SeattleIBCTotes & Tanks

Cleaning & Reconditioning

Professional IBC restoration services - from basic wash to complete reconditioning

IBC Cleaning Process

FDA-compliant food-grade cleaning available - certified and documented

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Professional IBC Cleaning

Seattle IBC operates a fully equipped cleaning and reconditioning facility designed specifically for IBC containers. Our processes meet FDA requirements for food-grade applications and EPA guidelines for chemical decontamination.

Whether you need a basic wash for general use or certified food-grade cleaning for beverage production, our team delivers consistent, documented results. Every container is individually assessed, and cleaning methods are tailored to previous contents and intended use.

Our reconditioning services go beyond cleaning to restore containers to like-new condition. We replace valves, gaskets, and damaged components while repairing cages and pallets. This extends container life and ensures reliability for demanding applications.

Service Highlights

FDA-Compliant Food Grade Cleaning

Triple-wash process with certification

Chemical Decontamination

Safe handling of hazardous residues

Complete Reconditioning

New valves, gaskets, and component repair

Full Documentation

Certificates and reports for compliance

Cleaning Options

Choose the cleaning level that matches your application requirements. All options include quality inspection.

Standard Wash

From $25/unit

Basic cleaning suitable for non-food industrial applications. Removes dirt, dust, and light residues.

Turnaround: 1-2 days

Includes:

  • High-pressure exterior wash
  • Interior rinse and flush
  • Visual inspection for damage
  • Label and sticker removal
  • Valve functionality check
  • Basic documentation

Best for: General industrial use, storage, non-food applications

Food Grade Wash

From $45/unit

Triple-wash process meeting FDA requirements for food contact surfaces. Includes certification.

Turnaround: 2-3 days

Includes:

  • Triple-wash sanitizing process
  • Hot water rinse (180°F minimum)
  • FDA-approved food-safe detergent
  • Residue-free final rinse
  • Food Grade Certificate provided
  • Detailed cleaning log

Best for: Food & beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic applications

Chemical Decontamination

From $75/unit

Specialized cleaning for containers that held industrial chemicals, solvents, or hazardous materials.

Turnaround: 3-5 days

Includes:

  • Chemical neutralization treatment
  • Multiple wash cycles (4-6 stages)
  • Solvent-based cleaning when needed
  • Residue testing and verification
  • Detailed decontamination report
  • Material Safety documentation

Best for: Chemical containers, hazmat cleanup, repurposing for different use

Full Reconditioning

From $100/unit

Complete restoration including thorough cleaning and replacement of all wear components.

Turnaround: 5-7 days

Includes:

  • Comprehensive cleaning (any level)
  • New butterfly valve installed
  • New gaskets and seals
  • Cage inspection and repair
  • Pallet repair or replacement
  • Full inspection certificate

Best for: Resale preparation, like-new condition, extended service life

Our Cleaning Process

A systematic approach ensuring consistent, documented results for every container.

1

Intake & Assessment

Each container is inspected upon arrival. We identify previous contents, assess condition, and determine the appropriate cleaning method. This ensures we use the right process for your specific needs.

2

Pre-Treatment

Containers are pre-rinsed to remove loose residues. For chemical containers, this may include neutralization treatments. Labels and stickers are removed at this stage.

3

Primary Wash

High-pressure washing with appropriate cleaning agents. Water temperature and pressure are adjusted based on the cleaning level and residue type. Food-grade cleaning uses FDA-approved detergents.

4

Secondary Treatment

For food-grade and chemical decontamination, additional wash cycles are performed. This includes sanitizing rinses and specialized treatments as needed.

5

Final Rinse & Dry

Thorough rinsing with clean water to remove all cleaning agents. Containers are air-dried in our climate-controlled facility to prevent moisture issues.

6

Quality Inspection

Every container is inspected after cleaning. We verify cleanliness, check for damage, test valves, and ensure the container meets the standards for its intended use.

