Contamination with laundry detergent

[Sighack]

I have a 5 gallon bucket that I used for waste water when doing water changes. The other day I used that bucket for cleaning a pair of shoes in which laundry detergent was poured into the bucket. I rinsed the bucket out multiple times and even left it over night filled to the top with a generous amount of water conditioner in it. After that I filled it up in the sink with water and let the water over flow for a few minutes. Finally I boiled water with and poured it in the bucket before dumping it all out. Would it be safe for Aquarium use or should I just buy another bucket.

 

[Tetra1990]

I'd go the safe route and just buy another bucket.

 

[Old Scales]

Oh my! That's a hard call. If the bucket is perfectly shiny smooth everywhere on the inside with no roughed up spots, you could be OK. But think, is a $6 bucket worth the risk? I personally would buy a new bucket & keep the old bucket for future soapy chores and no temptation. Take care, OS.

 

[Sighack]

Yeah, it's probably ok to still use it (its a food grade bucket) but with my luck all my fish would die. I just bought a new bucket. Thanks for the help.

 

[Tetra1990]

Yeah, a $6 bucket vs $100's of dollars in redoing your tank due to contamination. I'd go with a new bucket.

 

[jd99]

I would get a new bucket, I have three 5 gal buckets with the lids that I only use for my aquariums nothing else, and when I'm done I rinse them and I keep the lids on them to keep them clean.