Black Mold - How to remove it?

[DustyRusty]

I have a yellow plastic fuel tank that has black mold on the inside bottom. If I put fuel into the tank, some will flake off and mix with the fuel, so the tank is now officially "offline". Any suggestions on how to remove the black spots at the bottom of the tank?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

pressure washer ?

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

how big of tank?

assuming 5 gallon you could try a mix of bleach and water.... 1 cup bleach per gallon of water, add, agitate, drain, rinse, repeat and I would bet this will clean it up on the cheap.

I used to do same on plastic animal water troughs but I could brush mixture with a old curling brush as well

 

[fried1765]

I have a yellow plastic fuel tank that has black mold on the inside bottom. If I put fuel into the tank, some will flake off and mix with the fuel, so the tank is now officially "offline". Any suggestions on how to remove the black spots at the bottom of the tank?

Bernzomatic torch?

 

[D2Cat]

Do like Mapleleaf suggested, mix bleach with water, agitate, then vacuum it out with a shop vac. If vacuum hose is too large dia. find an old house vacuum cleaner hose and adapt it down.

 

[nbryan]

I have a yellow plastic fuel tank that has black mold on the inside bottom. If I put fuel into the tank, some will flake off and mix with the fuel, so the tank is now officially "offline". Any suggestions on how to remove the black spots at the bottom of the tank?

I second the pressure washer idea, and you could just take it to a car wash for that treatment if you don't have access to a washer at home.

 

[Henro]

How did you determine it is black mold,

I mean as compared to black dirt, or something?

I have seen something similar in my fuel containers…just curious really. No doubt cleaner is better.

 

[JimmyJazz]

I would see if a toilet scrub brush were able to be applied along with some bleach. Good luck

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Soltron algaecide should remove it.

 

[DustyRusty]

How did you determine it is black mold,

I mean as compared to black dirt, or something?

I have seen something similar in my fuel containers…just curious really. No doubt cleaner is better.

I can only assume that it is mold, but that assumption comes because I found some water in the diesel fuel that was left in the container. I poured that fuel, about a quart into a clear plastic gallon jug and allowed it to settle. That is when I found the water and the black particles floating in the fuel. Diesel + water = black mold. I will pressure wash it in the spring, so I can leave it in the sun to evaporate whatever moisture is left behind. Thanks for the suggestions, especially the Bernzomatic torch. I will try that on my gasoline containers when they are empty!

 

[hagrid]

It's bacteria.

 

[DustyRusty]

It's bacteria.

Gram Negative or Gram Positive?

 

[hagrid]

Gram Negative or Gram Positive?

If I had some stain handy I could find out. I do have a microscope here and slides.

 

[Motion]

Use a screened funnel when filling your equipment.

Behrens Galv Tractor Funnel 8Qt GTF123 | Zoro


Giant Plastic Funnel 6qt Red | Agri Supply

 

[Biker1mike]

White vinegar will kill mold and bacteria .

 

[wp6529]

I regularly treat all my diesel tanks with biocide (Bio-Kleen). The diesel tampons (snakes, etc. water absorbers) placed in the tanks periodically area also helpful.

For cleaning the tank I'd also suggest some gravel, nuts and bolts or something similar to scrub as you agitate the cleaning solution.

Ultimately, unless it's a huge amount coming out I'd expect the fuel filter to handle it just fine and not worry about it.

 

[parttime1017]

I have a yellow plastic fuel tank that has black mold on the inside bottom. If I put fuel into the tank, some will flake off and mix with the fuel, so the tank is now officially "offline". Any suggestions on how to remove the black spots at the bottom of the tank?

Peroxide 12% is good for killing black mold. 3% will work but takes longer.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It's not mold, its bacteria or some call it algae, that grows in the water in the fuel.
A biocide like I posted earlier or others will get rid of it.

 

[wp6529]

It's not mold, its bacteria or some call it algae, that grows in the water in the fuel.
A biocide like I posted earlier or others will get rid of it.

It lives at the water/fuel border layer and eats the diesel fuel as its food. What collects at the bottom is dead stuff.

 

[GrassLakeRon]

Bleach or krud kutter