Cleaning & Reconditioning

Our triple-wash reconditioning process restores used IBC totes to like-new condition. Every container is cleaned, sanitized, pressure-tested, and certified to meet strict food-grade and industrial standards.

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Why Reconditioning Beats Replacement

A well-built IBC tote is designed to last 5-7 years and can be reconditioned multiple times during its lifespan. Each reconditioning cycle extends the usable life of the container by 12-24 months at a fraction of the cost of buying new. For businesses that use IBCs regularly, reconditioning represents savings of 40-60% on container costs while maintaining the same performance standards.

The reconditioning process is not just a quick rinse. Our facility is equipped with industrial-grade washing systems, temperature-controlled sanitization bays, and precision leak-testing equipment. Every IBC that passes through our process meets or exceeds the same cleanliness and structural standards as a factory-new container.

We recondition IBCs that previously held food products, industrial chemicals, agricultural inputs, soaps, detergents, and water-based solutions. The specific cleaning protocol is tailored to the previous contents and the intended next use of the container.

40-60%
Cost Savings
vs. buying new IBCs
48 hr
Standard Turnaround
Rush available
99.7%
Pass Rate
On first inspection
5,000+
IBCs Cleaned Annually
Capacity for more

Cleaning Agents & Safety Data

We use only FDA-approved, commercially available cleaning agents with established safety profiles. Here is exactly what goes into each stage of our wash process.

Alkaline Detergent (Wash 1)

Sodium hydroxide-based caustic cleaner

Concentration2-4% solution, pH 11-12
Temperature180°F (82°C)
Contact Time10 minutes

Purpose: Dissolves organic residues, fats, proteins, oil-based contaminants, and biofilm. Effective against all common food and industrial soil types.

Safety: FDA 21 CFR compliant. Fully rinsed before next stage. Rinse water tested to confirm pH neutralization below 8.5.

Acid Rinse (Wash 2)

Phosphoric acid or citric acid solution

Concentration1-2% solution, pH 2-3
Temperature140°F (60°C)
Contact Time8 minutes

Purpose: Dissolves mineral scale, hard-water deposits, calcium buildup, and inorganic residues not addressed by the alkaline wash.

Safety: Food-safe acids only. Citric acid used for food-grade containers. Phosphoric acid for industrial applications. Full rinse follows.

Sanitizer (Wash 3)

Quaternary ammonium or peracetic acid

Concentration200 ppm (quat) / 80 ppm (PAA)
Temperature70-140°F depending on agent
Contact Time5-10 minutes

Purpose: Kills bacteria, mold, yeast, and other microorganisms. Peracetic acid is preferred for food-grade IBCs as it leaves no residue.

Safety: FDA 21 CFR 178.1010 approved concentrations. Peracetic acid decomposes to water, oxygen, and acetic acid. Quat sanitizers are rinsed with purified water.

Water Recycling System

Water conservation is a priority at our Woods Cross facility, especially given Utah's arid climate. Our cleaning process uses a closed-loop water recycling system that recovers and reuses approximately 70% of the water consumed during washing operations.

The system works in three stages. First, rinse water from the pre-wash and intermediate rinse steps is collected in a settling tank where heavy sediment drops out. The clarified water passes through a multi-media filtration system that removes suspended solids, oils, and organic matter. Finally, the filtered water passes through an activated carbon stage that removes residual chemicals and odors.

Recovered water is used for pre-rinse and exterior wash applications where potable-quality water is not required. Fresh municipal water is used exclusively for the final sanitization rinse and food-grade final rinse stages, ensuring no carryover of contaminants to cleaned containers.

The system reduces our municipal water consumption by approximately 15,000 gallons per month compared to a single-pass wash system. Wastewater that cannot be recycled is discharged through our permitted industrial drain in compliance with local pretreatment standards.

Water System Specifications

Water Recovery Rate
Of total wash water recycled and reused
~70%
Monthly Water Savings
Compared to single-pass system
15,000 gal
Filtration Stages
Settling, multi-media, activated carbon
3-stage
Fresh Water Usage
For final rinse stages only
~8 gal/IBC
Wastewater Discharge
Meets local pretreatment standards
Permitted

Our 8-Step Triple-Wash Process

Each IBC passes through eight distinct stages of cleaning, repair, testing, and certification. Nothing is skipped. Nothing is assumed. Every step is documented.

1

Intake & Documentation

Each container is tagged with a unique tracking number. We record the manufacturer, manufacture date, capacity, previous contents (from labels or customer documentation), and initial condition. This information follows the IBC through every subsequent step.

2

Residual Removal & Pre-Rinse

Any remaining contents are drained and disposed of according to their material safety classification. The interior is then pre-rinsed with hot water (140°F/60°C) at 1,200 PSI to remove the bulk of residue, oils, and particulate matter. The exterior cage and pallet are also power-washed.

3

Wash 1: Hot Alkaline Detergent

The first wash cycle uses a 180°F (82°C) alkaline detergent solution pumped through a rotating spray head inside the bottle. This dissolves organic residues, fats, proteins, and oil-based contaminants. Contact time: 10 minutes. The alkaline solution is pH 11-12, effective against all common food and industrial residues.

