Removing Mustard Odor from Steel: A Scientific Approach

[mwood]

Hello;

I have a strange practical issue. I picked up a steel barrel which was used to store dijon mustard. I intend to use the steel to fashion a hood for a small rivet forge. But, although the barrel has been cleaned, it still has a very strong smell.

My question is: how can the mustard smell be neutralized? and, what would be the best way to prepare the steel?

Googling the subject did not produce much, I did run across a home remedy site which suggested liquid glycerin for removing mustard stains from clothes. So I wonder if cleaning with glycerin and coating with stove black would make sense?

Thanks
Mike

 

[Borek]

Bleach perhaps? But it can corrode the steel, so be careful.

 

[chemisttree]

Is that smell something like vinegar? Mustard by itself has almost no odor. Try a throrough wash/scrub with a bicarb solution.

 

[Phrak]

Put an opened box of baking soda in it. :)