Cleaning & Reconditioning
FDA-compliant triple-wash cleaning and professional reconditioning that restores used IBC tanks to like-new condition.
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A used IBC tank is only as good as the cleaning behind it. Residual contamination, bacterial growth, and chemical traces can compromise your product, violate health codes, and create liability. Our triple-wash reconditioning process is designed to meet the most demanding standards in the industry, including FDA 21 CFR requirements for food-contact surfaces.
Every tank that passes through our cleaning facility at 8520 G St, Omaha, NE 68127 is individually documented with a Certificate of Cleaning that records the wash protocol, date, operator, and test results. This documentation supports your quality assurance program and provides an auditable trail for regulatory inspections.
Our facility processes an average of 120 IBC tanks per week across all cleaning grades. We maintain separate wash lines for food-grade, industrial, and hazmat tanks to prevent any possibility of cross-contamination. All operators are trained in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) procedures and hold current OSHA safety certifications.
Cleaning Methods
We employ seven distinct cleaning methods, each designed for specific types of contamination and end-use requirements. Your tanks are matched to the optimal method based on the previous contents, the intended next use, and any regulatory requirements.
High-Pressure Hot Water Wash
Our primary cleaning method uses filtered water heated to 180 degrees F delivered through rotating spray heads at 1,200-1,500 PSI. The spray heads are inserted through the 6-inch top opening and reach every interior surface, including the bottom corners and the valve outlet area. This method effectively removes water-soluble residues, food products, soaps, and light industrial chemicals. It is the fastest and most cost-effective cleaning method for most IBC tanks.
Best For
Food-grade tanks, water storage, soaps, detergents, light oils
Turnaround
30-45 minutes per tank
Alkaline Detergent Wash
For tanks with stubborn organic residues, we use a heated alkaline detergent solution (pH 12-13) that breaks down proteins, fats, and carbohydrate-based deposits. The tank is filled with the solution, agitated for 15-30 minutes using our rotating spray system, then drained and rinsed twice with fresh water. The detergent is FDA-approved for food-contact surface cleaning and is fully biodegradable. All wash water is captured and treated in our wastewater system.
Best For
Syrups, juices, dairy products, cooking oils, adhesives
Turnaround
60-90 minutes per tank
Acid Wash (Descaling)
Mineral deposits, hard water scale, and metallic residues require acid-based cleaning. We use a food-grade citric acid or phosphoric acid solution at controlled concentration to dissolve calcium, lime, rust, and other inorganic deposits. The acid wash is followed by a thorough neutralizing rinse and pH verification to ensure the interior is safe for its next use. This method is essential for tanks that stored well water, mineral-rich solutions, or metallic compounds.
Best For
Hard water scale, mineral deposits, rust stains, metallic residues
Turnaround
90-120 minutes per tank
Solvent Flush
Tanks that previously held petroleum products, adhesives, resins, or solvent-based chemicals require a solvent flush before aqueous cleaning can be effective. We use food-safe or industrial-grade solvents (depending on the application) to dissolve non-water-soluble residues from the HDPE walls. The solvent is recovered for recycling or proper disposal. After the solvent flush, the tank undergoes a full aqueous wash cycle to remove any remaining solvent traces.
Best For
Petroleum products, adhesives, resins, paints, coatings
Turnaround
2-4 hours per tank
Steam Cleaning
Superheated steam at 250-300 degrees F penetrates the molecular structure of HDPE more effectively than liquid water, lifting deeply absorbed odors and residues. Steam cleaning is our method of choice for tanks that have persistent odors after standard washing, or for tanks that need to transition from a strong-smelling product (such as fish oil or fermentation chemicals) to a sensitive application. The steam also provides thermal sanitization without chemicals.
Best For
Odor removal, fermentation residues, fish oils, deep-set stains
Turnaround
60-90 minutes per tank
Ozone Sanitization
For the highest level of microbial decontamination, we offer ozone-based sanitization. Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidizer that destroys bacteria, viruses, mold, and yeast on contact -- 3,000 times faster than chlorine. We generate ozone on-site and circulate ozone-infused water through the tank. After sanitization, the ozone reverts to oxygen within minutes, leaving no chemical residue. This method is ideal for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and high-sensitivity food applications.
