How to Properly Clean an IBC Tote

When it comes to bulk shipping materials, costs can run up quickly, and many businesses need to trim their budgets anywhere they can. That can include cleaning and reconditioning used intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes so that they can be used again.

Why is cleaning used IBC totes a popular option, and when is it safe to do? We’ll take a look at some of the answers here, as well as why buying a reconditioned IBC tote from Air Sea Containers is often a better option that saves you time, effort and money.

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When and Why to Clean an IBC Tote

There are many reasons why you might want to clean and reuse an IBC tote. They’re popular for DIY projects, and many companies will also wash and reuse them when using them for bulk ingredient shipping.

If you’re consistently using your IBC totes to ship the same materials, cleaning and reusing them may be a suitable option. In these cases, it’s a good idea to invest in a professional-grade washing system. These typically include a high-pressure hose, recirculating tank and a system for using a variety of detergents and solvents.

However, if you’re not the original owner of the tote, or you frequently use your totes to ship or store different kinds of materials (particularly food-grade ones), the truth is that it’s often not a good idea to clean the tote yourself. IBC totes are often used to ship hazardous chemicals, and this can present a considerable cross-contamination danger even with a thorough hose-down.

Important Factors to Consider When Cleaning an IBC Tote

If you’re still interested in going through the process of cleaning out a used IBC tote, make sure you’re considering these key points:

• If you’re using your IBC tote for commercial business purposes, the safest option is to use a professional cleaning service or buy professionally cleaned totes.
• Try to get a thorough report of what the tote was previously used for before buying it. If the tote has a label on it, check that, although it may not tell what was last stored in the tank.
• If a tote was previously used for transporting any hazardous chemical, either don’t buy it or use a professional cleaning service. Whether you’re doing a DIY project or commercial shipping, you should never attempt to clean a tote that’s been used for hazmat yourself.
• As a rule of thumb, if you don’t have reliable documentation on what was last shipped in the tote or when it was last cleaned, err on the side of caution and use a professional cleaning service.
• When you’re reusing your own totes, following best practices of IBC tote maintenance will help you keep them in good shape.

These considerations are particularly important if you’re planning to use your IBC tote for a food-related application, such as shipping bulk food ingredients or as a fish pond for an aquaponics garden.

So, what’s your best option when you need cost-effective performance from your IBC totes? At Air Sea Containers, we offer great deals on them that can help.

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Buy Reconditioned IBC Totes from Air Sea Containers

If you want to skip the hassle and get a tote that’s already cleaned and ready to go, we don’t blame you! That’s why Air Sea Containers offers reconditioned IBC totes at competitive prices:

• 275-Gallon IBC Tote (Reconditioned Bottle and Cage): This reconditioned IBC tote offers great value for shippers and DIY enthusiasts alike. Please note that as the plastic bottle is reconditioned, it is not considered food grade and should not be used for food and beverage applications.
• 275-Gallon IBC Tote (New Bottle and Reconditioned Cage): With a brand-new HDPE bottle and a reconditioned metal cage, this IBC tote option is great for when you need a new bottle but are still looking for cost savings. Please note that these totes are not FDA-approved and thus not suitable for commercial food and beverage transport but can provide a great option for DIY projects.
• 275-Gallon IBC Tote (New Bottle and Cage): If you need food-grade performance from your IBC tote, your best option is to go for a new one. Air Sea Containers makes it easy and cost-effective to get a brand-new tote by offering our products at highly competitive rates you won’t find from other suppliers, so make sure to consider this option if your application requires a new bottle for food safety purposes.

Used IBC totes can be a useful and productive investment, but it’s important to follow best practices to ensure that they’re safe to use. One of the best ways is to work with Air Sea Containers for a selection of reconditioned totes that are professionally cleaned and professionally documented. For more information on our selection of reconditioned IBC totes, feel free to call us at (866) ASC-9880 or contact us online. Our shipping and packaging expertise can help you find the IBC solution that’s just right for your needs.