Is it ok to clean filter socks in bleach solution?

[lpsouth1978]

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

Seeing the price for this stuff, I think I will stick with my bleach in washing machine. I mean $143 for a gallon? That is literally 100x more than a gallon of bleach!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I soak in vinegar and water (50/50) and rinse, then wash in just warm water cycle and cold water rinse

 

[jpbeen]

Not sure how you came up with $143 per gallon. website clearly shows 1 Gallon: $53.14 - incl. S+H . Yes more exspenive than bleach and well worth it.

 

[X-37B]

I get 1 gallon at the hydro store for $30.

 

[lpsouth1978]

First thing I saw on that website, I read it wrong, but still A LOT more than a $2 bottle of bleach. I have been using bleach for 10+ years and have had no issues. I do a long wash cycle with extra hot water and a second rinse cycle. throw them in the dyer and then they go in the cabinet until it is time to change (I probably have ~30 socks). I rinse the socks under RO before putting in the sump and my skimmer acts perfectly normal.

 

[jpbeen]

I never stated not to use bleach. I only offered a safer alternative to bleach. Isn't this what this forum is all about? Sharing ideas and learning from each other? I'm sure based on your experience you have a lot to offer.

 

[homer1475]

A gallon for $64..... I'll stick to bleach. Been using it to wash socks for 10 years, never an issue.

I have a bucket I dump 50/50 bleach and water. Throw used socks in it, when I have a load I wash them in the machine. No extra rinse cycle, no hot water, no taking out the soap dispenser, etc. Wash in machine, hang to dry.

I'm certainly not saying your way doesn't work, or is not an alternative(getting kind of hard to find bleach right now). Just pointing out I have used bleach for years with 0 issues, and its way cheaper.

 

[tonyespinoza]

@Randy Holmes-Farley

Perhaps Randy will illucidate us with any chemistry trade-off as it pertains to long term use in our aquaria of these three paths?

1) Bleach
2) Hydrogen peroxide (35%)
3) Oxiclean (Sodium Percarbonate?)

I for one really appreciate the shared knowledge and anecdotes but would love to know the "math."

 

[BZOFIQ]

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

Yes, have been doing that for years. Sometimes multiple cycles if I dont feel like pre-rinsing at all. I have about 30 in circulation so the once that sit for month plus are super stinky when I get to "laundry day"

Super happy that my wife has nothing against it and sometimes helps....er, every time

 

[Jet915]

i soak a sock in bleach for a couple hours, rinse it and then soak in prime for a couple hours and then air dry.

 

[Fishko]

I think an easier solution is just to go outside and spray them on the driveway with a hose on the “jet” setting. They seem to get most of the fine material out.

 

[PhilSD211]

I think an easier solution is just to go outside and spray them on the driveway with a hose on the “jet” setting. They seem to get most of the fine material out.

I've been doing exactly that for years. they don't get super clean but clean enough. Recently bought a power washer mostly for car washes... tried using it and it was way too powerful and lack volume to clean the socks.

Read a few other posts and decided to dump all my socks into the washer yesterday with bleach. Ran "whites" cycle followed by "rinse and spin". Socks came up super clean/white! Now I'm airing them out to dry couple days.. wondering if they'll be good to go after that or needs Prime...

 

[Fishko]

I've been doing exactly that for years. they don't get super clean but clean enough. Recently bought a power washer mostly for car washes... tried using it and it was way too powerful and lack volume to clean the socks.

Read a few other posts and decided to dump all my socks into the washer yesterday with bleach. Ran "whites" cycle followed by "rinse and spin". Socks came up super clean/white! Now I'm airing them out to dry couple days.. wondering if they'll be good to go after that or needs Prime...

I was considering using the washing machine but am afraid of contaminating my filter socks

 

[ajjw0828]

That's a good point about cross contaminating by using the same washer used with detergents. I have an extra washer in the basement that is solely used for filter socks. I run regular clorox bleach and just have it do a second rinse cycle. Then air dry and use. Haven't had a problem in the last 5-6 months I've been doing it, and all SPS are happy and encrusting. Good luck!