it... too heavy to lift onto boat!

Bought a couple of 10 litre ones to use instead. Easier to stow and easy to carry with one in each hand.

 

[neil_s]

In a similar spirit of skinflintism I tried this a few years ago. I used hot water and detergent and managed to get rid of the diesel smell from the container but the fresh water I subsequently put in very quickly took on the most horrible taste.

Neil