Using Steam to clean filter socks?

I don't think the steam would melt the plastic but the steam setting alone on a washer isn't really going to clean much of the detritus out of them I wouldn't think, it needs to be washed away. I can see the bleach leaving some detritus behind but can't see how it would leave bacteria since bleach is essentially sanitizer on top of a whitener. Never used peroxide to clean them so I can't comment on it. Whitest whites setting with some bleach and the extra rinse setting is my regime for cleaning filter socks.

 

You are likely to get bacteria left behind no matter the method you use. Simply put, you would be diluting the bleach and the peroxide so much that it isn't going to get close to killing all the bacteria. That said, is that actually your goal? And if so, why? I personally don't think there is a need to sterilize the socks. Just get the gunk out. Effectively you have filtered it out of your water column, so you want to remove as much as you can (a wash cycle should remove as close to all of it as I think can reasonably be expected) and get it back to removing more from your water column.

 

Prime

 

1) New socks-I run them thru a short wash cycle before using them (at least I try to)...during the manufacturing, I find it hard to believe that there isn't some chemical used on/in them. I'd ratheer be safe than sorry

2) Washing them w/bleach and 2 rinses is okay. I don't bleach mine because bleach breaks down the material's fibers. As far as steam/sanitizing: I doubt if it would melt the plastic rings and doubt if it would be more effective than a long wash cycle with 2 rinses. Can use Prime in final rinse if you'd like but isn't necessary.

3) H. Peroxide does work; takes longer than washing though, HP is more expensive than bleach...Distilled vinegar will also work soaking over night.....

I prefer to hand/sink rinse them as soon as I remove the sock. I throw it/them in a bucket. When I get enough to justify a load, I run the rinse cycle and then, they are put in the wssher. Thoroughly air dry them.

 

In the warmer seasons I just take them outside to my driveway(concrete), turn them inside out and hitem with my hose, then I put them in a bucket of RO and Prime, wring em out and dry them.Piece of cake!