Cleaning filter socks?

[MrHarvard]

I new to using filter socks and not sure how to clean them? How does everyone clean there's? Thanks

 

[viper12775]

i just toss mine in the washer add alittle bleach and an extra rinse then air dry never had a problem

 

[gobytwo]

Some say change daily.I am lazy an change once a week. For cleaning washing machine and double rinse and air dry.

 

[Vpham97]

I use the jet spray outside to clean out the debris, let them dry out before collecting enough to put in the washer. No bleach needed and air dry.
I rescue the mini brittle stars and pods before cleaning.

 

[rogergolf66]

I still haven't found a way I like to clean them. I used to be fine with the washing machine with bleach but that was the old days. With these new HE washing machines I have not had good luck at that method. I have been messing around with different ways for a year. Nothing good yet. That all being said make sure u change the sock daily if u don't want the nitrates to accumulate.

 

[ecoreefman]

I clean mine by rinsing them out , then when I get enough for a load, I wash them inside out in my he washing machine with bleach ������

 

[aguila88psi]

Same as everyone, spray them down and wash them with bleach, double rinse and air dry, I change out my socks every two days but I sometimes go three days due to lazyness lol,

 

[MrHarvard]

Just curious why doesn't anyone put them in the dryer? Also how much bleach? I had no idea you were supposed to change them so often glad I asked this question. Thanks for the help!

 

[bigt0706]

dryer turns them into fuzz balls and it dosent take that long for them to dry , in the he washers only thing i like is have to rince them outside with hose then i run on cleaning cycle and then flip them inside out and run again

 

[TampaSnooker]

Turn them inside out before installing in the sump. It eliminates the sludge from building up in the corners - or at least makes cleaning much easier. Blast them with the hose right side out, then wash with bleach as mentioned above. Air dry - saves energy and fuzzballs.

 

[CrazyEyes]

I know alot of people including myself uses vinegar to clean almost all of my equipment. I wonder if you could vinegar to clean filter socks. I'm in the same boat, I am completely new to filter socks. I'm definitely glad I saw this, I honestly thought people just threw them out.

 

[Vpham97]

Some people buy filter for cow milk and throw the filter out as disposable. Some use peroxide? instead of bleach in the washer.

 

[owlshead19]

I soak mine in a bucket - (I just keep adding dirty ones until the bucket is full) with water and a small amount of bleach - then run them through the washer with a double rinse cycle and air dry - it's been working great.

 

[oldsaint]

I do pretty much the same as mentioned. Although I do run an empty wash cycle to rinse the washer's tube of detergent residue before using it.

Here is an alternative to the bleach, washer way
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1943735

 

[MrHarvard]

Thanks for the link.....That just made my mind up about bleach..cheers!

 

[DaveG99]

I use the mesh ones and just rinse them in the sink. The felt ones get too nasty IMO

 

[rogergolf66]

I do pretty much the same as mentioned. Although I do run an empty wash cycle to rinse the washer's tube of detergent residue before using it.

Here is an alternative to the bleach, washer way
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1943735

Ok I read this very long thread a year ago. Did u ever find the proper 3% in bulk? This is the only reason I haven't tried this yet.

Roger

 

[arentspowell]

The other option is to use mesh socks as well. They work just as well and clog less and are much easier to clean! I only use them if im giving my tank a good cleaning to catch anything that might go down the over flow but have used them for prolonged periods of time. I am not mostly sockless. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-mesh-filter-sock-with-plastic-ring.html

 

[aguila88psi]

would oxi-clean be a better alternative to hydrogen peroxide?

http://www.using-hydrogen-peroxide.com/sodium-percarbonate.html

 

[oldsaint]

Ok I read this very long thread a year ago. Did u ever find the proper 3% in bulk? This is the only reason I haven't tried this yet.

Roger

No. I was following it also but thought it was a little over the top. I've continued to stick with the bleach and washer solution.

would oxi-clean be a better alternative to hydrogen peroxide?

http://www.using-hydrogen-peroxide.com/sodium-percarbonate.html

I believe there is another thread in the chem forum that covers that. I'm not at home so I don't have access to my bookmarks.