Cleaning up tackle boxes

[10,000 lakes Bassin]

I’ve got a pile of old Plano boxes that I need to clean up. How does everyone here clean there tackle boxes? Just soap and water or is there other tricks?

[MediumMouthBass]

Ill just use Dawn dish soap and water, maybe vacuum them first if really dirty.

Leave them outside or in the garage to dry, make sure they are completely dry and probably put some anti rust stuff in them before putting lures in them.

[Jig Man]

I use Totally Awesome, spray, clean with toothbrush, rinse and let them air dry.

[MN Fisher]

Vacuum/dry brush out - then diluted Mr. Clean with a toothbrush as needed.

[RRocket]

Since my dishwasher doesn't damage my plastic containers, I'd presume they would be top rack dishwasher safe? 

 

Anyone ever use the dishwasher? 

[MediumMouthBass]

4 hours ago, RRocket said:

Anyone ever use the dishwasher? 

I and some people put everything in tackle trays and boxes, from weights, lures, and sometimes ill be lazy and throw soft plastics in them.

From all the lead, and baits made with who knows what chemical probably not something you would want to mix with stuff you eat food off of.

[FishTank]

Dawn or diluted Simple Orange. Both work well. 

[fin]

I'd be hesitant to use some of the things already mentioned based on the possibility the odor might transfer to the baits. Automatic Dishwasher detergent for example contains something like bleach, I believe, which you sure don't want with your baits. A lemon smell probably doesn't attract fish either. 

 

Just a little Dawn dishwashing detergent mixed with some hot water should remove just about anything after soaking, and using a toothbrush for any tough spots. If it won't remove something, does it really matter if your tackle box is a little stained? If it bothers you that much, maybe you should get a new one?

[RRocket]

2 hours ago, fin said:

I'd be hesitant to use some of the things already mentioned based on the possibility the odor might transfer to the baits. Automatic Dishwasher detergent for example contains something like bleach, I believe, which you sure don't want with your baits. A lemon smell probably doesn't attract fish either. 

 

 

Oh I wouldn't use detergent.

 

Just the high temp wash and agitating from the water jets for a cycle.

[Dogface]

6 hours ago, RRocket said:

Since my dishwasher doesn't damage my plastic containers, I'd presume they would be top rack dishwasher safe? 

 

Anyone ever use the dishwasher? 

 

Put them in the lower racks but turn off the dryer or remove them before the dryer starts.  

[gim]

I can only imagine my wife’s response if she saw my plastic tackle boxes in the dishwasher. 😡

[Catt]

On 4/20/2024 at 3:37 PM, Jig Man said:

I use Totally Awesome, spray, clean with toothbrush, rinse and let them air dry.

 

I use that stuff for cleaning everything around the house, car, truck, boat, rods, reels, & tackle boxes.

 

Spray, let sit for 5 minutes, scrub if necessary, rinse thoroughly, & let dry.

 

FYI: It can be diluted as necessary 

[TOXIC]

I use Simple Green for a lot of things. It’s biodegradable but does have a strong odor. 

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

I use Simple Green for a lot of things. It’s biodegradable but does have a strong odor. 

I only use Simple Green for tough jobs....like stripping paint off of scale models. Straight up Simple Green WILL remove model enamel paint...ask me how I know.

[webertime]

Dawn in hot water and an old electric toothbrush 

[OkobojiEagle]

garden hose with adjustable spray nozzle, whatever dish soap your wife has (scent is a needless worry), and a 12 year old boy to hold the boxes on the yard as you spray the snot out of them.

 

oe

[MN Fisher]

2 hours ago, OkobojiEagle said:

12 year old boy to hold the boxes on the yard as you spray the snot out of them.

Why not the wife? Doesn't she need the occasional shower?

 

(runs and hides)

[wvhunt]

On 4/20/2024 at 6:28 PM, MediumMouthBass said:

I and some people put everything in tackle trays and boxes, from weights, lures, and sometimes ill be lazy and throw soft plastics in them.

From all the lead, and baits made with who knows what chemical probably not something you would want to mix with stuff you eat food off of.

I thought the dishwasher sounded like a great idea, but I think you have a valid point about the lead dust, etc.

 

I've cleaned a few old boxes with just dish soap and an old toothbrush.

[10,000 lakes Bassin]

10 hours ago, wvhunt said:

I thought the dishwasher sounded like a great idea, but I think you have a valid point about the lead dust, etc.

 

I've cleaned a few old boxes with just dish soap and an old toothbrush.

That’s what I ended up doing 

[Deephaven]

When in doubt, I use my steam cleaner.  Cleans all sorts of things way better than you can imagine.

[A-Jay]

On 4/20/2024 at 1:30 PM, August said:

I’ve got a pile of old Plano boxes that I need to clean up. How does everyone here clean there tackle boxes? Just soap and water or is there other tricks?

 

Cheap bourbon...

🤓

A-Jay