What is the best way to wash new water containers?

[highdesertranger]

yes plastic water containers impart a horrible taste into the water when new. highdesertranger

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

This post has confused me. Why the need to wash out so thoroughly?

Mold release agents are used in the manufacture of plastic containers.  For food grade containers, the FDA has a list of 'safe' chemicals that can be used.  There will be some release agent along with bits of loose plastic (and maybe other contaminants) inside a new container.  I always add a few drops of dishwashing liquid into whatever else I use for first rinse to help emulsify the residue.

You don't need to fill the container.  I just put about a gallon into a 5 gallon container, seal it and shake well.  I use a little bleach in the first rinse to kill any buggies that could have taken up residence inside.  The last two rinses are plain water (triple rinse is one of the few things I remember from my chemistry classes).

 

[maki2]

you are certainly not going to die if you don't rinse out a new food grade approved water tank....

The emergency management services distribute those things all over the world to disaster areas where no one is going to be washing them out before use as there is no water to waste for such a thing.

 

[rosiemartinez1211]

Thanks everyone. Certainly don't wanna taste nasties!