Filter Sock Care

[kwjones]

Say I pick one or two up tomorrow at the LFS. I've never used one before, but I know they need to be cleaned often, like every day to every other day. How does one clean a filter sock?

[crvz]

a lot of folks throw them in the wash, though I'm not sure if soap is used or not. you're better off buying a number of them, that way you don't have to clean them as often.

[kwjones]

I was thinking more than one would probably be a good idea. Is there a lifespan on filter socks...like say after a year just throw it out and replace it?

[Fly Guy]

when i used to use them I would install a plastic zipper. then lay it out flat on the concrete and spray it out good as new very quickly

youll know it when its time to retire it

[jennmac415]

I use felt (on my drip tray in my sump where I usualluy put filter material and carbon etc etc...) when I stir up things in the tank cleaning and what not...the felt catches the sand dust really well and clears up my tank in no time.. anyway, after i have a few dirty pieces of this felt, I simply throw them in the wash along with all my "tank towels" with baking soda, NO SOAP... and wash on HOT and do 2 rinses... they come out white as can be...I may start using filter bags to keep the tank more sparkling and I will wash them this way too.

[DarthOcellaris]

I just toss mine in the washer on a regular cycle with no soap and usually add a second rinse cycle. Never had a problem

[Nyles]

I just wash with bleach water, then rinse, rinse, and re-rinse till I'm comfortable drinking water filtered through it.

[OIIIIIO]

Originally Posted by Nyles

I just wash with bleach water, then rinse, rinse, and re-rinse till I'm comfortable drinking water filtered through it.

Mmmm.... tastes like H20 with a splash of bleach and a hint of fish poop.

[Ronjunior]

I turn mine inside out, throw in washing machine with a little bleach and no soap with hot/cold. Let it dry completely after cleaned so bleach has no effect if left there. Having multiple socks help; I swap socks, let dirty one drip dry into my sump so I don't drip water all the way to the washing machine. You could always use a dechlorinater if still wet and afraid of the bleach.