Quote Originally Posted by Kenyth
I've read on how to set these up and I have a single question. The instructions say to fill the cooler up with a bleach solution, and let it dry in the sun to break down the bleach with UV. Is this absolutely necessary? It's winter and drying in the sun won't be very effective right now.

On a side note, I do have Sodium Metabisulfate (used in brewing/winemaking), which will break down all the bleach and evaporate completely if I have to do this step.

I skipped that step. I just let it air out in the house, doesn't stink cause its really dilluted.
I left it for a day, smelled it, to make sure there wasn't anymore bleach odor, then I put the baking soda in for another 24 hrs. Should do the trick.