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Pulaski Tn blkcloud@igiles.net

what would be the best way to clean a sprayer to make sure nothing would be left in it to kill your plants?? the one i just bought is used but i dont know what was in it to start with..

6/5/2003 5:35:29 PM

syracuse, ny

i would use something of a known petroleum origin such as fuel oil or kerosene to solvent away anything that was of a petroleum nature before you bought it, such as insecticide. then, i would triple-wash it out with a ton of standard dish soap and water...3 times. with a toilet-bowl brush.
then rinse with HOT water 3 times, then i would probably use a hefty solution of Clorox and water, or just Clorox followed by a serious triple hot rinse again 3 times.

i have not ever had to do it, except for a couple of 55-gallon plastic barrels, so this is just MY idea of what to do, and i hope you get a lot more responses with better ideas from people who really know how to do it.....'pal

6/5/2003 6:03:04 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Phenoxy herbicide such as 2,4-d is the toughest stuff to get out. Natural & synthetic rubber (pump seal & diaphragms, hoses, etc.) both absorb phenoxies. We sell a spray tank cleaner/neutrelizer called Lesco-Sol (like $12.00 a jar) that works very well.

Not as good, but better than nothing is bleach. Mix with water @ 2-5%.

Industrial strength ammonia is OK too. But don't mix it with the bleach!!!

Whatever is used, the pump must be started & the solution pumped through all the spray hoses. Watch this part. A 300' spray hose can take a while to recieve it's "charge", since it holds darn near 5 gallons of juice.

Let it stand overnight for best results before draining & rinsing 3 times as 'pal already said.

LESCO, Helena, Pro-Source, & Gemplers should all have tanjk cleaners. Just check that they work on phenoxies if you suspect contamination.

PS. Over the years I've cleaned 2,4-d out of hundreds of tanks. When done properly, I've never seen these cleaners fail.

Steve

6/5/2003 7:20:53 PM

Pulaski Tn blkcloud@igiles.net

thanks!!!

6/6/2003 8:29:47 AM