Topic: Removing caked on fixer

[Francois]

I have just bought for dirt cheap (OK, it was 50 cents) a very well used Kokak Tray Siphon which has a very thick white layer all over it. I guess it's either from hard water but more likely used fixer. I was wondering if anybody has a trick to remove this gunk that's faster than water and a toothbrush?

[moominsean]

wd-40 is good for removing crap.

soaking it in photo-flo might work!

[astrobeck]

CLR   
comes in liquid or spray bottle and stinks!
(Calcium, Lime, Rust)
It's also marketed as a bathroom scum remover.

It's very rough stuff and will take just about anything off anything.

Use in a very well ventilated room if you do use it. 

[Francois]

Ok! I finally got the thing cleaned-up!
I tried WD-40 like you said, it just sort of half worked.

When I looked closer, I noticed that a lot of the white crud that was stuck-on had a slightly soapy consistency... weird.
I think it was the plastic that is starting to degrade.

So, anyways, I used some elbow grease, a toothbrush and some window washing liquid and managed to get most of it off. I can't reach the insides but I figure it won't hurt.

For this version, they used a kind of soft plastic which reminds me a lot of the plastic used in cheap toys. I don't think it ages very well (contrary to lovely Bakelite). Still feels soapy to the touch though, but at least it's back to its original gray color.

I think mine was made somewhere between 1935 and 1960 by looking at the logo on the box. No wonder why the plastic has seen better days

Thanks for the tips