Best For
Pharmaceutical, cosmetic, high-sensitivity food, microbial concerns
Turnaround
45-60 minutes per tank
Multi-Stage Decontamination (Hazmat)
Tanks that previously held hazardous or regulated chemicals undergo our full decontamination protocol. This multi-stage process includes an initial solvent or neutralizing flush (selected based on the previous contents), followed by a hot alkaline wash, an acid rinse (if needed), a sanitizing rinse, and a final deionized water flush. Residue swab testing is performed after the final rinse to verify decontamination is complete. Full documentation is provided for compliance records.
Best For
Hazardous chemicals, regulated materials, cross-contamination prevention
Turnaround
4-8 hours per tank
Chemical Agents Used
Transparency in our cleaning chemistry is important to our customers, especially those in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Here are the primary cleaning and sanitizing agents we use, along with their concentrations, purposes, and safety profiles.
| Agent | Concentration | Purpose | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) | 2-5% | Alkaline cleaning -- breaks down organic matter, fats, and proteins | FDA-approved for food-contact cleaning |
| Citric Acid | 1-3% | Acid rinse -- neutralizes alkaline residue, descales mineral deposits | Food-grade, GRAS status |
| Phosphoric Acid | 1-2% | Heavy descaling -- removes calcium, lime, and rust deposits | FDA-approved for CIP cleaning |
| Peracetic Acid | 0.05-0.2% | Sanitizing rinse -- kills bacteria, mold, and spores without rinsing | FDA-approved no-rinse sanitizer |
| Quaternary Ammonium (Quat) | 200-400 ppm | Surface sanitization -- broad-spectrum antimicrobial | FDA-approved no-rinse sanitizer |
| Ozone (O3) | 0.5-2.0 ppm | Advanced sanitization -- oxidizes all organic contaminants | GRAS status, no residue |
| Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) | 70% | Solvent flush for non-polar residues and degreasing | Industrial use only |
| D-Limonene (Citrus Solvent) | Neat or diluted | Natural solvent for adhesives, waxes, and petroleum residues | Food-grade available, biodegradable |
All cleaning agents are procured from certified suppliers with full SDS documentation on file. We can provide the specific SDS for any cleaning agent used on your tanks upon request.
Our Equipment
Professional IBC cleaning requires purpose-built equipment. Here is what powers our facility and enables consistent, high-quality results on every tank.
Automated Wash Bay System
Our primary wash system consists of two enclosed wash bays, each equipped with programmable rotating spray heads that deliver heated water and cleaning solutions at controlled pressure and temperature. The system is PLC-controlled, allowing us to program wash recipes for different tank types and residue categories. Capacity: 24 tanks per shift.
Rotating Spray Heads
CIP (Clean-In-Place) style rotating spray balls and fan-jet nozzles insert through the 6-inch fill opening and deliver 360-degree coverage of the interior. We use both low-flow high-impact heads for stubborn residues and high-flow flood heads for rinsing. All spray heads are stainless steel and food-grade certified.
Hot Water Generator
A 1.5 million BTU natural gas boiler provides a continuous supply of 180-degree F process water. Temperature is digitally controlled and logged for every wash cycle. The system produces up to 120 gallons per minute of hot water, ensuring no drop in temperature during high-volume processing days.
Wastewater Treatment System
All wash water is captured in our closed-loop wastewater system. It passes through oil-water separation, pH neutralization, solids filtration, and activated carbon treatment before discharge to the municipal sewer under our industrial discharge permit. We test effluent daily for pH, BOD, TSS, and oil/grease.
Ozone Generation Unit
On-site corona discharge ozone generator produces up to 10 grams of ozone per hour. Ozone is dissolved into chilled water using a Venturi injection system, creating a powerful sanitizing solution that leaves zero chemical residue after decomposition.
Pressure Testing Station
A dedicated pressure testing station seals the tank and applies 2-3 PSI of compressed air via a regulated manifold. Digital pressure gauges with 0.01 PSI resolution monitor for any pressure drop over the hold period (15-30 minutes). Tanks that fail are marked for recycling.
The Triple-Wash Process
Our proprietary three-stage wash system is the backbone of every reconditioning job. Each stage serves a specific purpose, and together they deliver a level of cleanliness that meets or exceeds industry standards for reuse.
Stage 1: Pre-Rinse & Residue Removal
The tank is drained of any remaining contents and pre-rinsed with high-pressure hot water at 180 degrees F. This initial flush removes the bulk of residue, sediment, and particulates from the HDPE interior walls. For tanks that previously held viscous materials such as oils, syrups, or adhesives, we apply a food-safe solvent pre-treatment to break down stubborn residues before the main wash cycle begins.
