I have a 55 gallon plastic barrel I use to catch rain water from the gutters
of my house out back. It always has had a bad odor . What to use organic
that would help keep water and not harm my plants?
What would be best to clean it with? It is airing out right Now.
Thank for any reply.

Try adding a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar (5% acidity) per gallon of water. Should you need to clean it again, baking soda would be good to use. It's a great cleanser.

Thanks for your reply on my rainbarrel question. I "m planning on
trying your tips.

Enjoy your gardening!!!

Please let me know how it works for you. Thanks!

Jeanie:

Some of the problem is related to the yuck that comes off the roof.

Is your barrel filled directly from the down spout? If so, is it a standard metal or plastic one?

Is the barrel sealed or vented?
Is the barrel on it's side or upright?

I might suggest you change the down spout to 3" or 4" PVC pipe and add a P trap with a large cleanout plug in the bottom of the curve. A P trap is that item under your kitchen sink except larger.

Also, put a screen over the outlet in the gutter.

I had the same problem and then I added the vinegar and the smell went away. It occurs when the water sits for a length of time with out any fresh warter, but adding the vinegar takes care of it.

Thanks, I will try adding the vinegar!!

I just read something interesting that someone else was doing to thier rainwater.
In the Organic Farming forum, under the title of "what do you do to your compost teas?"
Thought you might find interesting.
- Emily in Fort Worth

I, too, am having a problem with stinky water from my big 75 gallon plastic rainbarrels. The water reeks of dead fish, despite having fine screens on the top of the barrels.

I will try the vinegar trick...my question is, will this water still be ok to use on my plants? I know a little bit of vinegar is beneficial to plants, but what about the stinky water itself?

Thanks!

Excellent advice Zipper! An ounce of prevention...

tgalbraith, The ratio (Tablespoon/Gallon) suggested by Nadine is just fine. I use that amount when I'm not watering with aquarium water.

You might try airating the water. There are even small decorative windmills with an air pump built in so the energy would be free.

Do you have a link or other source?

I was going to suggest an aquarium air stone and air pump. From Wal-Mart they're about $20.

Yeah, but anyone can do that...A windmill and providing your own power...now that's a horse of a different color

Check out www.konderswindmills.com. They might have something you could use.