are Hydro sponges machine washable?

[gomezladdams]

Got 50 hydro V sponges from someone that went out of business,was planning on using them right away.Change of plans have to store them for a while.Anyone know a good way to clean them?I already took them apart and squeezed each out a few times in clean water.I dont want them to ferment or anything while being stored.Any Ideas?

 

[gomezladdams]

Well I guess noone knew.
I was gonna wash them by hand but after 1 I was ready to chuck the bunch in the trash.So I grabbed the worst chewed up ones and stuck them in the washer(front loader no agitator) ran2x gentle cycle extra rinse and they came out fine.Washed the rest while I did my tank cleaning all done no damage to any sponges.

 

[rallysman]

If you arent using a detergent I wouldnt worry about it at all.
it will be like a new sponge after it dries for a few days!

 

[Dr Joe]

Sorry, didn't see your post.

I would have suggested putting them in a mesh bag (like you use for delicate things).

Glad it worked out for you...Free stuff is always good even at half the price.

 

[Oddball]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. But, you figured out that it's OK to machine wash them. I have to go a step further and pre-soak my sponge filters in a 50:50 solution of vinegar and water (no jokes, folks) because of heavy lime in the water around here. Then, I toss them in the washer and wash them in hot water. I don't dry them in the dryer though. I just dry them outside in the sun.

 

[Oddball]

Let me know if you decide to unload some of those filters. I'm still setting up new tanks.

 

[orlok]

Soap does come out after about ten steps of squeezing in clean water.

As far as the sponges fouling, just let them dry out on their own.
They'll be fine!