Cleaning developing tanks, measuring cylinders etc. - how, and using which agents?

[TimoS]

Since I'm starting again to develop my own BW films, I bought some items (tank, measuring cylinders, jars etc.) off of eBay.

Unfortunately, some of the items I bought are somewhat stained with chemicals. So, how should I best clean those things?

How do you do that? What cleaning agents do you use, and how do you get rid of developer and fixer traces?

[Mike O'Pray]

For reels a long soak( at least 24hrs) in a high dilution of household bleach works. I haven't needed to do anything with cylinders but I see no reason why the same shouldn't work.

Once everything is clean then if they are rinsed properly after use then a bleach clean might not be necessary again. Reels might slowly discolour but re-bleaching will not be needed for a long time.

Mike

[B&W Neil]

If you are mucking about with bleach (which is good for cleaning up equipment etc) don't forget to wear rubber gloves and some old clothes. I use the thick type of household bleach and brush it on with an old tooth brush.

Neil.

[mono]

How about a dishwasher?
The late Barry Thornton recommended so...

[Mike O'Pray]

Originally Posted by mono

How about a dishwasher?
The late Barry Thornton recommended so...

Did this recommendation cover all thing plastic such as reels and Paterson measuring cylinders? It sounds good especially as we use our dishwasher a couple of times a week. The temp ought to be OK as it operates at either 75 or 65C but I think I'd like to be assured.

So far I don't think we've put anything in the dushwasher which hasn't been a hard ceramic or metal type surface such plates, cups and cutlery.

Thanks

Mike

[Bob]

I have used diluted bleach (about 6 water to 1 bleach - leave for a few minutes or hours depending on how it goes) before when getting used stuff that needs a good clean but I always rinse graduates, jugs, reels etc out immediately after use with running cold, then hot, water before any of the chems have had a chance to dry on the equipment.

Helps also if you have enough bits and bobs to dedicate one item to developer, another to stop, another to fix, one for plain water etc.

[mono]

I tried the dishwasher and it worked.