Filter Socks Smell Like Bleach

[BeaverLakeAndy]

So I used the washing machine on a sanitize cycle with a couple caps of bleach to wash my filter socks. I ran it through three rinse cycles, then let them air dry for a full day. I noticed they still have a pretty strong bleach smell. Is this normal, or would you say they still have bleach in them? Concerned about using them on the tank at this point. Any way to ensure the bleach is 100% gone?

 

[Wildcats1023]

I will soak mine in a bucket of rodi and add some prime if I think my socks still have a bleach odor just to be on safe side.

 

[Neoalchemist]

You can always soak them in a bucket of water with dechlorinator.

 

[BeaverLakeAndy]

I will soak mine in a bucket of rodi and add some prime if I think my socks still have a bleach odor just to be on safe side.

I've got a bottle of Prime, probably a good idea to do this.

 

[Neoalchemist]

I will soak mine in a bucket of rodi and add some prime if I think my socks still have a bleach odor just to be on safe side.

Beat me to it! By like 3 seconds.

 

[Peace River]

You can always soak them in a bucket of water with dechlorinator.

+1

You can also test pH if you’re still concerned.

 

[Neoalchemist]

Ive been washing filter socks for like 10 years and Ive never once used bleach or any soap. Strait hot water and second rinse and good to go.

 

[BeaverLakeAndy]

+1

You can also test pH if you’re still concerned.

Test PH of what? The filter socks? How would I do that, soak them in water and test the water?

 

[lapin]

Did you use a scented bleach?

 

[Peace River]

Test PH of what? The filter socks? How would I do that, soak them in water and test the water?

Yes.

 

[BeaverLakeAndy]

Did you use a scented bleach?

No, just plain bleach.

 

[Jeeperz]

I add prime to the last rinse cycle but let it soak

 

[X-37B]

Wash them in 34% h2o2 instead of bleach.
If they smell like bleach I would soak them in a dechlorinator then do the above instead of bleach.

 

[HB AL]

I’ve used a garden hose for 15+ yers to clean filter socks and haven’t had any issue. I think bleach is overkill unless. Your gonna wear them

 

[Vernon Ebron]

1. try soaking & rinsing with hot water / if able let sun dry. Reef On!

So I used the washing machine on a sanitize cycle with a couple caps of bleach to wash my filter socks. I ran it through three rinse cycles, then let them air dry for a full day. I noticed they still have a pretty strong bleach smell. Is this normal, or would you say they still have bleach in them? Concerned about using them on the tank at this point. Any way to ensure the bleach is 100% gone?

 

[mike550]

So I used the washing machine on a sanitize cycle with a couple caps of bleach to wash my filter socks.... Any way to ensure the bleach is 100% gone?

First to your question -- when I'm done cleaning with water/bleach solution, I add Seachem Prime to my last clean water rinse and let things so for a few minutes.

For what it's worth, I don't use the washing machine as I don't trust whether or not there are residual detergents, fabric softeners, etc. So I wash the socks by hand in a bucket. Soak the socks in bleach and water and then wash them. I empty the bucket a few times until the water is running off pretty clear. Last rinse I add a bit of Prime. Takes maybe 15 min or so, but no worries.

 

[X-37B]

First to your question -- when I'm done cleaning with water/bleach solution, I add Seachem Prime to my last clean water rinse and let things so for a few minutes.

For what it's worth, I don't use the washing machine as I don't trust whether or not there are residual detergents, fabric softeners, etc. So I wash the socks by hand in a bucket. Soak the socks in bleach and water and then wash them. I empty the bucket a few times until the water is running off pretty clear. Last rinse I add a bit of Prime. Takes maybe 15 min or so, but no worries.

Try H2O2 instead of bleach in a bucket. Its what I do. Simple and safer than bleach. Has worked for me for the last 3.5 years.

 

[mike550]

Try H2O2 instead of bleach in a bucket. Its what I do. Simple and safer than bleach. Has worked for me for the last 3.5 years.

Thanks for that idea! True on bleach -- I've ruined a t-shirt and always worry about what I touch afterwards since my hands smell like bleach.

 

[X-37B]

Thanks for that idea! True on bleach -- I've ruined a t-shirt and always worry about what I touch afterwards since my hands smell like bleach.

I spray off the brown matter using a garden hose with a high pressure noze. Then use around 1/8 cup, not measured, in 2 gals of water and let soak over night in a bucket. Rinse and air dry. Thats my method.

 

[ReefGrammie]

I've washed filter socks inside-out in the washing machine with bleach for 11 years, double rinse, air dry. I have noticed a "bleachy" odor before, but I guess it doesn't bother anything!