Following an accidental spillage of fixer solution, which solution should be used to clean the affected area?

Using a detergent solution to clean an area affected by fixer solution is appropriate because detergent is designed to emulsify and break down organic materials, which can effectively remove contaminants. Detergents have the ability to lift substances away from surfaces, making them easier to clean. In the case of a fixer solution, which often contains silver compounds and other chemicals, using a detergent can help to neutralize and wash away residues safely.

Other solutions, such as aldehyde solutions, are more toxic and may pose additional hazards rather than effectively cleaning the area. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent that could potentially lead to insufficient cleaning for the specific chemicals in fixer solutions, as it may not fully neutralize or remove all the residues. Sodium hypochlorite, while effective as a disinfectant, can react chemically with certain components in the fixer and produce hazardous by-products, making it unsuitable for this cleaning task. Therefore, a detergent solution is the safest and most effective choice for cleaning up after a fixer solution spillage.