7

Documentation

Cleaning certificates, batch reports, and any required documentation are prepared. Food-grade containers receive FDA compliance certificates.

Volume Pricing

Save more with larger quantities. Prices shown are per unit.

QuantityStandardFood GradeChemicalFull Recondition
1-9 units$25$45$75$100
10-24 units$22$40$70$90
25-49 units$20$38$65$85
50-99 units$18$35$60$80
100+ units$15$32$55$75

Additional Services

Enhance your cleaning service with these add-on options.

Valve Replacement

Install new butterfly valve with gaskets

$25-35

Gasket Replacement

Replace cap and valve gaskets

$10-15

Cage Repair

Straighten bent cage bars, weld repairs

$15-50

Pallet Repair

Fix damaged pallet, replace runners

$20-40

Label Application

Apply customer labels or hazmat placards

$5-10

Custom Stenciling

Add company logos or identification markings

$15-25

Industries We Serve

Our cleaning services support a wide range of industries with specialized requirements.

Food & Beverage

FDA-compliant cleaning for containers used in food processing, beverage production, and ingredient storage.

Agriculture

Cleaning containers from fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural chemicals for safe reuse or resale.

Chemical Manufacturing

Specialized decontamination for containers that held industrial chemicals, solvents, and reagents.

Pharmaceutical

Clean-room compatible cleaning for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredient containers.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Food-grade cleaning for containers used with cosmetic ingredients and personal care products.

Water Treatment

Cleaning containers from water treatment chemicals including chlorine, acids, and polymers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our cleaning and reconditioning services.

What is food-grade cleaning and do I need it?

Food-grade cleaning is a multi-step sanitizing process that meets FDA regulations for containers used with food, beverages, pharmaceutical ingredients, or cosmetics. If your container will hold anything intended for human consumption or body contact, food-grade cleaning is required. We use FDA-approved detergents and provide certification documenting the cleaning process.

Can you clean containers that held hazardous chemicals?

Yes, our chemical decontamination service is designed specifically for containers that held industrial chemicals, solvents, pesticides, and other hazardous materials. We use appropriate neutralization and cleaning agents based on the specific chemical. Please inform us of previous contents so we can select the proper cleaning protocol. Some highly toxic materials may require specialized disposal rather than cleaning.

How long does the cleaning process take?

Standard wash typically takes 1-2 business days, food-grade cleaning 2-3 days, chemical decontamination 3-5 days, and full reconditioning 5-7 days. These timeframes include inspection and documentation. For urgent needs, we offer rush service (additional fee) that can reduce turnaround by 50%. Contact us for rush availability.

Do you provide certificates for cleaned containers?

Yes, we provide documentation for all cleaning services. Standard wash includes a basic cleaning certificate. Food-grade cleaning includes an FDA compliance certificate with detailed cleaning logs. Chemical decontamination includes residue testing results and decontamination reports. All certificates include date, cleaning method, and batch/serial numbers.

Can you clean my containers at my location?

Currently, we perform all cleaning at our Seattle facility where we have specialized equipment, water treatment systems, and quality control processes. We offer pickup and delivery services to minimize the inconvenience. For very large quantities (500+ units), we may be able to arrange on-site cleaning with mobile equipment - contact us to discuss.

What if my container has a persistent odor after cleaning?

Some residues, particularly certain oils and aromatic chemicals, can leave persistent odors even after thorough cleaning. We will inform you if we detect stubborn odors during assessment. Options include additional treatment cycles, ozone treatment, or recommending the container for recycling rather than reuse. Food-grade certification requires odor-free containers.

Do you offer ongoing cleaning services for regular customers?

Yes, we offer cleaning contracts for businesses with regular cleaning needs. Contract customers receive priority scheduling, volume pricing, dedicated account management, and simplified billing. Many food processors, chemical distributors, and agricultural operations use our contract services for consistent container maintenance.

Need Containers Cleaned?

We offer volume discounts for bulk cleaning orders and contract pricing for regular customers. Contact us for a custom quote.