Removing fix stains?

masimix

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• Sep 17, 2014

• #1

I apugoogled this, but couldn't find any info on it:

- What is a good way to remove the stains from the fix salt on trays and developingboxes - if it has not been properly cleaned after fixing?

I'm teaching darkroom technique at an photo art school, and there is a problem with sloppy cleaning, even if I stress the importance of cleaning up afterwards!

Thanks for any light on this subject

Marius

 

David Allen

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• Sep 17, 2014

• #2

Warm soapy water with a touch of vinegar will do the job.

For very difficult to remove fixer stains then you can always supplement the above with a soak in HCA.

Bests,

David.
www.dsallen.de

 

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OP

masimix

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• Sep 17, 2014

• #3

Warm soapy water I've tried with various results, so thanks for the input on vinegar, I've heard it's good for household cleaning too!

I read in one of Tim Rudmans books (I think it was), that Selenium can get rid of stains too? But that seems like a hell of a thing to use in large amounts..

 

David Allen

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• Sep 17, 2014

• #4

I wouldn't use Selenium.

Water and vinegar or citric acid do the job well enough.

If you need something stronger you can go for JOBO Processor Clean from Fotoimpex in Berlin or Sprint Cleaner v2 from Silverprint in London.

Bests,

David.
www.dsallen.de

 

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masimix

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• Sep 17, 2014

• #5

David Allen said:

I wouldn't use Selenium.

Water and vinegar or citric acid do the job well enough.

If you need something stronger you can go for JOBO Processor Clean from Fotoimpex in Berlin or Sprint Cleaner v2 from Silverprint in London.

Bests,

David.
www.dsallen.de

Click to expand...

Good tip, thanks again.

 

RalphLambrecht

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• Sep 20, 2014

• #6

nothing will take it off, not a hammer and chiselbut,I haven't tried a nuke yet.I even tried highly-concentrated HCl;nothing. it was easier to buy new bottles and trays.

 

ndrs

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• Sep 20, 2014

• #7

1000 ml water
100 g potassium dichromate
100 ml sulfuric acid (conc.)

Careful with acid -- add it slowly while mixing.

Removes almost any darkroom stain. Can be re-used until its colour turns dark brown.

Label well and keep away from laypeople.