Can't get that smell out...

[Ibasterd]

Hey guys. I just finished fermenting a Bewitched amber ale in which I added pumpkin and pumpkin spices. After a thorough cleaning with free and clear dish soap and hot water, the LBK still has a strong smell of the spices that I used. I don't want that to affect the taste/aroma of my next batch which is probably going to be an IPA. Any tips for getting that smell out of the LBK?

Thanks

[RickBeer]

It's too late now, but the hot water may have sealed your fate so to speak. Hot water bakes in the odor, while warm/cool water does not. I'd suggest you fill it with cold water, to the top, and let it sit a day or two. Then, empty it and let it air dry and see.

If you still have a faint smell, it's likely fine. Mine smell like beer.

[DirtRacer]

What I have done recently which seemed to help was a rinse with white distilled vinegar and water. I haven't really done testing to find a best method but what I did was about 2oz of distilled white vinegar with about a gallon of cold tap water. Slosh it around good then let it sit about 5 mins, slosh again, let sit another 5 then slosh it around and dump. Then rinse with cold water a time or 2 and it seemd to really help. Not sure if maybe filling it all the way and letting it sit overnight would be better, but might be worth a try. Another thing I remember my grandmother doing with tupperware was filling it with crumpled newspaper and putting the lid on for a couple days to remove odors. I haven't tried this with the LBK but it's another option.

[haerbob3]

Try soaking the LBK overnight with a solution of water and baking soda. It may take a couple of times. That is what we do at work.

[Brewbirds]

Then... once you've done any of the above since your next beer will be an IPA just dry hop the heck out of it.

[Ibasterd]

Well, i did the cold water and baking soda thing which helped, but then I decided to just brew more beer in it! This I've decided might be the answer for most of life's problems.

[Inkleg]

but then I decided to just brew more beer in it! This I've decided might be the answer for most of life's problems.

You sir are Brilliant!

[Rebel_B]

Well, i did the cold water and baking soda thing which helped, but then I decided to just brew more beer in it! This I've decided might be the answer for most of life's problems.

Nothing like that 'new beer smell'!

[DaYooper]

One note is that you should never use hot water in the LBK or PET bottles as it could cause them to deform and become unusable.