How to Sanitize Food Grade Plastic Buckets

A food grade plastic bucket is not just any plastic bucket; it is specifically manufactured with plastic that will not leak harmful chemicals into the food that it will contain. Like many plastics, food grade plastic buckets are reusable, but because the bucket is used for food meant for human consumption, proper sanitation is required to decontaminate the container and prevent illness. A chlorine sanitizing solution should be used to eliminate any bacteria.

Things You'll Need

• Food grade plastic bucket
• Plastic bucket for mixing sanitizer solution
• Warm water
• Dishwashing liquid
• Nonabrasive sponge or cotton cloth
• Unscented chlorine bleach
• Litmus paper
• Latex dishwashing gloves
• Protective eyewear

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Instructions

• 1

  Confirm that the bucket is made of food grade plastic. A raised triangle symbol surrounding a number can be found on the bottom of the bucket. If the number in the center of the triangle is one through six, then it is a food grade plastic bucket. If the triangle has a seven in the center, contact the manufacturer to determine if the bucket is safe for food use.

• 2

  Wash the bucket. The bucket should be filled with warm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Use a nonabrasive sponge or cotton cloth to gently wipe down the sides and bottom of the bucket, paying special attention to the seam along the bottom. Do not use a scrub sponge or any other abrasive material to clean the bucket, as it can lacerate the bucket surface and provide spaces for bacteria to hide.

• 3

  Mix bleach sanitizer solution in a separate plastic bucket. Sanitizer should be mixed in a ratio of one tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of warm water. The ratio makes the sanitizer strong enough to kill bacteria. Make enough sanitizer solution to fill the bucket.

• 4

  Pour sanitizer solution into the food bucket. Allow the solution to sit in the bucket for 20 minutes. Dispose of the bleach solution. Rinse the bucket with warm water and allow to air dry.

• 5

  Test the bucket for chlorine residue. Fill the bucket with water. Dip litmus paper in the water. If chlorine is present in the water, the chlorine will turn either red or blue litmus paper white. If chlorine is present, dispose of the water, rinse and refill the bucket with clean water, then test again with litmus paper. Continue testing until the litmus paper does not change color.