SLIME in the Print Washer -- How to Get it Out?

mmcclellan · Jan 16, 2006

Depending on the quality of one's local water, and whether it is hard or soft (I guess), there seems to be a buildup of "slime" that accumulates in plastic washers over time. I have tried cleaning it by periodically dumping Clorox or other bleach into it and letting it stand overnight, but that does not always work.

Any ideas out there? I have a Versalab and I sure don't want to take it all apart and clean each divider by hand! Any other cleaning solutions or approaches that work well?

Thanks for the help.

alecj · Jan 16, 2006

I've found that dumping a half-dozen denture cleaning tablets into my washer and letting it soak overnight really helps cut the crud.

clay · Jan 16, 2006

We have a product in the states called 'lime-away' that I have used occasionally to cut out the iron-carbonate sludge in my washers. Just be sure and rinse the thing thoroughly after you let it soak in the stuff for a while.

Timothy · Jan 16, 2006

I am using one of these washers:
http://www.summitek.com/cascade.html

and I get the same thing. Seems to take about two weeks in the washer but trays will get that slimy feeling almost overnight. Maybe because the water in the washer is moving more. Anyway, I find that the only solution is to take the whole thing apart and wash every panel with warm soapy water wiping each panel with a cloth and then thoroughly rinsing and after re-assembly, a one hour run of fresh water. The dis-assembly, wash, re-assembly takes less than an hour - it is a real PIA, and I would rather spend that hour many other ways - but in the end it is a small price to pay for the results obtained. I think, anyway......

Tim R

mmcclellan · Jan 17, 2006

Timothy said:
I am using one of these washers:
http://www.summitek.com/cascade.html

and I get the same thing. Seems to take about two weeks in the washer but trays will get that slimy feeling almost overnight. Maybe because the water in the washer is moving more. Anyway, I find that the only solution is to take the whole thing apart and wash every panel with warm soapy water wiping each panel with a cloth and then thoroughly rinsing and after re-assembly, a one hour run of fresh water. The dis-assembly, wash, re-assembly takes less than an hour - it is a real PIA, and I would rather spend that hour many other ways - but in the end it is a small price to pay for the results obtained. I think, anyway......

Tim R

Thanks for the suggestions, all! I'll give these a try. I'm trying to avoid dismantling the Versalab washer as it is more of a PIA than it's worth. But the denture tablets and other lime cleaners should do the trick, especially if done on a regular basis. If it gets too bad, though . . . out with the tools.

Thanks again -- APUG is great!

raucousimages · Jan 17, 2006

Coca Cola. Not kidding it contains Phosphoric Acid. The same acid in janitoral bathroom cleaners but they us a 38% solution. Then rinse well. Also when you clean up after a party, pour all those half glasses and cans of Coke into the toilet then flush the next day.

john_s · Jan 17, 2006

If the "slime" is algae or fungus, you can stop it forming by adding Algezid (made by Agfa) at 2mL per 10Litres of wash water after you have finished processing for the day. It will not remove slime once formed.

Since Agfa is kaput, maybe another manufacturer makes something similar.

Aggie · Jan 17, 2006

ever think to go to a pool supply place and ask them? I use to use quite a few compounds in our pool to get rid of all sorts of things like algea and such. I'm sure they have something that would work for the slime. All you have to do is use it after your washing session, and rinse well before the next one.

removed account4 · Jan 17, 2006

i use washing soda and a small brush to clean my trays, sink as well as my oriental film + print washers.

KarenB · Jan 17, 2006

I haven't tried it, but I'm wondering how dishwasher soap and hot water would work? I might try it on my VersaLab, then rinse well afterwards. It works great on my thermos!

Karen

SLIME in the Print Washer -- How to Get it Out?

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