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

[Arjay]

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?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Photofinish
http://www.photosol.com/documents/tecfnsh.htm
and Chem-Kwik
http://www.senecatec.com/

We have used both, and both are excellent.

Cheers,

R.

 

[jongcelebes]

I use common bleach to wash my tanks and rolls. It works well.

 

[Beemermark]

Hot soapy (dish detergent) water and a sponge.

I'll second that. And if it doesn't come off it doesn't matter.

 

[StuartR]

Once you get things initially clean, I suggest using only one container for each type of chemical (i.e. fix is always in the fix container or pitcher, developer always in the developer container etc), then just wash with warm water. Overuse of detergent is also bad and can lead up to contamination....dedicated containers and simple water are the best way to avoid problems.

 

[Arjay]

Thanks to everybody for your suggestions!

A member in another forum suggested effervescent tablets such as they are used to clean dental prostheses - they are called 'Kukident' in Germany. Since I already use such tablets to clean my hydration pack (I'm doing road race bike tours), I already had them in my household.

I immediately tested them, with good results:

They work like a charm on darkroom equipment! Very fast (~ 10 minutes) and very efficient.

@ Stuart: Thanks for your comment. You are right. Using separate containers for developer and fixer etc. should indeed reduce the risk of contamination. Good idea - I just ordered some additional jugs & measurement cylinders.

 

[titrisol]

Those effervescent tablets are wonderful, if the scum is hard.
Since the stain is not usually too sticky, hot sudsy water and a soft sponge do the trick for me.
Also a paste of bicarbonate/water and you mom-in-law toothbrush is the best way to clean palstic spirals.

Some people have also placed their stuff in the dishwasher !