4

Wash 2: Acid Rinse & Mineral Removal

The second wash uses a food-safe acid solution (phosphoric or citric acid, pH 2-3) to dissolve mineral scale, hard-water deposits, and inorganic residues that the alkaline wash cannot address. This step is critical for containers destined for food-grade certification, as mineral contamination can affect stored product quality.

5

Wash 3: Sanitization

The third and final wash uses a sanitizing agent (quaternary ammonium compound or peracetic acid for food-grade applications) that kills bacteria, mold, and yeast. The sanitizer is applied at concentration levels that meet FDA 21 CFR 178.1010 requirements. After the required contact time, the interior is rinsed with purified water to remove all chemical residue.

6

Inspection & Repair

A trained technician visually inspects the bottle interior with a light and mirror for any remaining residue, discoloration, or damage. The exterior cage is checked for bent tubes, broken welds, and corrosion. Damaged valves are replaced. Cracked caps are swapped. Any cage damage that can be repaired is fixed in our metalworking shop. Containers that fail structural inspection are routed to recycling.

7

Pressure Testing

Every reconditioned IBC is filled with water and pressurized to 1.5x its rated operating pressure. The container is held at pressure for a minimum of 15 minutes while a technician checks for leaks at the valve, cap, and all seams. Any container that shows even minor seepage is rejected and sent back for repair or recycling. We maintain a 99.7% first-pass rate on this test.

8

Labeling & Certification

Containers that pass all inspections receive a dated reconditioning label indicating the wash date, certification grade (food, industrial, or chemical), a unique serial number, and our facility code. Food-grade IBCs include a statement of compliance with FDA standards. Containers are then moved to our clean storage area for inventory or immediate delivery.

Cleaning Validation Testing

We do not just clean containers and assume they are ready. Our validation testing program uses objective, measurable methods to verify that every IBC meets its certification standard.

ATP Bioluminescence Testing

What it measures

Measures adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels on surfaces, indicating the presence of biological residue -- including bacteria, food particles, and biofilm.

Method

A swab is taken from the interior bottle surface and inserted into a luminometer. Results in Relative Light Units (RLU) are available within 15 seconds.

Pass criteria

Food-grade: less than 100 RLU. Industrial: less than 500 RLU.

Frequency

Every food-grade IBC, random sampling of industrial grade (20% of batch).

pH Rinse Water Testing

What it measures

Verifies that all cleaning chemicals have been fully rinsed from the container. Residual alkaline or acid solutions can contaminate stored products.

Method

A sample of final rinse water is collected from the bottom valve and tested with a calibrated digital pH meter.

Pass criteria

Final rinse water pH between 6.5 and 8.0 (neutral range).

Frequency

Every IBC, all grades. Test results logged with container serial number.

Conductivity Testing

What it measures

Measures dissolved solids in final rinse water to detect residual detergent, acid, or sanitizer that pH alone might not reveal.

Method

A conductivity meter is placed in final rinse water. Elevated conductivity indicates residual cleaning agents.

Pass criteria

Final rinse conductivity within 50 microsiemens of inlet water conductivity.

Frequency

Every food-grade IBC. Industrial and chemical grade by random sampling.

Visual & Odor Inspection

What it measures

The most fundamental quality check: trained technicians visually inspect the interior for residue, staining, or damage and perform an odor check to detect lingering contamination.

Method

LED inspection light and dental-style mirror inserted through the top opening. Technician also checks for off-odors at the valve opening.

Pass criteria

No visible residue, no off-odor, no structural damage visible.

Frequency

Every IBC, all grades. This is a mandatory step with no exceptions.

Turnaround Times by Grade

Turnaround time depends on the certification grade because each grade requires different cleaning protocols, testing procedures, and drying times. Here is what to expect for standard and rush service on each grade level.

Turnaround Schedule

Industrial Grade
Standard
24-48 hours
Rush
12 hours
Rush Fee
+25%
Food Grade
Standard
48-72 hours
Rush
24 hours
Rush Fee
+30%
Chemical Grade
Standard
48-96 hours
Rush
24-48 hours
Rush Fee
+35%
Batch Cleaning (20+ IBCs)
Standard
3-5 business days
Rush
48 hours
Rush Fee
+20%

Rush & Batch Service Options

Rush Cleaning Service

When production schedules cannot wait, our rush cleaning service moves your IBCs to the front of the queue. Rush orders are processed on a dedicated line with a single technician assigned from intake through certification. This eliminates handoff delays and ensures the fastest possible turnaround.

Rush service is available Monday through Saturday. Weekend rush requests should be called in by Friday at 12 PM. A rush surcharge of 25-35% applies depending on the certification grade. Rush orders over 10 units may require coordination to avoid impacting other customers.

Batch Cleaning for Large Orders

For orders of 20 or more IBCs, batch cleaning offers the most cost-effective approach. We dedicate a full processing line to your batch, running all containers through each stage sequentially. This maximizes efficiency and reduces per-unit cost.

