cleaning chemical containers

[debra_rozin]

Hi all- just wondering how to thoroghly clean my plastic storage bottles for re use. Some have recc. using stop bath to clean a container w/ developer in it, fix to clean a container w/ stop in it. This seems wasteful. Maybe some household weak acid solution would do? Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks. Deb

[sam_elkind]

I have read of using a little stop bath to clean a tray or bottle

used for developer. But of course thorough rinsing is needed after

that. As for bottles used for stop bath and fixer, I would just use

several rinses with water. I have never heard of using fixer to

clean a bottle that held stop bath. If your bottles are each planned

to contain the same or similar chemicals, several thorough rinses

should be adequate.

[alan_gibson]

I very rarely feel the need to clean containers. I mean, they don't

get dirty, do they? The only exception is the black silver that is

deposited from used fixer, and I just wipe that out with a cloth.

 

<p>

 

I am paranoid about never putting acid in a bottle that will be used

for developer. If I rinse the bottle with water, then the only

contamination will be from water, which isn't a problem. But if I

rinsed with acid (either stop or fix), then I might contaminate the

developer with an acid, which would be bad news for future

development.

 

<p>

 

If you want to remeve stains, then you can use proprietary chemicals,

or household bleach. Do wash very carefully afterwards, of course. I

don't bother removing stains: if it won't come off with a cloth, it

is unlikely to affect the chemicals.

[terry_carraway]

If you really want to bother, I have used TSP (from a hardware store)

in water. Soak for a couple of days, then rinse thoroughly.

 

<p>

 

But as long as you don't mix up the uses of the bottles, don't worry

about it. Just give several good water rinses (warm water, shake

well).

[pat_j._krentz_29_palms__ca]

Out here in the desert I fill the container about 1/2 full with water,

drop in a cup of sand and shake the H--- out of it for about 5

minutes, cleans them real well. Pat