Mini Washing Machine for Mesh Filter Socks?

Charles4400 · Feb 26, 2018

Sorry meant FELT. Not mesh.

Has anyone tried and had any luck using a mini washing machine for cleaning felt filter socks?

I have been using a power washer on mine but it obviously puts alot of wear on the socks each time I do so. I'm using Red Sea mesh socks which are overpriced too. Was thinking one of these mini washing machines with bleach would work. (no, putting it in the house laundry machines is not an option :p)

https://www.amazon.com/Costway-Washing-Machine-Compact-Capacity/dp/B06Y28L3S1/ref=sr_1_3?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1519680757&sr=8-3&keywords=mini+washing+machine&refinements=p_85:2470955011

AdamNC · Feb 26, 2018

For only $43.00? I’d try it.

Charles4400 · Feb 26, 2018

AdamNC said:
For only $43.00? I’d try it.

There are more expensive ones with a separate chamber for a rinse cycle which if these work well would not be a bad idea to get.

Was just wondering if these minis in general work well enough to get all the crud embedded out of the felt material.

ReeferBud · Jun 17, 2018

Also interested in this. Did you get it?

Retro Reefer · Jun 17, 2018

Following.. setting up my first sump with filter socks and no way will I be allowed anywhere near our new washing machine with filter socks full of nasty crud, these mini washers have been around for a while but I had forgotten about them.. they might be the perfect solution for cleaning socks

ReeferBud · Jun 17, 2018

I’m dealing with an issue in my tank and I’ve ruled everything out except the machine washed filter socks.

I’ve been cleaning my filter socks in the washing machine for years but this time I’m pretty sure I contaminated my tank somehow and corals started dying soon after...

This mini dedicated washing machine is my last option before I decide to give up on filter socks, which would be regretted since I really like how the keep the water clear and polished.

Charles4400 · Jun 18, 2018

Yes I did end up getting it and it does work BUT this was my experience with the one listed.

It works. I usually fill up a 5 gallon bucket with water and throw dirty filter socks in there untill Im ready to wash a load. I usually wait untill I have about 10 socks in a bucket because Im lazy and hate washing these dang things! Sometimes they will just be sitting in water, sometimes if I remember they will sit in a water bleach combo.

The one I listed is pretty small and will only hold about 5-6 comfortably. More than that and the socks wont spin as much. So i have to split it up in 2 loads.

I fill the machine with water via garden hose and add bleach. Crappy thing with the machine is that there is a timer that cannot be bypassed. Its max setting is 15 mins. I do this outsude so you have to come back every 15 mins which is a PIA! I usually wash for 3-4 cycles. The water by that time is pretty nasty.

The drain is manual so you unhook a drainage pipe on the exterier to let the water drain out. Then I fill with fresh water and another 3-4 cycles (sometimes draining and refilling in between cycles if i have the time or am feeling paranoid about the bleach).

Hang socks, let dry for a few days to a week to make sure all bleach is dried and good to go. It works well but more work than I wanted due to the timer and small loads.

The blessing in disguise is that I left the unit with water in it overnight and this apparently is a big nono as the next day it would not turn on! Dont know of was leaving water in it or overnight moisture getting into the cheap electronics.

Still the best alternative so far I think.

So I bought a bigger one, thus one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XYVE026/ref=oh_aui_i_d_old_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It costs about $90 so double the cost of the other one. Its about twice the size too which is a good thing and has a powered pump to discharge the dirty water which really helps as well. But it is made by the same company as the cheapy small one.

Bigger size is better because it fits all my filter socks (I usually put about 10 in there at once) which it spins easily. When rinsing with fresh water its easier to drain and refill due to the internal drainage pump. Still has that 15 min timer on it but not as bad as I dont have to do multiple loads to clean all the filter socks. Socks come out clean and my filter socks get really really nasty before I change them out.

Heres a pic of drying clean filtwr socks out of the machine.

Not bad!
This new one has lasted since i no longer leave it outside or filled overnight. A bit bulky to store back away inside but I think its worth it.

It beats using a power washer and when clothes washing machine is not an option.

I give it a thumbs up on making reefing easier.

Charles4400 · Jun 18, 2018

Heres a before shot

ReeferBud · Jun 20, 2018

That looks great! Appreciate the detailed explanation. Will give it a try for sure.

Reefman71 · Mar 25, 2020

How did it work out?? What great idea! I’m really weird about my filter socks. No way I’m putting them in my regular washer. For $150, $200 bucks it would pay for itself in 6 months or less. I know this is an old post but if anybody’s out there let me know how it went for you thank you!I know this is an old post but if anybody’s out there let me know how it went for you thank you

Mr Fishface · Mar 25, 2020

It is an old post lol. I'm also curious to see if anyone else has tried anything newer. I would imagine in almost 2 years that there is a better product somewhere.

Charles4400 · Mar 25, 2020

Hi. I'm the original OP and as an update I haven't used the mini washer in about a year now but still have it. I switched over to media cups filled with filter floss (poly-fil). I get a huge box of it and rinse new floss and toss the old once in the morning and once at night. Just throw away the old and add in the new.

Even with the machine washing filter socks and having them dry for a week ended up being a hassle for me. Also the big machine is pretty bulky and takes up a lot of space. If I could leave the machine outside it would be easier but I got tired of lugging it in and out and I don't have a lot of space to store things.

It works, it's just a different type of constant hassle lol.

I found filter floss is working better for me, a little work everyday vs alot of work every week. I don't know maybe I just have a dirty tank but using socks I have to change them out every 3 days max. (2 socks per change).

Hope this helps!

Mr Fishface · Mar 25, 2020

Charles4400 said:
Hi. I'm the original OP and as an update I haven't used the mini washer in about a year now but still have it. I switched over to media cups filled with filter floss (poly-fil). I get a huge box of it and rinse new floss and toss the old once in the morning and once at night. Just throw away the old and add in the new.

Even with the machine washing filter socks and having them dry for a week ended up being a hassle for me. Also the big machine is pretty bulky and takes up a lot of space. If I could leave the machine outside it would be easier but I got tired of lugging it in and out and I don't have a lot of space to store things.

It works, it's just a different type of constant hassle lol.

I found filter floss is working better for me, a little work everyday vs alot of work every week. I don't know maybe I just have a dirty tank but using socks I have to change them out every 3 days max. (2 socks per change).

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the update! That is actually quite helpful to me :)