Are stained filter socks still good?

[ScubaShane]

Ive had these socks for about a year. I wash them in hot water only. I dont trust using bleach nor do I want to take the risk of contamination. I still get optimal flow through the sump. Still get a good five days before changing. Are there any negative consequences in continued use?

 

[CodyRVA]

There's likely organics stuck in that sock. FWIW I bleach mine every time I clean them and have never had an issue. I run them in the washer with about a cup or two of bleach with the socks inside out. Then i turn them right side in and do a straight water wash. Remember to turn off any fabric softener or detergent settings.

You could also do the same thing in a 5 gallon bucket... warm water and a bit of bleach. More manual labor, but it works like a charm. Doesn't take much bleach to clean them up and if you rinse thoroughly you'll be fine.

Other then that... dunno how you're going to get them spotless... pressure washer? I personally would not put a dirty sock like that back on my system, but to each their own.

 

[Shawn Cybulski]

I use bleach also and run them through the washer.... they come out great...

 

[TMB]

I also use bleach to clean and have never had a problem. I did read an article on here somewhere that said bleaching doesn't remove the organics though - it just turns them white so we feel better. According to the article the correct way to clean them is in peroxide, apparently that removes everything from the sock. I'll do some searching and see if i can find the thread.

 

[Smo]

If you allow your cleaned socks to thoroughly dry any remaining bleach residue will turn to harmless salt. For me a 3-4 day cycling of two pairs works great.

 

[CodyRVA]

I also use bleach to clean and have never had a problem. I did read an article on here somewhere that said bleaching doesn't remove the organics though - it just turns them white so we feel better. According to the article the correct way to clean them is in peroxide, apparently that removes everything from the sock. I'll do some searching and see if i can find the thread.

Thought bleach killed/destroyed basically everything... Can't say I've ever had issues stemming from a "dirty sock"

 

[TMB]

Well, let me restate that I only clean in the washer with bleach, and have never had a problem either. However, I don't think killing stuff is the issue with bleach. The thought is that bleaching leaves dead organics behind that can break down in the water when returned to service. I don't know how much, or if it could even be enough to matter.

When I looked into using HP to clean socks it seemed too expensive for the possibly marginal benefit. This is why I have stuck with the simple method - Plus I hate cleaning them - so in the washer they go!

 

[Shawn Cybulski]

There is a place online (I can dig out) that sells them cheap. Some people just use new ones and sell old ones...

 

[Dr RBG]

I use Sodium Percarbonate which is also known as solid Hydrogen Peroxide. When mixed with water you get hydrogen peroxide which is non-toxic.
https://www.amazon.com/99-PURE-Sodium-Percarbonate-peroxyhydrate/dp/B01ETY478S It does a good job of whitening and sanitizing. A small amount of the powder makes a bucket of solution.