Cleaning Trays

[Ed Weatherly]

All,
I just got a bunch of developing trays from 5 x 7 up to 16 x 20. There are several of each size so I can dedicate one to developer, one to stop, and one to fixer. The problem is, I do not know which have been used for which chemicals. I intend to clean, and identify them. What is the best way to clean them at home? Ammonia? Bleach? Dish Detergent?

Thanks in advance,

 

[sepiareverb]

I use dish soap and a pink 3M scrubber sponge (soft) on trays when they need it. Mostly my toning trays.

Don't clean your developer tray, seems to be a thing.

 

[Ed Weatherly]

Thank you both for your replies. My concern is that I do not know for sure which tray was used for which chemical so i would like to start fresh and make my own mess. i would hat to put developer in a tray that had traces of stop or fixer in it.

 

[ChrisN]

Suggestion:

 

[Beemermark]

Thank you both for your replies. My concern is that I do not know for sure which tray was used for which chemical so i would like to start fresh and make my own mess. i would hat to put developer in a tray that had traces of stop or fixer in it.

If you wash them out good you shouldn't have a problem. I assume you bought plastic ones used. Often the stains won't come out but the chemicals are gone. Clean them, mark then and away you go.

 

[Ed Weatherly]

Most of the trays I got do not have any stains and are in perfect shape. I will clean them with bleach and water, then with dish soap and water. Then clearly mark for developer, stop, and fixer. Thanks to all of you for taking time to help me out.

 

[Pablito]

Most of the trays I got do not have any stains and are in perfect shape. I will clean them with bleach and water, then with dish soap and water. Then clearly mark for developer, stop, and fixer. Thanks to all of you for taking time to help me out.

The bleach is a bit of overkill if you ask me. A little dish soap should be fine, and plenty of water to rinse. (40 yrs experience)

 

[Mark T]

I bought a set of trays from a lady whom had been a professional photographer but was niw retired. The trays were marked as Chris has done in post 5 above, and the trays were coloured coded as well. Red for developer, white for fixer. After using these trays for a short while, I noticed my prints were getting purple/brown streaks on them. I suspected is was coming from the developer tray which had a well used, dirty appearance. I tried a number of things to clean it, but in the end it turned out to be bleach that did the job. I just diluted e bleach and let it soak overnight in the try (outside). When I drained the bleach and gave it a quick scrub it was clean as new, with no more purple/brown streaks. I have never needed to wash other trays with anything so strong.
Cheers,


Mark

 

[Ed Weatherly]

I want to make sure to start with clean trays so I don't have any problems with my prints.....I will make plenty on my own!