Stage 2: Alkaline Detergent Wash
The tank enters our automated wash system where it is filled with a heated alkaline detergent solution and agitated using rotating spray heads that reach every interior surface. This stage eliminates organic contaminants, bacteria, and residual odors. The detergent is FDA-approved for food-contact surface cleaning and is biodegradable. Wash water is captured, filtered, and treated before discharge in full compliance with Omaha water treatment regulations.
Stage 3: Sanitizing Rinse & Final Flush
A sanitizing rinse with food-grade citric acid solution neutralizes any remaining alkaline residue and brings the interior pH to a safe, neutral level. The tank then receives a final flush with filtered, deionized water to leave the interior spotless and residue-free. After the rinse, the tank is inverted and air-dried in our clean room to prevent any moisture-related contamination.
Before & After: What to Expect
Here is a detailed look at the tank condition before and after each stage of our reconditioning process.
Intake Condition
Before
Residual contents, label residue, exterior dirt, possible cage rust, worn gaskets, slow-dripping valve
After
Tank logged, photographed, and tagged. Previous contents identified. Routing decision made.
After Pre-Rinse
Before
Bulk residue present, strong odor, visible film on walls
After
90-95% of residue removed. Interior appears clean visually but may still have molecular-level contamination.
After Detergent Wash
Before
Micro-residues, bacterial biofilm, absorbed odors
After
Interior chemically clean. No visible residue. Odor significantly reduced or eliminated. Bacteria count reduced by 99.9%.
After Sanitizing Rinse
Before
Alkaline residue from detergent, possible mineral traces
After
pH neutral (6.5-7.5). Zero chemical residue. Microbial-safe. Ready for sensitive applications.
After Reconditioning
Before
Worn valve, cracked gaskets, rusty cage spots, label residue
After
New valve and gaskets. Cage straightened and treated. Labels removed. Pressure tested. Certificate issued.
FDA Compliance & Food Safety
Our cleaning facility and protocols comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 177 (indirect food additives) and 21 CFR Part 110 (current good manufacturing practice). We use only FDA-approved cleaning agents and sanitizers. All water used in the final rinse stage is filtered and deionized to prevent mineral deposits or microbial contamination.
For customers in the food and beverage industry, we provide detailed Certificates of Cleaning that document the entire wash process, cleaning agents used, water quality test results, and final inspection outcomes. These documents are formatted for easy integration with HACCP, SQF, BRC, and FSSC 22000 audit programs.
FDA Certification Process
Material Verification
We verify that the HDPE inner bottle is manufactured from virgin resin meeting FDA 21 CFR 177.1520. We check the manufacturer lot number and resin certification against our database. Only bottles from verified FDA-compliant manufacturers proceed to food-grade cleaning.
History Check
We trace the tank history to confirm it has only ever held food-grade materials. Tanks with any history of non-food chemicals are permanently flagged and excluded from food-grade certification. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Multi-Stage FDA Wash
The tank undergoes our full triple-wash process using only FDA-approved cleaning agents and sanitizers. Water quality is verified at each stage. Temperature, contact time, and chemical concentration are logged digitally.
Residue Testing
Post-wash residue testing includes pH verification (must be 6.5-7.5), ATP swab testing (must be below 100 RLU), and visual inspection under UV light for any remaining residue. Tanks that fail any test are re-washed or downgraded.
Component Replacement
All gaskets, valves, and caps are replaced with new FDA-compliant components. Every seal material is documented by manufacturer and lot number for traceability.
Certification
A Certificate of Food-Grade Cleaning is issued documenting the entire process: wash protocol, chemical agents, water quality, test results, and component replacements. This certificate is formatted for HACCP, SQF, BRC, and FSSC 22000 audits.
Kosher Cleaning Certification
We offer kosher cleaning services for IBC tanks destined for kosher food and beverage production. Kosher cleaning follows halachic requirements supervised by a certified mashgiach (kosher supervisor) to ensure the tank meets the standards of major kosher certification agencies.
The kosher cleaning process involves three stages: hagalah (purging with boiling water), a 24-hour waiting period, and a second hagalah cycle. For tanks that previously held non-kosher dairy or meat products, additional steps may be required. We coordinate directly with your kosher certifying agency to ensure all requirements are met.
