Filter socks and skimmer going nuts

[Grnorton]

Ok so I used to wash my filter socks in washing machine with bleach. Rinse in ro water with prime, air dry and then ready to use no issues. Got a new washing machine and do the same process. But now my skimmer goes absolutely nuts and the only thing that fixes it is a water change. What can I do/ alternative way to wash these bad boys? Any inputs are greatly appreciated. I've not got 3 socks washed that way that I'm afraid to put in bc I don't want my skimmer to go crazy.

 

[Wryknow]

I would skip the rinse with Prime. Air drying will remove any leftover chlorine residuals.

 

[Grnorton]

That still doesn't explain why it is all of a sudden causing a skimmer flare bc I've always done that

 

[Grnorton]

Anyone?

 

[Grnorton]

Also the new washer is a high efficiency washer

 

[VahanM]

I'll tag along on this thread because I'm having a similar issue. Since I started washing the socks in the washing machine my Skimmer is filling up really fast and lots of bubbles overflow from the cup. I've tried with or without bleach with the same results.

 

[Grnorton]

From what I'm reading it's a residue trapped in the washing machine...so my washing machine ritual is apparently over. I need a new way to wash that will be as effective.

 

[Plainswalker]

I'm willing to bet that because it is an HE machine, it uses less water so there's remaining soap from the previous wash. Have you tried running them twice through the washer (second one with just water)?

 

[Grnorton]

Yea I did that this time and rinsed them once in rodi water in a bucket, and then refilled the bucket with salt water...still to no avail

 

[ericarenee]

I would try running a mini cycle thru the washer with bleach only before you wash the socks...

I so hope our washer never goes out if this is a issue... They are pushing 20 years old But work Great....

I put mine in the washer with filter pads from the freshwater tank and pond once a week. So there is prob 8 socks 8 pieces of pad and sometimes white Hand towels i use around the sump room. Put washer on HOT WAS COLD RINSE.. Small Load.. with 1/2 cup bleach.. Then i will set it for 15 minutes. Once done i run a second rinse cycle. I HAVE taken them from the washer and put right in the pre filter box with NO issues...

If residue is left in the washer from washing cloths ? What is left in the washer from washing Filter socks?
I see a Huge issue with my sensitive skin here.

 

[dillct]

get some of the biotek nylon socks, 10 second spray in the kitchen sink and kiss the washer goodbye.

 

[Grnorton]

I've heard that the nylon socks let a lot of debris through. i really like the felt socks but have got to figure something else out.

 

[Saltliquid]

Why use bleach, I just use tiny amounts of washing powder with my home made socks inside out.
The new washing machine may have a different wash/rinse cycle taking less bleach out, it may be a more water efficient machine.
I make multiple socks each year, the longest mine last is two years before they need replacing.
I wash mine once each two months or so, I use the hose twice a week, but of course I run a massive algae area and nitra guard to account for any tap water left in.

 

[Saltliquid]

Oh and external socks are far more effacement, I call then settling pre filters.

 

[Tarawa]

I also have an HE washer, I let it rinse 3 times then throw my socks in, wash twice, and then again with a bit of bleach. Skimmer doesnt notice it at all

 

[firemountain]

I have a HE machine as well. Here are a few things that may help and maybe overlooked.....

- pull out the tray that holds the soap, fab. Softner, and bleach. Take it apart and Scrub it real good....the last thing you want is residual fab softener or soap running through the wash. The first time I did mine....the fab. Softer and soap buildup was amazing.

- I run a minicycle with just hot water and a small amount of bleach to remove any residual soap/fab. Softer in the machine.
- I never use soap or bleach.....just warm water and a an extra rinse.
- I pre soak my socks in pool strength hydrogen peroxide for six hours....its 27% . It gets the majority of the gunk out where warm water is all I need. Plus....I get no bleach smell and the socks come out super white.
- if the residual bleach is a concern and the smell bothers you, you can always add a little vinegar to the fab. softner portion of the tray to neutralize any bleach when doing the socks.

Buy a whole bunch of socks and do a bulk load. That way the step of pre cleaning the tray and running the mini hot bleach cycle is not a big deal.


Hope this helps.

 

[whosurcaddie]

You can get 10 micron mesh socks. It will trap as much as the felt socks.

 

[jayball]

In addition to the soap tray try running an affresh tablet once a month. It is good for the plumbing/pumps on the washer anyway.

 

[Grnorton]

Here's a question. Can I clean them simply by rinsing with hose on jet setting to clear debris?

 

[nathan1986]

I've found that soaking the socks in a home depot 5 gallon bucket in a water/bleach solution yields the same results as a washer machine but doesn't waste as much water. I soak over night in the bucket and hose off with the hose and hang to air dry. Sometimes my skimmer will go crazy, sometimes it wont. So I unplug it for about 15 minutes after I change the socks. Socks always turn out pure white after simply soaking in the bucket.