North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[<dmnorton@royaloakfarmorchard.com>]

Tom,

 

To properly clean a sprayer, whether small or large, you should use a neutralizer and a cleaner, which will neutralize any chemical residue left in the tank as it cleans the tank and nozzles.  We use a product called Neutral Clean from Wilbur Ellis.  Many other companies also make a similar product.   There are many variables that can create a clogging situation and this product addresses  them.    Here is the link for the label on tank cleaning for everyone's information:  http://www.cdms.net/LDat/ld1FR002.pdf.  The information is really useful whether using a toxic or non-toxic type of spray. 

 

Another cleaner-neutralizer is Protank found at www.agriliance.com/Docs/ProTank.pdf .   As you can see from the label it is available in various quantities.  You can find more info by "googling "  spray tank cleaner neutralizer.  Make sure any cleaner neutralizer does not have any chromates, dichromates, hypochlorites or meta-silicates in it.  Neutral Clean does not which is why we use that specific brand.   Hope this helps!

 

 

Dennis Norton
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com
http://www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com
http://www.revivalhymn.com

----- Original Message -----

From: Thomas Olenio

To: 'North American Fruit Explorers'

Sent: Friday, April 06, 2007 11:10 AM

Subject: [NAFEX] Sprayer cleaning

Hello All,

 

I have a question for all small, pump sprayer users…

 

I have two one gallon, pump sprayers, and no matter how diligent I am with rinsing either with water, and water with dish soap after usage, I cannot get half way through spraying my one gallon of spray, without the darn tip clogging.

 

I premix my powders with warm water in a glass jar, shake them up, then add that concentrate to sprayer.  I even use reverse osmosis filtered water thinking that hard water was my issue and I still have tip clogging problems.

 

Is there a secret to prevent tip clogging in small pump sprayers?  I am totally frustrated and disgusted with the tip clogging problem at this point.

 

I have even filled them with warm soapy water after rinsing and allowed that to all spray out, and still I get the problems.  Should I use vinegar or ammonia as a final rinse?

 

Thanks,

Tom