top of page
Writer's pictureSamridhi Sawalka

How To Choose The Right Absorbent Socks For Cleaning Up Spills

Different colors of absorbent socks can clean up a wide range of dangerous spills. Do you think about the color of the sock when you reach for it to soak up fluid that has been spilled or leaked? You must!


Color coding is more than just pretty to look at. Its main goal is to help workers respond quickly to a spill and clean it up safely. Each chemical's color code tells you what the sock is for and is a safety measure for people working in the spill area.


What are Absorbent Socks?

Socks that soak up water are long tubes of polypropylene filled with high-absorbency materials like cellulose or corn cobs. Their uses range from general sorbents to dikes that keep spills from spreading.


Sock and pad for cleaning up spills

Socks made of polypropylene that can soak up liquid are common in kits for cleaning up spills. Different socks can handle spills of water, oil, coolant, solvent, and other liquids. They are available in lengths ranging from 4 to 12 feet, and one sock can hold 2.5 gallons of liquid. Socks and absorbent booms are visually and functionally very similar.


Benefits of Spill kit color coding


There are a few benefits to color-coding the items in your absorbent kit.


● First, the workers can quickly tell what kind of spill it is by looking at the sock. For instance, warn them to avoid hazardous spills if they are not ready to deal with them.


● Second, using color to identify different types of spills can aid in teaching new employees. For instance, they should know which socks to use for cleanup. This is especially important for facilities that process a wide variety of chemicals.


● Finally, you can save money by using the color-coding system. Cleaning up a spill with the incorrect sock is a good use of resources. However, errors are less likely to occur when the color clearly expresses the sock's function.


Universal spills – grey socks


Corn-Cob Universal Absorbency Sock

Grey polypropylene socks have cellulose or corn cob fillings that are absorbent. Grey socks with lots of absorbency can be worn for many different occasions. They are the ideal option for industrial applications and fluids that are not aggressive. This includes solvents, coolants, oil spills, and water-based liquids. Thanks to the grey color, employees will know the absorbed fluids are safe to handle. Grey is great for disguising dirt and blending in with the background. These sturdy socks are perfect for positioning around leaky machinery and equipment.


How do you use absorbent socks?

Absorbent socks rescue the day while cleaning up industrial mishaps. This is why repair shops and industrial establishments need these handy sorbents.


Absorbent universal spill sock.

To contain and absorb liquid spills, use socks as a barrier. Socks are a great way to contain and absorb fluids due to their flexibility quickly. For instance, to absorb condensation puddles, wrap all-purpose absorbent socks around the base of coolers or air conditioners. They can also stop spills from spreading and creating a slipping hazard. Socks can be used as a diking dam and a sponge to clean up a spill. As in the case of erecting a makeshift spill control barrier around a malfunctioning sump pump or IBC tank.


Are Absorbent Socks Reusable?


Reusable absorbent sock hand-wringer

With a hand wringer, your heavy-duty socks can be used repeatedly as absorbents. In short, yes! Particularly, washable absorbent socks made of cellulose-based nonbiodegradable fillers are mildew-resistant. They can be reused after being hung up to dry. Not only do you get your money back from the fluid spill, but you also do not have to buy new socks. Your go-to experts for sorbent, cleanup, and spill control. Take advantage of Absorbents' efficient color-coding system for spill clean-up if color-coding still needs to be used in your facility. It will benefit both your employees and your bottom line. We have many socks, absorbent rolls, and cleaning supplies. All for reasonable prices.


Cleaning Up a Workplace Water-Based Spill

How can I clean the slippery floor warning sign that contains spills using water-absorbent socks?

Never undervalue the dangers and expenses of water-based spills at work. The true threat posed by water-based spills at work is frequently underrated. A spill is not always safe just because it involves a non-aggressive liquid. Slip and fall accidents cost U.S. businesses nearly $10.84 billion annually, as the 2020 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index reported.


Workers could slip and fall if they walked onto a water spill or another liquid. This is why business owners need to take a proactive, timely approach to cleaning up chemical or water-based liquid spills.


Control and confine the spill

Spill containment cleanup kit contents

The first step in spill control is to contain the area so it can be cleaned up easily. Containing a water-based spill is the first step in cleaning it up. This means making sure the spill does not get any worse. One method is to build dikes to contain the leak or spill. Or, if the leak is the cause of the spill, the liquid can be contained in a special unit. If a spill can be contained, it will not spread and become a slipping hazard on the floor.


