How long does Washaid last?

[gregmacc]

Ilford quote 6 months in a tightly capped opened container. My half full original plastic Ilford bottle of concenrate has been sitting in a dark, cool cupboard for 10 months. I intend to use it for fibre based paper washing and pre Selenium toning. How conservative are Ilford with these recommendations ? ... Should I chance it?
Thanks

 

[Rick A]

I'm not familiar with Ilfords , but I have a bottle of Edwal LFN that is at least ten years old, still works like new stock. I use the working strength until stuff starts to grow in it, then toss and mix fresh.

 

[Simon R Galley]

I think it will be absolutely fine

Simon. ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[brucemuir]

It's mostly sodium sulfite correct?

Seems like the concentrate would keep but I'm bumping this so hopefully someone that knows something can add their experiences/thoughts.

 

[hpulley]

Um, Simon works at Ilford so I'd think he knows!

 

[Rick A]

"Simon sez", I tend to believe what he says.

 

[brucemuir]

Nope, not doubting Mr Galley's expertise in this area.
We posted at roughly the same time and I hadn't noticed his response.

I have some concentrate that came from a no-name/generic manufacturer and it's getting old so I was watching this thread with interest.

What are the main ingredients? Is it generally sodium sulfite?

 

[hpulley]

Heico Permawash includes Ammonium sulfites as well.

 

[john_s]

For the chemists out there:

Is there a simple test that would indicate that the level of sulphite has diminished? (It becomes sulphate, which is not an effective washing aid).

 

[chimneyfinder]

I'm sure after this length of time, it should be fine. I had some Fotospeed equivalent that after 3 years began to crystallise - it may have been sooner as I don't use much. At this point -before I realised - it did stain the prints quite horribly. If you want to check then there is no harm running it through some filter paper - if it is crystallising, dump it.
Regards, Mark Walker