"Slime" over fixed paper before washing

[radiant]

I've noticed that fixed paper feels a bit "slimey" before washing. Does anybody know what/why is that?

As I don't have running water in my darkroom, I put the prints into a bucket with water after fixing. When I then go washing the papers I've always noticed that the papers that has been under water for longest are less slimey on top.

I also have been "stand" washing in tray my papers. I've noticed that after 1-2 hours the paper starts to feel like "paper" under water so it is not slippery anymore..

I've wondered this every time I wash but decided to open my mouth

 

[pentaxuser]

I recall this being explained by a member called Ole many years ago. Vaguely it has something to do with "fat" or fat-like covering that the fix creates on the surface. Nothing to worry about and it is washed off.

No doubt there will be more scientific explanations to follow

pentaxuser

 

[radiant]

I have been also wonder could the washing of the slime be some sort of indication of succesful wash?

 

[Doremus Scudder]

You don't say what fixer you are using, but I'm going to wager that it's alkaline. The sliminess you feel is the alkalinity working with the oil on your fingers to make a kind of soap compound. This is also why prints feel "slimey" in the developer. As you wash and the pH approaches neutral, the sliminess disappears.

Doremus