How do you wash your filter sock?

[Tanthaitrung]

I'm using 200 micron filter sock and just use tap water with high pressure to clean then dry well. But the pressure is not strong enough to wash, so it seems no clean, after few weeks it's clogged fast.

Please show me how you clean it and how long you use it?

Thanks in advance
Khanh

 

[scooter31707]

In the washing machine with a little bleach. Let air dry for at 48 hours.

 

[zachxlutz]

Currently researching this as well. Following along for information.

 

[fishgate]

I just hand wash in the laundry sink. Rub each side against the other and squeeze a lot until most of the junk is gone and the water runs clear. I turn it inside out to wash. Takes about 5-10 minutes. I have 2 so one is always ready when the other comes out.

 

[d0ughb0y]

I have asked this question before myself, and the solution I found is to make my own diy sock. No matter how you wash a sock, it will never come out as clean as a brand new sock. with diy sock, you use a new sock every time and cost for each sock will be less than the amount of time and energy needed to wash them.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24126923&postcount=13

 

[Taahirs]

I just use those socks used for filtering milk. Chuck them away after each use.


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[Potatohead]

I switched to mesh socks so I could just wash them in the sink, but I think I may go back to felt. The amount of junk that ends up in the bottom of my sump with the mesh socks is off the charts. I hated cleaning the felt ones but I might go back anyway. I usually just hand washed them in the sink and after 2-3 times of doing that, I would then wash them in the machine.

 

[alcimedes]

The socks I use specifically say to use the washing machine with some bleach. They're thick enough that they won't get truly clean otherwise. I ordered a 12 pack (they were pretty cheap) so once I have 8 or so dirty I'll do a load of them at once.

 

[jd371]

I rinse them with a hose using high pressure and once I get the crud out of the sock I throw them into a bucket with a little bleach and water and let them sit until I get to the last sock ( I rotate between 6 socks). When the last sock is being used on the tank I take the remaining 5 socks out of the bucket and throw them in the washing machine without any bleach or detergent run them twice, the first time is inside out. They come out looking virtually new.

 

[jdantunes]

I'm using 200 micron filter sock and just use tap water with high pressure to clean then dry well. But the pressure is not strong enough to wash, so it seems no clean, after few weeks it's clogged fast.

Please show me how you clean it and how long you use it?

Thanks in advance
Khanh

Hi Khanh. I been cleaning mine the way described in your post. No bleach, no washing machine. Just cleaned and air dry.

You are supposed to change them often and it all depends by your bioload. IMO the faster you change them, lower the chances of letting trapped uneaten food and detritus to decompose and create a nutrient source. Some of us change them every two days, some every three and most of us on weekly basis.

Usually a sock will last me around six months. Once they start to get loose I'll ditch them and get me new ones.

 

[neiltus]

Hand wash in tap water. No soap. Air dry.

If there really nasty then I soak in H2O2.

 

[ALLIDOISREEF]

In the washing machine with a little bleach. Let air dry for at 48 hours.

+1 this is what I do as well. I also rinse them in RODI before putting them back in the sump.

 

[Timfish]

What filter sock?

 

[Maritimer]

I run a dozen or so in the washer with a bit of bleach, then run them again with nothing - just let the water cycle. Air-dry and into the sump with them ... one at a time, of course . . .

~Bruce

 

[Tanthaitrung]

Thanks so much all of you guys :thumbsup:

 

[Scottedontknow]

I also DIY my socks. Costs me $5 to make almost 30 of them. I change mine out once a week and just toss them in the trash when I'm done. They only take a few minutes to make after you have it down pat.


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[Jscwerve]

I use these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XI1ONVA?psc=1

I have about a dozen of them and when I'm down to my last one clean I throw the rest into its own load in the washing machine with bleach. I use an extra rinse cycle and hot water. Then I let them air dry for a minimum of 48 hours.

I started out with only 3 socks and it really sucked washing them every week. Now I just have a bucket I put the dirty ones in and a single load lasts a month or so.

I started using the washing machine because I noticed that is what they use at my very trusted LFS to clean theirs. They actually have a washer in the store that is strictly for socks. I think they actually dry them too, but I have no need to.

 

[Jeff4777]

Get mesh socks. You will never go back.

 

[bdunn12]

I also DIY my socks. Costs me $5 to make almost 30 of them. I change mine out once a week and just toss them in the trash when I'm done. They only take a few minutes to make after you have it down pat.


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How about you make 30 for me and I'll pay you $20?

 

[Kremis]

Take them out into the backyard, power wash, then leave in a bleach/water solution for a week. After a week, take them out, wash, and put in a bucket with a lot prime/dechlor added. We have 3 pairs of socks, 2 in the tank, 2 in the bucket of bleach/water, and 2 more drying.