Question: We’ve been using the PIG Socks for rain water that seeps into where it’s not wanted. We’ve been air drying and reusing without issue. I’ve been asked if the socks will eventually stop absorbing or if the outer sock part will deteriorate first. Will it be obvious when it’s time to let them go and get new ones?
Answer: We often hear that customers will use and then dry and reuse PIG Socks to clean up water leaks and spills.
Most of the time, the skin of the sock will degrade first because it is exposed to UV light from the sun and lighting sources inside your facility. Check the skin of the sock for thin spots and if you find any, it’s time to replace it with a new one. The skin could also start to become brittle and begin to tear open in spots. This is another sign it’s time for a new sock. If you keep using a sock past its usefulness, the skin could tear and cause the filler to come out and leave a big mess.
Keep an eye on the socks as they’re absorbing the water leaks. If you move the sock with your hand or foot and water comes out, the sock is saturated, which means it can’t hold any more liquid and needs to be replaced.
The best socks to reuse when absorbing water are the PIG Blue Absorbent Sock and the PIG Mildew-Resistant Absorbent Sock.
The PIG Blue Absorbent Sock has a polypropylene skin with vermiculite filler. The filler will expand as it absorbs water and then shrink back to its smaller size as it dries out. This sock is also very heavy, so it’ll stay in place better.
The PIG Mildew-Resistant Absorbent Sock is the best sock you can buy for absorbing water. Its polypropylene skin and filler will resist the growth of mildew.
Keep in mind that neither sock has a UV additive to resist damage from rays, sunlight and interior lights. If possible, try to keep them out of sunlight.
These Universal Absorbent Socks also absorb water, as well as coolants, solvents and oil. Check them out to get started on protecting your facility from unwanted leaks and drips.
2 Comments
Pig Customersays:
02/23/2019 at 11:56 pmCan the water absorbing socks be washed in a washing machine?
Isabella Andersensays:
07/02/2019 at 11:49 amHi there, thanks for your question. Absorbent socks should not be washed in a washing machine. The filler inside the socks soaks in liquids, so when they are placed in a washing machine they will do exactly that: absorb all of the water that they can possibly hold, which usually causes the washing machine to go off balance, and may permanently damage it.
As a side note: absorbent socks should also not be dried in a home or commercial dryer. The particulate in the filler will cause the dryer to overheat.
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