Batch cleaning is ideal for seasonal operations that recondition large fleets at once (for example, an agricultural operation preparing 50 IBCs for fertilizer season). We offer a 15% discount on per-unit cleaning rates for batches of 20+ and a 20% discount for 50+ IBCs cleaned in a single batch.

Cleaning Capacity & Quality Metrics

Our 3-bay cleaning line is designed for continuous throughput. Each bay handles a different phase of the process, allowing containers to flow from pre-rinse to final wash without bottlenecks. The result is consistent, predictable capacity that we can schedule reliably.

Quality metrics are tracked in real time. Every cleaning batch (typically 8-12 IBCs processed together) is documented with wash temperatures, chemical concentrations, contact times, and test results. This data is stored for a minimum of 3 years and is available to customers upon request for audit purposes.

40
IBCs per Shift
8-hour standard shift
200
IBCs per Week
Standard 5-day operation
~10,000
Annual Capacity
With room to expand to 2 shifts
99.7%
First-Pass Quality Rate
Less than 0.3% require re-wash
12%
Incoming Rejection Rate
Routed to recycling, not reconditioning
3 years
Record Retention
Full batch documentation on file

Certification Grades

Not all IBCs need the same level of cleanliness. We offer three reconditioning grades to match the cleaning process to your application and budget.

Food Grade

FDA Compliant

Turnaround: 48-72 hours

Process Includes

  • Full triple-wash protocol
  • FDA 21 CFR compliant sanitizers
  • Microbial swab testing
  • Purified water final rinse
  • Food-contact certification label
  • Previous food-grade contents only

Ideal For

Juices, oils, syrups, wine, vinegar, food-grade chemicals, potable water, dairy, beverage concentrates.

Industrial Grade

Most Popular

Turnaround: 24-48 hours

Process Includes

  • Full triple-wash protocol
  • Industrial-strength sanitization
  • Visual inspection (no swab)
  • Standard water final rinse
  • Industrial certification label
  • Non-hazmat previous contents

Ideal For

Soaps, detergents, coolants, lubricants, de-icers, non-potable water, cleaning solutions, coatings.

Chemical Grade

Specialized

Turnaround: 48-96 hours

Process Includes

  • Chemical-specific wash protocol
  • Neutralization rinse if required
  • Compatibility testing
  • Extended drying cycle
  • Chemical grade label with history
  • Documented previous contents

Ideal For

Solvents, acids, bases, agricultural chemicals, industrial intermediates, non-regulated chemicals.

Two Ways to Get Clean IBCs

Send Us Your IBCs

If you already own IBCs that need cleaning, bring them to our facility or schedule a pickup. We will clean, test, and certify them for a flat per-unit fee. You get your own containers back in like-new condition, typically within 48 hours.

This option is ideal for businesses with reusable containers that cycle between filling, shipping, and return. We handle the reconditioning so you can focus on your operations.

Get cleaning quote

Buy Pre-Reconditioned

If you do not have containers to recondition, purchase from our ready-to-ship inventory of already-cleaned IBCs. Every container in our sales yard has been through the full triple-wash process and is certified for immediate use.

We maintain stock of food-grade, industrial, and chemical-grade reconditioned IBCs in both 275-gallon and 330-gallon sizes. Most orders ship same-day or next-day.

Browse available IBCs

Our Quality Standards

Quality is not negotiable in the IBC reconditioning business. A container that leaks, smells, or carries cross-contamination from previous contents can ruin a customer's product and damage their reputation. We built our entire process around preventing these outcomes.

Every technician in our wash facility is trained on proper chemical handling, sanitization protocols, and inspection criteria. We maintain detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each cleaning grade and conduct regular calibration of our pressure testing equipment, temperature gauges, and chemical dosing systems.

Our rejection rate speaks to our standards: approximately 12% of incoming IBCs do not meet our reconditioning criteria and are routed to recycling instead. We would rather recycle a marginal container than sell one that does not meet our quality threshold.

FDA 21 CFR 177.1520
HDPE food-contact compliance for all food-grade reconditioned IBCs.
FDA 21 CFR 178.1010
Approved sanitizing agents used at concentrations safe for food-contact surfaces.
UN/DOT 31HA1
Reconditioned containers meet UN performance standards for composite IBC design type.
ASTM D4169
Pressure testing protocol aligned with performance testing standards for shipping containers.
NSF/ANSI 61
Containers certified for potable water contact meet NSF drinking water system standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does your triple-wash process include?

We perform high-pressure detergent washes, hot water rinses, and final sanitation, followed by full drying and inspection.

Do you pressure-test every IBC after cleaning?

Yes. Each tote is pressure-tested and visually inspected for leaks or structural defects before release.

Can you certify food-grade cleaning?

Food-grade IBCs follow dedicated wash lines and are labeled with wash date and grade upon completion.

How fast is turnaround for cleaning?

Standard turnaround is 48 hours; rush 24-hour service may be available depending on volume.

Do you handle totes with chemical residues?

We clean most industrial residues; provide SDS details so we can confirm compatibility and safe processing.

Need Clean, Certified IBCs?

Whether you want us to recondition your existing totes or purchase pre-cleaned containers from our inventory, we deliver quality you can count on with fast turnaround times.