After cleaning, we provide a kosher certification letter signed by the supervising rabbi, documenting the cleaning method, dates, and the mashgiach on duty. This documentation integrates with your kosher compliance program and satisfies the requirements of OU, OK, Star-K, and other major agencies.
Allergen Decontamination Protocol
For tanks transitioning between allergen-containing and allergen-free products, standard washing may not be sufficient. The FDA recognizes eight major food allergens -- milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans -- that require validated cleaning procedures to prevent cross-contact.
Our allergen decontamination protocol uses a combination of hot alkaline wash, extended rinse cycles, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) swab testing to verify that allergen proteins have been reduced to below the detection threshold (typically <10 ppm). We can also perform ELISA-based allergen-specific testing for individual allergens upon request.
After allergen decontamination, you receive a Certificate of Allergen Cleaning that documents the cleaning protocol, the specific allergens targeted, the test method used, and the test results. This documentation supports your FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) compliance and HACCP plan.
Reconditioning Grades
Not every application demands the same level of reconditioning. We offer three tiers to match your budget and compliance requirements.
Grade A Reconditioning
Like-new standard
- Full triple-wash process
- New 2-inch and 6-inch cap gaskets
- New butterfly valve or ball valve
- Pressure test to 3 PSI for 30 minutes
- Cage straightening and rust treatment
- New UN/DOT certification label
- Certificate of Cleaning included
- Ozone sanitization for microbial safety
Ideal for: Food-grade applications, beverage production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and any use requiring FDA compliance.
Grade B Reconditioning
Industrial standard
- Full triple-wash process
- Gasket replacement (as needed)
- Valve inspection and replacement (if failed)
- Pressure test to 2 PSI for 15 minutes
- Visual cage inspection
- Certificate of Cleaning included
- Label residue removal
Ideal for: Agricultural chemicals, non-food industrial liquids, cleaning solutions, and general-purpose bulk storage.
Basic Wash Only
Exterior and interior rinse
- High-pressure interior rinse
- Exterior cage and pallet cleaning
- Drain valve function check
- Visual inspection for cracks and leaks
Ideal for: Non-sensitive applications such as rainwater collection, irrigation, and general storage where full reconditioning is not required.
Additional Services
Beyond the wash cycle, we offer a full range of reconditioning services to bring every component of your IBC tank back to peak condition.
Pressure Testing
Every reconditioned tank undergoes air pressure testing to verify structural integrity. We pressurize the sealed tank and monitor for any pressure drop over a defined period. Tanks that fail are routed to recycling, not back into circulation. Testing is performed at 2-3 PSI depending on the reconditioning grade, with a hold time of 15-30 minutes.
Valve Replacement
We stock a full range of replacement valves including 2-inch butterfly valves, ball valves, cam-lock fittings, and Banjo-style outlets. All replacement valves are brand new and meet applicable food-grade or industrial specifications. We can also install custom valve configurations to match your existing plumbing and dispensing systems.
Gasket & Seal Replacement
Worn gaskets are the most common cause of IBC tank leaks. We replace top-cap gaskets (both 6-inch fill caps and 2-inch vent caps) with new EPDM or Viton seals depending on the chemical compatibility requirements of your application. Every gasket is torqued to specification during installation.
Cage Repair & Straightening
Bent or damaged steel cages compromise stacking stability and forklift handling. Our team straightens cage frames, replaces damaged crossbars, and treats rust spots with a zinc-rich primer to extend cage life. For severe cage damage, we can rebottle a new HDPE container into a structurally sound used cage.
Pallet Replacement
Cracked or rotting wooden pallets are a safety hazard. We replace damaged pallets with new or certified refurbished pallets that meet ISPM-15 heat treatment standards for international shipping. Steel and composite pallet options are also available for high-traffic environments.
Decontamination Services
For tanks that previously held regulated or hazardous materials, we offer specialized decontamination protocols that go beyond standard triple-wash. This includes solvent flushing, neutralization treatments, and multi-stage rinsing verified by residue testing. Full documentation provided for your compliance records.
Turnaround & Pricing
Volume discounts available for batches of 10 or more tanks. Rush service available at additional cost (typically +50% for next-business-day completion). Contact us for a custom quote.
Related Services
Cleaning is often just one step in the tank lifecycle. Explore our other services to build a complete solution for your IBC needs.