The best way to clean an IBC tote depends on several factors:

• The number of IBCs being cleaned per week.
• The nature of the residues being cleaned.
• The nature of the run-off.
• The level of cleaning required.

 So, what are the main methods of cleaning IBCs and what are the pros and cons?

 MANUAL CLEANING

Filling up the IBC with water or using a pressure washer to scrub the IBC by hand.

 Pros

• No specialist equipment required
• Cheap CapEx cost

 Cons

• Most expensive when all costs are factored in
• Labour intensive
• Least reliable

 Use this method when:

• There are fewer than 10 IBCs to clean per week
• The run-off is easy to handle and easily disposed of on site
• The residues are easy to clean
• The cleaning is considered non-critical

 IBC CLEANING STATIONS

Fully automatic IBC cleaning stations with single or multiple bay units.

 Pros

• Efficient – Rapidly cleans the toughest of residues
• Safe – Drains away run-off and residues

 Cons

• Expensive
• Takes up a lot of factory space

 Use this method when:

• There are over 50 IBCs to clean per week
• The run-off is difficult to handle and needs disposing of safely
• The residues are tough to clean
• The cleaning is considered critical

 IBC CLEANING SYSTEMS

Semi-automatic cleaning systems that consist of a pump, hosing and a rotary cleaning head that can be inserted into the IBC on a special lance that normally fits to the lid of the IBC.

 Pros

• Cheaper than IBC cleaning stations
• Safe
• Effective
• Reliable for regular cleaning

 Cons

• Not as neat as IBC cleaning stations in dealing with run-off
  

Use this method when:

• There are between 5 and 50 IBCs to clean per week
• The residues are tough to clean
• The cleaning is considered critical
• The run-off is relatively easy to handle

 IBC CONTRACT CLEANING

 Pros

• Removes tough and harmful residues
• Flexible with varied cleaning amounts

 Cons

• More expensive than in-house cleaning

Use this method when:

• There are 50+ IBCs to be cleaned per week
• The residues are tough to clean
• The cleaning is considered critical
• The run-off is relatively easy to handle