Cleaning filter socks (septic safe)

[Sphyrna_gal]

Okay fishy friends- have an Innovative Marine 20G set up that uses the special filter socks- they have the black plastic mount on them and the filter sock itself doesn't detach.

I am determined to find a way to clean them because it is so wasteful and annoying that you have to buy these each time and just toss them. In the past I have had standard drawstring socks that I bleached and washed in the washing machine but now we have a septic system so bleach isn't an option. Plus, today I was reading on other forums and articles that bleach seems to just dye the algae/gross stuff instead of really removing or breaking it down anyway?! I have seen other options like a vinegar and hydrogen peroxide soak?

Anyone out there have septic safe/environmentally better options for cleaning filter socks and maybe even purigen bags while we're at it :thinking-face:

 

[exnisstech]

What do you mean bleach isn't an option? I've been on septic my entire life (I'm 64) and bleach has always been used. I've been in my current house 27 years and have been washing socks with bleach and dumping my water changes down the drain for the last 9+ years. I had the tank pumped last year and everything was normal.

EDIT. I've never had bleach do anything but help whiten my socks. I turn them inside out and rinse them with a garden before washing. 1st cycle inside out with a small splash of bleach then turn them right side out and run extra rinse cycle.

 

[Tamberav]

The small bit of bleach you are going to use will be fine.

 

[Sphyrna_gal]

Yeah, everything I've read says don't use bleach with a septic system. Sure it's "a small amount/just a washer load" but still bleach is a super harsh chemical, toxic to the environment anyway so of course I'd rather find something else.

The question still stands. Still researching too.

 

[Spare time]

I've always soaked socks in peroxide over night, then put them in the washer machine without bleach. Seems to work fine.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Yeah, everything I've read says don't use bleach with a septic system. Sure it's "a small amount/just a washer load" but still bleach is a super harsh chemical, toxic to the environment anyway so of course I'd rather find something else.

The question still stands. Still researching too.

I live in wisconsin and with the exception of the last couple of years I have always been on a septic system rather than city sewer. When I got out of the military in 89 I worked with a friend of mine and his father. They installed septic systems for a living.

Unless you are planning on dumping 10s of gallons of bleach into your system on a daily basis you shouldn't experience anyj noticeable impact to the biological process. I should add that this is based on modern septic system. Not some 55 gallon drum placed in the ground "back in the day". lol (when things were not regulated)

 

[Sphyrna_gal]

I've always soaked socks in peroxide over night, then put them in the washer machine without bleach. Seems to work fine.

How much peroxide do you use? Like about 1/4 cup in a bucket for soak?

 

[John Neuzil]

Yeah, everything I've read says don't use bleach with a septic system. Sure it's "a small amount/just a washer load" but still bleach is a super harsh chemical, toxic to the environment anyway so of course I'd rather find something else.

The question still stands. Still researching too.

I don't think you understand how bleach works and how fast it breaks down,

 

[DanConnor]

Why not just throw them in the washing machine? That's what I do with regular filter socks. Bleaching socks isn't necessary- why sterilize something you are going to put back in the same bacteria?

 

[Spare time]

How much peroxide do you use? Like about 1/4 cup in a bucket for soak?

I just put a "good amount" in lol

 

[Dave_buffalo]

I've always soaked socks in peroxide over night, then put them in the washer machine without bleach. Seems to work fine.

How much bleach? I am an engineer and these "just a little bit" answers are driving me batty LOL !

 

[Spare time]

How much bleach? I am an engineer and these "just a little bit" answers are driving me batty LOL !

I don't use bleach

 

[ChrisRD]

I don't bother with the socks anymore...I just use filter floss now (buy in bulk and cut to shape). Not sure if that's an option with your setup but I find it way easier. I just rinse it under the tap and put it back in. If you get good quality floss you can rinse it quite a few times. I typically just discard after a bunch of uses as it's very cheap. The stuff from Aquatic Experts (Filter First product) is the best I have found so far...tried Pinky Filters and not impressed.

Maybe another option if it will work for you...

 

[fandaga]

I just clean mine in the sink with a toothbrush on both sides, rinse them, and back into the tank.

 

[rockdiver]

I just wash them inside out then flip them and do the same on the hot water cycle no bleach or anything ever for years now then air dry them for a few days.

 

[Gadamwoll]

You can put the socks in the wash with the plastic part attached? What is the best way to hand wash? I am getting an IM 20 in the mail today and I would rather not need to drive to the laundry mat every week or every 2 weeks to wash them.

 

[Sphyrna_gal]

I don't think you understand how bleach works and how fast it breaks down,

so helpful, thanks for taking the time to write!

 

[Sphyrna_gal]

You can put the socks in the wash with the plastic part attached? What is the best way to hand wash? I am getting an IM 20 in the mail today and I would rather not need to drive to the laundry mat every week or every 2 weeks to wash them.

Haven't tried but would assume so? Probably better if it's a washer without the middle part that may catch or break off some plastic and could damage the lip part that hangs on the sides for their specific sock design.

 

[Sphyrna_gal]

I just wash them inside out then flip them and do the same on the hot water cycle no bleach or anything ever for years now then air dry them for a few days.

This is where I am at with it at this point!

 

[John Neuzil]

I don't think you understand how bleach works and how fast it breaks down,

so helpful, thanks for taking the time to write!

Your welcome