How to clean my water logged PBC??

[alexanderrp]

Hello my fellow PBC lovers! I am from South Louisiana and unfortunately like 90% of my neighbors I too have water in everything I own…. But seeing 2 feet of water in my PBC hurt the most! So my question to y'all is how should I go about getting it cleaned and cooking again?

[Jerod Broussard]

I'd pour the water out and light her up with a little charcoal and let it burn hot.

Where you at? My brother got a flooded den in Abbeville. Some folks out there had their kitchen ovens under water.

[alexanderrp]

Zachary, LA. I just got done gutting my buddy's house in Denham Springs. He spent last saturday night on his roof…. The water came up slow there so he was able to get his wife and kids out before it got really bad.

[MBMorgan]

I'd probably pressure wash that barrel inside and out to remove any nasties that might have invaded before doing exactly what Jerod said ... light her up and let it burn hot.

[alexanderrp]

Thanks. That sounds good. There were def some "unknows" floating around.

[alexanderrp]

Ok Awesome. Thanks man for the quick response! Luckily I found all of my Kingsford Coal containers floating in the yard and all the coals stayed dry!!! I couldn't believe it! I highly recommend them.

[DWCowles]

Welcome alexanderrp

[Huskee]

Welcome to The Pit alexanderrp! We're glad you're ok considering what you folks went through down that way.

We'd love to get an intro from you over in the Introduce Yourself channel when you get a minute. https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/fo...troductions-aa

[alexanderrp]

Will do. I've been a member for a while and just never got around to the intro. I love the site and used it for years now!!!

[Danjohnston949]

@alexanderp, I agree with MBMorgan I would pressure wash your Cooker in addition I would use the detergent function of the pressure washers to Spray it all with 100% Hilex or Bleach (old BoyScout Dish Washing Trick). I would do the same on any part of a home or building that has been in Flood Water! It will Disinfect and help prevent Mold! I did this for several Customers during the '97 Flood here in the Red River Valley of the North! Make sure you are working with a Face Mask and Preferably a Respirator, Bleach Fumes are caustic! The Best to You and Yours!
Eat Well and Prosper! From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[MBMorgan]

Good idea, Dan ... especially the bleach (I used to sterilize beer bottles with a bleach solution when home brewing). You've just got to be careful to get it all rinsed out before using for food.

[MBMorgan]

As a side note, you might reach out to the PBC folks to see if they have any ideas for cleaning up the PBC and putting it back into service. Also, welcome to the Pit!

[Jerod Broussard]

I would not put any chemicals in it.

[alexanderrp]

I sprayed it out REALLY good (no chemicals) and got a full chimney of the Kingsford Pro coals screaming hot and dumped them in there. I was scared to use chemicals because I know that PBCs come seasoned and didn't want to ruin that.

[alexanderrp]

Where we live at, it was mostly rain water, not runoff. Also those Pro coals get so HOT that I'm not to concerned about bacteria or mold. Ive got the lid cracked and can't touch the handle with out wearing a welding glove. Mainly I was more concerned about rust..

[Jerod Broussard]

alexanderrp I have the original powder coated barrel with plenty rust all over. No problems at all with ferrous oxide tasting food.

[DWCowles]

I would take it to the car wash if you don't have a pressure washer and spray the hell out of it. Let it dry and build a good hot fire in it and re-season it. Start cooking.

[alexanderrp]

Thanks every one for the help and support!!! Ive got some beef ribs for tomorrow and I'll post some pics.