Cleaning Filter Socks

[Platehead]

What is the best/safest way to clean filter socks? I was told just throw them into the washing machine by themselves without soap???
Thxi

 

[HuuTa]

turn it inside out and throw it in the washer.No soap

 

[lex_lutha111384]

I was wondering the same thing. There is no soap residue?

 

[Mike A]

Remove from sump, rinse with hose or in sink to get as much detritus out as possible.

Soak in a 5 gallon bucket with 3 parts water to 1 part bleach mixture for at least 3-4 days,
remove then place in a separate bucket of fresh water for a few more days.

Once out of the fresh water, let them dry and air out for a while (3-4 days min)

Make sure you change out the water in the fresh water bucket periodically.

 

[lex_lutha111384]

That's over a week! There has to be a faster easier way

 

[HuuTa]

no soap residue at all.been doing it this way for years

 

[stingythingy45]

Remove from sump, rinse with hose or in sink to get as much detritus out as possible.

Soak in a 5 gallon bucket with 3 parts water to 1 part bleach mixture for at least 3-4 days,
remove then place in a separate bucket of fresh water for a few more days.

Once out of the fresh water, let them dry and air out for a while (3-4 days min)

Make sure you change out the water in the fresh water bucket periodically.

+1

This is exactly what I do.

Lex,

I have a couple so while one is being used the others are cleaned and ready to replace the used one.

 

[mnavick]

Use to put mine in the white cycle (with bleach and soap). When done soak in tap water for a few hours then out on to the clothes line to air/sun dry. Mine where a 300micron verses some of the other kind that seem to be more like filter pads.

And as Bob mentioned get multiple pairs

 

[mark429]

Remove from sump, rinse with hose or in sink to get as much detritus out as possible.

Soak in a 5 gallon bucket with 3 parts water to 1 part bleach mixture for at least 3-4 days,
remove then place in a separate bucket of fresh water for a few more days.

Once out of the fresh water, let them dry and air out for a while (3-4 days min)

Make sure you change out the water in the fresh water bucket periodically.

+2 i did it the same way until i stopped using them on my new tank

 

[Moe_K]

Use to put mine in the white cycle (with bleach and soap). When done soak in tap water for a few hours then out on to the clothes line to air/sun dry. Mine where a 300micron verses some of the other kind that seem to be more like filter pads.

And as Bob mentioned get multiple pairs

With the whites?!? I would think that gross filter sock would then make the whites disgusting.
I like Mike's method.

 

[GobyWanKenobie]

I soak them in bleach for a day or two. Then I soak in water with Prime overnight just to make sure (optional) and then I throw them in the washer - no soap. I have several socks, and I only use them the first week after a water change so some of them are months old before I bleach them. They come out looking pure white everytime.

 

[ljr]

Just curious, do most people use the cloth or the nylon filter sock?

 

[mnavick]

When used, I preferred the nylon.

 

[RFroc]

I toss them in the washing machine with a tbsp or so of bleach, cold wash and with an extra rinse cycle. Seems to work well. I use the felt socks.

 

[Joshbd]

+1 I just throw them in the washer with a little bleach and an extra rinse cycle. Never had a problem! Oh, and most of my socks are 200 micron felt, I believe.

Out of curiosity, why the cold wash? I think I usually use the "towels" setting (which is hot), or something like that.

I toss them in the washing machine with a tbsp or so of bleach, cold wash and with an extra rinse cycle. Seems to work well. I use the felt socks.

 

[jarrodsanborn]

I just use regular socks for feet. They are a higher "micron count" tube sock. ... Ok everyone, its ok to laugh.
I don't feel the need to catch super fines, because my skimmer is a beast.
Cheap enough to throw out after a few uses/cleanings. I bleach them, rinse in tap, completely dry, then rinse again before using.