Crud in cyanotype chemistry

Any explaination for the crud in the liquid cyanotype chemistry? Any cure? Would a couple of fresh bottles solve the problem? Bill Barber

some stuff settles and separates over time. sometimes fungus develops in one of the bottles. I just filter it out, use a funnel with a cotton ball in it or something similar.

This is usually not a problem. Depending on your formula, there is a certain amount of "crud" that needs to be filtered before you can start using the mixed chemicals. (I use Mike Ware's new cyanotype) If I don't use my solutions for awhile I just run them through a coffee filter. I'm actually interested in this as I've had some mixed chems sitting in my garage all winter. I'm not really worried as the paper and solutions are relatively cheap. You'll know pretty quickly if your chemicals need to be replaced.

If it is the floating globs / sheets of crud, this is mold. As others have said, it does nothing bad! Just filter and use the solution. It bothers me (illogical, but true), so when I make up a new batch I always wash out my containers and let them soak in a bleach solution. This does keep the mold down to a minimum. But, to repeat myself, the mold is actually harmless.

PS to Toffle.... Point Pelee brings back fond memories. I grew up in the Detroit area and often went camping at Pelee as a teenager... great fun!

i thought i was the only one listerine is supposed to help kill the mold.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

eddie