Is it ok to clean filter socks in bleach solution?

[SPR1968]

Sorry if this has been asked a 100 times but my filter socks are looking a little brownish and I just wondered if it's ok to soak in a bleach/water solution for a few days and then rinse off with tap water and leave to dry?

Without killing the inhabitants of my reef tank?

Just seems bleach and sensitive corals/fish don't belong together but I know some use this.

If it's ok how strong should the solution be or does it matter if I wash and then air dry for a few days ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, just rinse them really well and/or soak them in dechlorination solution (e.g., Seachem Prime, etc.) after bleaching.

 

[LittleMaui]

I wash all of my filter socks in the clothes washer using one cap of bleach. I always run a short rinse cycle and remove the Soap container from the washer first. I use the sanitation mode on the washer to ensure that it's hot and runs a long time. When the wash cycle is done, I air-dry the filter socks for a couple of days. The only problem I have when I insert a new filter sock in the sump is the skimmer goes crazy for a couple of minutes so I have to turn it off temporarily.

Turn the socks inside out to ensure they wash thoroughly.

 

[DSC reef]

I used to wash socks in bleach for years, never had an issue besides the skimmer going nuts. I changed over to straight oxiclean and never looked back. I don't have to air dry and no reaction from the skimmer. The socks are much cleaner too. I soak them inside out in water with oxiclean until I have enough for a load, about a week, then straight into the wash with hot water and a little extra oxiclean. Put on extra rinse then in the dryer on low heat for 40 minutes and done. No more prime, no more drying outside and no more skimmer overflows.

 

[rkpetersen]

I wash all of my filter socks in the clothes washer using one cap of bleach. I always run a short rinse cycle and remove the Soap container from the washer first. I use the sanitation mode on the washer to ensure that it's hot and runs a long time. When the wash cycle is done, I air-dry the filter socks for a couple of days. The only problem I have when I insert a new filter sock in the sump is the skimmer goes crazy for a couple of minutes so I have to turn it off temporarily.

Turn the socks inside out to ensure they wash thoroughly.

Yup, almost word for word this is what I've been doing recently with the Red Sea 220 micron felt bags (I use small load extra hot instead of sanitize, and add a second rinse cycle to make sure no bleach remains). Hand cleaning them was a chore and not at all as effective, even with bleach. At this point I've got 5 sets of 2 socks so it's easy to just switch them out when necessary and then wash several sets at once.

 

[rkpetersen]

I used to wash socks in bleach for years, never had an issue besides the skimmer going nuts. I changed over to straight oxiclean and never looked back. I don't have to air dry and no reaction from the skimmer. The socks are much cleaner too. I soak them inside out in water with oxiclean until I have enough for a load, about a week, then straight into the wash with hot water and a little extra oxiclean. Put on extra rinse then in the dryer on low heat for 40 minutes and done. No more prime, no more drying outside and no more skimmer overflows.

Good tip; I'm going to try that!

 

[OceanL0ver]

Are use peroxide. It really seems to break down the organic matter, the socks look near new after soaking in that for about a day. After the soak I do rinse them.

 

[Asylum]

I soak in bleach water, then rinse in tap and Store in RODI water for an hour after.

 

[palmer]

yep just put in washing machine hot cycle with bleach no detergent

 

[SPR1968]

Thanks guys for all your help.

I'm basically thinking of using a hose on the filter socks to get clean ish, getting a big bucket filling it with maybe bleach/water and then leaving for 3-4 days just to soak in it and then rinse with tap water and leave for another few days to dry before use which sounds like it will be ok.

I use the 200 micron mesh socks rather than felt as they seem to clean easier.

Will keep an eye on the skimmer but I'll make sure I give them a good rinse with a hose pipe after soaking and then drying.

 

[Tennsquire]

I have a tunze DOC skimmer that has a plastic mess filter bag on the output. I soaked the bag in bleach solution to clean it and noticed it coming apart last week. This bag is fairly new, so I'm thinking maybe the bleach is to blame.

 

[jpbeen]

Food grade Hydrogen Peroxide in washing machine in hot water then air dry.

 

[GlassMunky]

Food grade Hydrogen Peroxide in washing machine in hot water then air dry.

Reviving a thread from 2.5 years ago....
Interesting

 

[Val Shebeko]

Food grade Hydrogen Peroxide in washing machine in hot water then air dry.

Food grade peroxide, who sells such a thing?

 

[jpbeen]

https://www.purehealthdiscounts.com/ This is 35% much more effective than 3% store bought.

 

[Cory]

I wouldnt put peroxide in a washing machine unless you want a broken machine due to rusting.

 

[jpbeen]

I have been using it for over 20 years and never any rust. Bleach is more corrosive than hydrogen Peroxide.

 

[Cory]

35% though? A drop on my skin will turn it white in 10 seconds.

 

[jpbeen]

Yes that is correct. Will not hurt filter socks and has no residue like bleach to cause problems. I use it in my spa in place of chlorine for years and no dry skin and ruined swimsuits. Also use in laundry in place of bleach for over 20 years. Do the research and you will agree.

 

[jpbeen]

3% store bought is so watered down it is not effective.