Hi all- just wondering how to thoroghly clean my plastic storage bottles for re use. Some have recc. using stop bath to clean a container w/ developer in it, fix to clean a container w/ stop in it. This seems wasteful. Maybe some household weak acid solution would do? Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks. Deb

-- Debra Rozin (PhilnDebra@aol.com), January 08, 2000

Answers

I have read of using a little stop bath to clean a tray or bottle used for developer. But of course thorough rinsing is needed after that. As for bottles used for stop bath and fixer, I would just use several rinses with water. I have never heard of using fixer to clean a bottle that held stop bath. If your bottles are each planned to contain the same or similar chemicals, several thorough rinses should be adequate.

-- Sam (sselkind@home.com), January 08, 2000.

I very rarely feel the need to clean containers. I mean, they don't get dirty, do they? The only exception is the black silver that is deposited from used fixer, and I just wipe that out with a cloth.

I am paranoid about never putting acid in a bottle that will be used for developer. If I rinse the bottle with water, then the only contamination will be from water, which isn't a problem. But if I rinsed with acid (either stop or fix), then I might contaminate the developer with an acid, which would be bad news for future development.

If you want to remeve stains, then you can use proprietary chemicals, or household bleach. Do wash very carefully afterwards, of course. I don't bother removing stains: if it won't come off with a cloth, it is unlikely to affect the chemicals.

-- Alan.Gibson (Alan.Gibson@technologist.com), January 09, 2000.

If you really want to bother, I have used TSP (from a hardware store) in water. Soak for a couple of days, then rinse thoroughly.

But as long as you don't mix up the uses of the bottles, don't worry about it. Just give several good water rinses (warm water, shake well).

-- Terry Carraway (TCarraway@compuserve.com), January 10, 2000.

Out here in the desert I fill the container about 1/2 full with water, drop in a cup of sand and shake the H--- out of it for about 5 minutes, cleans them real well. Pat

-- pat j. krentz (krentz@cci-29palms.com), January 10, 2000.