Should I stop washing my filter socks in washing machine?

mermaid_life

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I definitely don't feel comfortable washing my filter socks in the washer. With my recent find of bristleworms in my tank, I don't even feel comfortable washing them by hand either! lol.

If you stick with filter socks, I highly recommend this:
1625599103667.png


I personally have gone the filter pad/cup route for sump and only use socks for cleaning the sand.
 

Cell

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Mine go in the washing machine with just bleach and deep fill, deep rinse and extra rinse settings on, we don't use liquid softener though.
 

Reef.

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Size of tank would play a part here, I personally wouldn’t.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable drinking a glass a water that had been ran through a “clean” washing machine so wouldn’t use it for the socks either.
 

Tamberav

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I never have that issues washing my socks in the washer but it is a newer front loader and I do an extra rinse cycle and let them dry completely before use so the bleach evaporates (I wash in batches). I could see it being an issue in some old washers I had in some of my apartments though!
 

mermaid_life

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Size of tank would play a part here, I personally wouldn’t.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable drinking a glass a water that had been ran through a “clean” washing machine so wouldn’t use it for the socks either.
Really great analogy! Completely agree. I'm don't feel as sensitive as my tank seems to act.
 

JohnMzreef

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I use 200 micron nylon socks. Just rinse by hand under tapwater and air dry. When they start to turn brown, soak overnight in tapwater and a splash of bleach. Rinse and air dry.
Keep it simple.
 

vetteguy53081

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For a few years I have washed in my front load unit- warm water Only and never an issue. I have been switching to mesh which I can wash by hand in under two minutes and place right back in tank
 

homer1475

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I worry about adding chemicals from the washer all the time, im thinking of trying the reef diaper disposable filter socks because of it.
its just every time i wash and even let the washer do extra rinses, i still get some residue that comes off after a final rinse with a hose. No way something isnt making it back into my dt

These are a great find! Had never heard of them and are a great alternative to having to wash socks.

Think I might give them a try. At a buck a replacement, it's not cheap, but not that expensive either.

As to the OP, I have always washed felt socks in the washing machine. I soak them in a bucket of bleach till I have a load full( I have a lot of socks lol), then just wash them on normal with an extra rinse cycle. Hang to dry and throw them into use. My skimmer may decrease in bubble production for like 20 minutes, but have never has them overflow.
 

josephxsxn

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When I had new socks that used to happen. Also I never put them in the washer, I always wash them as soon as I pull them out and then throw them in a bucket of water with h2o2 in it until I replace the next set in the sump, so they are already wet from the bucket going in.
 

Pistondog

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Ever time I change my filter sock for a clean one from the washing machine (one wash with no bleach or soap) the skimmer wants to overflow for about 2 minutes and then it normalizes. I can deal with the temporary overflowing by waiting a bit before turning on the skimmer, but is there any harmful substance that I’m possibly adding to my tank?

We wash a lot of laundry with laundry soap, softener, and sometimes bleach. I noticed the softener fill reservoir had a slimy film from the fabric softener. Is this transferring to my sock?

Is there any harm?
Have you tried running without the sox. I took mine out 3years ago.
Maybe put them back for an hour if you vac the sand bed during wcs.
 

KrisReef

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The washing machine is a wonderful invention and the myth that it cleans clothes make me smile.

Read why your clothes make you itch here:

Youtube Vlog GIF by Megan Batoon
 

ying yang

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Lots good advice here so thanks as im thinking possible adding filter socks and concerned as sometimes in drawer of washer there left over soap powder etc and got a long haired dog who molts all year round so ummmm
 

AndreaFraser

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I see it’s been a while, but I’d like to say that you might want to consider washing the filter sock separately from your regular laundry to be on the safe side. Thus, you can minimize the chances of any residue transfer. You can try rinsing the filter sock thoroughly with water before adding it to the washing machine, just to make sure any potential contaminants are removed.
 

AndreaFraser

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I see it’s been a while, but I’d like to say that you might want to consider washing the filter sock separately from your regular laundry to be on the safe side. Thus, you can minimize the chances of any residue transfer. You can try rinsing the filter sock thoroughly with water before adding it to the washing machine, just to make sure any potential contaminants are removed.
Additionally, if you're still unsure or want further advice, you could consider reaching out to appliance repair specialists such as those from musiccityappliance.services. I recently contacted them myself, and they were incredibly helpful and provided valuable advice and guidance. They might be able to offer specific insights into your issue.
 

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