Topic: Reel Sticky problem....

[This-is-damion]

So I have come to dev a film for the first time in months and its seems both my reels are a bit gummed up/sticky.   Will a good soak in washing up liquid do the trick or do people use anything else?

[Andrea.]

Soak them in warm water and household bleach. Scrub them and then wash in plain water. Dry then don't use wetting agent 

[LT]

or put them through the dishwasher if you have one?

echo the wetting agent - use one if you like, but dont let the reels get anywhere near it.  I have a fine-spray bottle that I use to soak the films once they are on the hanging clips.

[This-is-damion]

Many thanks.  Wetting agent it is!

I hope this doesn't reflect badly on me. I wash myself regularly, just not my reels.

[Francois]

You could also use a toothbrush to scrub the channels squeaky clean... just don't let your wife know if you use her's

[Nigel]

Soak them in warm water and household bleach. Scrub them and then wash in plain water. Dry then don't use wetting agent 

This is news to me about the wetting agent. What's the issue, I thought it was just a very mild detergent? 

[LT]

nothing is wrong with it as such Nigel, but it does build up on developer reels over time if they are not cleaned properly leaving them covered in sticky residue and difficult to use.  It can also affect the quality of even development around the edges of film.

Best advice, as Andrea was hinting, it to keep the stuff away from your reels - it's fine to use on the film though.

[original_ann]

I never have a problem with the stainless steel, but I hear that the plastic ones really build up with wetting agent residue.  I hear even toothbrush & toothpaste will work!