Bleach for filter socks

[Fishyfishyman]

I was wondering which kind of bleach is ok for filter socks? I read that it needs to have no additives or dyes but every bleach I have looked at says x-% sodium hypochlorite x-% other ingredients. Is this ok to use?

Do not use scented or thick splash less bleach. After bleaching use dissolved Sodium Thiosulfate to neutralize bleach.

 

[bhuyett]

Everyone already spoke to not using scented bleach. Don't do this!

I soak mine in bleach, then rinse in faucet and white vinegar with hot water. Then toss the vinegar water and socks in the washing machine. Put on heavy duty and throw more vinegar in the detergent slot and let it do its thing. The vinegar helps neutralize any bleach.
When I do this I don't have any issues with my skimmer going crazy and over flowing.

 

[schooncw]

Question- do you have to bleach? I turn mine inside out and power wash them which gets rid of all the visible however there is a slight "Marine" smell after.

No! Bleach only makes them 'look" clean....does nothing about organics.

 

[FlyinBryan]

I went sockless a few years ago. Never saw a difference. Protein skimmer pulls it all out. Carbon/gfo to finish it off. When I did I just used regular Clorox bleach. Did just fine.

 

[pezcadoazul]

Bleach isn't necessary, but the socks will be whiter and smell better, just like the white socks humans wear.

I wash mine by hand in hot tap water until they are clean (including the creases, the stitches, and the union with the rim). If they smell, I soak them in hot tap water for up to several days, changing the water at least daily, until the smell goes away. I believe the marine lagoon-like smell indicates the presence of organic material that you do not want to return to your tank.

 

[Drewsifer]

Bleach isn't necessary, but the socks will be whiter and smell better, just like the white socks humans wear.

This is the way! Bleach doesn’t do anything really for socks except make them whiter and smell nicer. But useless in this application. It does degrade the material and you’ll get holes faster. Save disinfecting for hospitals.