Help with storage container

So I got a 55 gallon storage container from a food processing plant. I was told that it contained a product called AC 101. After searching the net I found that this is Sodium Hydroxide, otherwise know as Lye.
The drums were not pre-cleaned so I have been trying to do that myself.
I used hot water and dish soap first. Then I was told to try a baking soda then vinegar mix. I was told that would neuatralize any acid left over.
The drum is a thick white plastic. I think it is made from HDPE.
Right now it is full of the baking soda/ vinegar mix.
Do you think this will be safe to store my water/nutrients for watering?
Thanks!

Absolutely

55gals of nutes Whoa!

lye isn't an acid. it's a base.
that's why vinegar would neutralize it.

tinyTURTLE said:

lye isn't an acid. it's a base.
that's why vinegar would neutralize it.

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noted. So do you think I will be safe to use this as water/nute container?

Boneman said:

Absolutely

55gals of nutes Whoa!

Click to expand...

I wish!. I will only be using about a quarter of the drum, if that. It is more for convenience.

it should be cool after the baking soda/vinegar.
just make sure you rinse it very, very good.

I had a friend that used a sprayer that had ammonia in it. She cleaned it with soap and hot water a few times over. She then used it to mist her plants and they all died.
So, that makes me a bit nervous with using this drum.

the lye should dissolve in water.
using the vinegar will neutralize the alkalai properties of the lye.
you should be good.
maybe test the water from the container on a houseplant first.

good idea. Ill try that in the morning. I just wanted to add that when I did the baking soda and vinegar that I added them at the same time. Would that make any difference?