Storing used/dirty filter socks until wash

[MMM33732]

I've recently started using filter socks again (I stopped in the past due to fear of removing all my pods) Anyhow, I just picked up 4 more and plan to change them once a week when I do my water change. I'd like to wash them all at once about once a month. I always washed them in the washing machine with no soap in the past with great results like most do. So my question is this; what do I do with the dirty socks until its time to wash them? Store them in a bucket of water (seems like it would get nasty fast and stink), let them dry (not sure how that would effect how clean they get), other ideas? They would be sitting for up to 3 weeks at a time. Also, do you find it necessary to turn them inside out when washing in a washing machine or would is just tossing them in generally enough to get the gunk out? These are currently 100 micron felt style hard rimmed socks, not mesh.

 

[UMass14]

I was pondering the same thing...

 

[toky916]

I've used all kinda of filter socks I would not keep them in water stink up real fast I throw mine into a large bag and was my 20 socks all the same time.

I don't flip them also just as is every kind. Washes out just fine

 

[naterealbig]

I used a 5 gallon bucket with a screw-on lid. Held like 20 socks. Hold your breath when you open it though, and don't do it inside.

 

[MarksReef]

5 Gallon bucket (no lid) once a month wash.

 

[d2mini]

5 Gallon bucket (no lid) once a month wash.

same, except I will go several months sometimes. I don't use socks on a regular basis.
No stink once they are dry.

 

[azjohnny]

I change out the filter sock every 3rd day and have enough to wash them i every 2 weeks. I just keep them in an empty tub in the fish room. I use felt socks so I don't turn them inside out

 

[vpaul79]

I put them in a bucket with water and very little bleach to eliminate the stench.

 

[albano]

I used a 5 gallon bucket with a screw-on lid. Held like 20 socks. Hold your breath when you open it though, and don't do it inside.

+1... With the lid on, they will remain damp and not dry out!

 

[slief]

I use felt socks and toss them into an empty 5 gallon bucket and let them pile up 4 at a time until it's time to change my last clean set. Then into the wash they go. They dry out quickly in my fish room and aren't wet long enough to stink up the room. I don't even bother to cover the bucket.

 

[origreefer]

I put them in a bucket with water and very little bleach to eliminate the stench.

I do the same. Then, I don't even wash them. After a few days, I just rinse them out with the hose and they return to perfect white. Then I put them in some water with a few drops of declorinator, which removes any remaining bleach. Never have to use washing machine

 

[albano]

I do the same. Then, I don't even wash them. After a few days, I just rinse them out with the hose and they return to perfect white. Then I put them in some water with a few drops of declorinator, which removes any remaining bleach. Never have to use washing machine

I'm not sure if they are actually clean (since you only rinsed them) or you just bleached the 'dirt' and they look clean and white.

 

[Dapg8gt]

Just let then dry out and wash all at once. I've used powdered hydrogen peroxide the last few times I washed my felt ones and it works great instead of bleach..

Lately though I've been using 300 micron mesh socks stuffed with poly filter and just toss the crap loaded stuff every few days and refill with new. Way easier and I only need to rinse the socks maybe once a month or so as they stay really clean from the poly filter.. I got enough poly to last at least 6 months for $5..

 

[FirstContact]

I run two socks and change every three or four days. I have enough for a month. They go into an old IO 8 gallon bucket. They hang out inside or outside the house. I rinse them, wash with bleach and repeat.

 

[UMass14]

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[rounder45]

i put them in a grocery bag. I wash once a week in my washing machine with a little bleach and double rinse. they remain moist in the bag.

 

[briankmarsh1980]

I also just throw them in a 5 g bucket and when im on the last I toss them in the washer.

 

[hbrochs]

Socks

Socks

I rinse my felt socks in the sink, turn them inside out, and hang them to dry.

Then when I've got several pair I throw them in the washing machine with a little bleach.

 

[slavetonet]

Here is an idea for everyone.
Why not put them in a ziplock bag and throw them into the freezer till you need to wash them? Once frozen, all the smelling bacteria will be odorless. Then you can get them out to wash them all at once.
Simple idea - why on earth nobody do it?

 

[Tweaked]

5 gallon bucket filled with bleach water. then wash when needed in plain water in machine. Air dry a couple days