How To Clean a Filter Sock ?

[DiverDude]

Can't believe I'm asking this but I'm at a point where my sock is clogging in about 24 hours so I'm clearly not getting it clean enough.

When it was new, it was good for a week. After each successive cleaning though, it overflows sooner and sooner.

Presently, I turn it inside out under running water and rub, wring and scrub it with an old toothbrush but the material still seems 'impregnated'.

I'm at a loss. Other than to take it outside and have at it with the pressure washer, I can't see how this is going to get clean.

Thoughts ?

[Zoaelite]

Throw it in the washing machine (Wife/Girlfriend approval pending) and it will come out good as new. Just don't use any detergent, set it to temp boost and make sure you turn it inside out.

[Mech Eng]

I use the washing machine, once inside out, once opposite. No soap. Seems to work.

[BlueTang<3]

Washing machine, i cycle 5 socks then when 4 are dirty put it in the washer. We have a utra clean cycle with hot water no soap they will look new.

[DiverDude]

Well I guess it's the washing machine then !

I only have one so I guess I'd best pick up a few spares. The fibers are so tightly woven that I wouldn't have thought anything as gentle as the washing machine would work.

Thanks !

[Zoaelite]

Washing machines have quite the force behind them, during high cycle LG full capacity laundry spins at over 1320 RPM.

[Rogue951]

isnt it a bit of a waste to use a whole cycle for a few socks?
I've never had a problem hand washing.
what micron is the sock?
is it thin material or is it thicker like the CPR socks?

[BlueTang<3]

Now were talking efficiency in this hobby, so much water and power is wasted by reefers. I keep the waste water from the ro for my fish laundry towels and socks.

[whatcaneyedo]

I wash 5 socks at a time inside out with about 1/2 cup of bleach. Then I turn them right side out and give them a second rinse. Once they've had a day or two to completely dry they are good as new.

[DiverDude]

ok, well I ran a cycle with a single sock (does seem a tad decadent) and while not perfectly clean, it's a LOT better than I've managed before.

I didn't put anything in the machine but a few minutes after putting the sock back in the sump, the skimmer went nuts. :shrug:

[naesco]

Don't forget when the saltwater drains, turn it inside out and remove the live pods that you will find hiding along the edges and throw them back in the sump.

[andestang]

This is also what I do. Have to use the bleach as the socks from the Koi's is probably worse than the salt water socks.

I wash 5 socks at a time inside out with about 1/2 cup of bleach. Then I turn them right side out and give them a second rinse. Once they've had a day or two to completely dry they are good as new.

[Lance]

I wash 5 socks at a time inside out with about 1/2 cup of bleach. Then I turn them right side out and give them a second rinse. Once they've had a day or two to completely dry they are good as new.


He he. This is exactly what I do. And as you say it is important to let them dry out completely before use.

[hummer]

I bought a short garden hose w/ spray nozzle and it attaches to my sink. There's enough pressure that it sprays down pretty clean.

[Norstar]

Wash it in the washing machine. Hot water - don't know about the bleach.

[burgerchow]

washing machne, warm/cold cycle and a splash of white vinegar. Hang to dry and they come out looking like new.

[DiverDude]

Well, that freshly-cleaned socked lasted all of 5 days before it started overflowing again.

Threw it in the washer last night -with bleach this time- and even though I didn't turn it inside out, it came out nice and clean. I let it dry overnight and soon as I put it in the sump, the skimmer went nuts again. It's been over 30 minutes and I can't put the collection cup on the skimmer without it filling in seconds.

Humph.

[fishytime]

your skimmer going nuts is the reason some people will say not to use your washing machine for filter socks.......residual detergent:wink:

[kien]

wow your sock lasts 5 days??? I clean my socks in the washing machine and they still only last me 3 days tops. I suppose it depends on the amount of flow through your sump as well.

Ya, I get that detergent skimmer phenomenon every so often. So now I manually rinse my socks after the laundry. Seems to help a bit.

[viperfish]

My wife just loves it when I use her new Samsung washer to clean my slimy filter socks! I just run a quick cycle with a touch of bleach and an extra rinse and spin cycle, I can put them right in the sump after that because they're pretty much dry.

[DiverDude]

wow your sock lasts 5 days??? I clean my socks in the washing machine and they still only last me 3 days tops. I suppose it depends on the amount of flow through your sump as well.

Ya, I get that detergent skimmer phenomenon every so often. So now I manually rinse my socks after the laundry. Seems to help a bit.

Yeah, about 5 days but don't forget that my total system volume is about 33 Gal !

I didn't use any detergent and I manually rinsed the sock after the washer and let it dry completely.