Reusing filter socks

[davjbeas]

I have a need to re use filter socks on my Innovative marine 80 gallon all in one.

They are out of stock and I don't know when they will have more

My concern is detergent or some other chemicals will remain in the sock and poison the tank.

I am thinking to run the laundry machine empty so as to make it as clean as possible

Put the filter socks in the laundry machine and add standard bleach (I don't know how much to use)

Air dry the socks after the washing process.

Thanks for any input

  

[Djplus1]

Are the IM socks designed to be single use only? I've always reused mine previously. I just washed them in machine with vinegar to get them "clean" without worrying about soap.

[ParrotFish]

1 hour ago, davjbeas said:

I have a need to re use filter socks on my Innovative marine 80 gallon all in one.

They are out of stock and I don't know when they will have more

My concern is detergent or some other chemicals will remain in the sock and poison the tank.

I am thinking to run the laundry machine empty so as to make it as clean as possible

Put the filter socks in the laundry machine and add standard bleach (I don't know how much to use)

Air dry the socks after the washing process.

Thanks for any input

  

We do this exactly to wash the socks, have been doing it this way for years and no issues. Can always do another rinse or two in the washer to be safe. 

 

*We are not using IM socks though. Unsure if that makes a difference 

Edited June 9, 2025 by Squishie89

[davjbeas]

I found the item on Amazon and the description says "Can be rinsed and washed" 

28 minutes ago, Squishie89 said:

We do this exactly to wash the socks, have been doing it this way for years and no issues. Can always do another rinse or two in the washer to be safe. 

 

*We are not using IM socks though. Unsure if that makes a difference 

Do you use bleach or vinegar?

 

Djplus1 - Thanks for the reply, I believe they can be rinsed and washed

 

 

 

 

[ParrotFish]

Bleach

[davjbeas]

What type of bleach and how much do you use?

 

[ParrotFish]

5 minutes ago, davjbeas said:

What type of bleach and how much do you use?

 

I will look tonight and get back to you

[YHSublime]

 

You can also use a few caps of bleach in a bucket of warm water, and soak the socks overnight. I soak them again in RO after a bleach soak and sink rinse.

[davjbeas]

Thankyou YHSublime

 

[davjbeas]

I was looking online for bleach and I found different types available

I found concentrated, Germicidal, disinfecting, low splash

Does it matter what type to get?

I have some disinfecting bleach on hand

Thanks

 

[Jeremy]

I just wash with hot water heavy cycle extra rinse inside and out a few times 

[ReefdUp]

Don't use the concentrated, low-splash, or scented stuff.  Those have additives that we don't know the interactions on an aquarium.  Just use the plain ol' original bleach.  Bleach is germicidal/disinfecting by nature.

 

I wash all my filter socks in the washing machine on the deep steam/heavy duty cycle with bleach filled to the "bleach" line on my machine.  Then, I run a quick cycle with the "tap water conditioner" or whatever other chlorine-remover product I have on hand to ensure the bleach is neutralized.  Then I throw them in on my dryer's sanitize option.  

 

This process helps clean out the washing machine, too.  

 

[This is all assuming that your filter socks are meant to be reusable.]