Containment spill berms

Emergency pop-up pool spill berm

Leaking tanks can be contained with the help of containment berms. You should spread out a spill containment berm, depending on how bad the spill is. This will contain the liquid and keep it in a specific area. For instance, if a water-based chemical leaks from an above-ground tank, you could set up a berm underneath the leak. If the berm is large enough, it should be able to contain the water-based liquid and prevent it from spreading to the ground. These two spill-cleaning tools are often mistaken for one another. There are some similarities between booms and berms, but there are also important distinctions and different uses for each. Below, we will do the same for absorbent booms, explaining them and contrasting them with socks.


Containment dike spill barriers

spill containment dike

A spill zone can be contained and managed with the help of versatile dikes, which function as a flexible wall barrier. A containment dike is yet another excellent option for spill control. A dike builds a flexible barrier wall around a spill instead of berms, which function as a container. Dikes can, therefore, contain, seal off, and trap spills that do not have a regular shape. For instance, you can wrap a dike to contain and direct a water spill in the desired direction. Or, more importantly, do not let it pool where it could cause slips and falls on the floor! Dikes, likewise, are great at preventing spills. They aid in keeping debris and contaminants out of the workshop drains. Spill dike barriers are non-absorbent like berms, making them simple to clean and reuse.


Absorbent sock and boom dike barriers

Check out water-absorbent socks and booms if you need a way to contain and absorb spills.


Corn cob water absorbent sock

This multipurpose absorbent sock has organic corn cob stuffing. Socks are great for tiny spills and wrapping around equipment, such as soaking up refrigeration and A/C condensation. Booms easily contain large spills around a sump pump or a broken pipe leak. Need an intermediate or custom size? Overlapping socks or boom connector hardware adds length. Or, cut socks and reseal them with a plastic zip tie. This lets you make an absorbent for even the biggest cooler ice-melt leak.

Most importantly, mildew-resistant, water-absorbing socks and booms are reusable. Cleaning them in a washing machine and dryer is not recommended. Remove excess water with a hand wringer or hang and air-dry in the shade before using.


What’s the difference between absorbent socks and booms?

Although they seem identical, spill booms and socks vary in dimensions, including length, diameter, and absorbency.


Absorbent boom vs. absorbent sock

Water-absorbing socks and booms vary in size and capacity. You may dike with ease using either flexible absorbent booms or socks. They encircle and catch leaks like water-absorbing snakes. The extremely absorbent poly filler, polypropylene skin, and robust mesh casing of the connectable booms ensure no moisture is left behind. Their huge diameter of up to 8 inches and length of 10 feet means they can soak up a lot of liquid.


Conversely, universal absorbent socks might be considered the "baby brother" of a boom. They start at 3.5 feet in length and extend to 12 feet, with a polypropylene skin that has a 3-inch diameter. The absorbent cellulose or organic corn cob material is housed within the polypropylene sleeve.


Spill clean up


Water-absorbent socks, pillow pads, and roll


Use absorbent pads, mats, rolls, cushions, and socks to mop water spills. After successfully containing a spill, you should start cleaning it up. The good news is that water-related accidents are often simpler to clean up. Unfortunately, you will still need to put some effort into it. For spill cleaning, there are several extremely absorbent product designs. So make use of them. For example, absorbent pads, mats, rolls, socks, and pillows may rapidly absorb liquids that include water.


A spill kit is a practical method to have various goods on hand. Put these absorbent objects in the middle of the spill, where they can capture the liquid. Carefully remove them from the spill location after they are filled. Then burn them or put them in a trash bag for rubbish disposal. Keep mopping up the spill until there is no more liquid left behind. Sort your socks and other absorbent materials by color. Utilize the proper color spill absorbent when dealing with a particular liquid type. Staying with "universal" products is preferable when selecting ones to clean up a water-based spill.


They may be used for aggressive and non-aggressive spills. Universal gray spill cleaning solutions are multipurpose. Everything from water to coolants and chemicals. Chemical spills need hazmat-specific yellow absorbents. Water-repelling white sorbents remediate oil spills, especially in marine applications. Absorbents—spill cleanup specialists. Accidental workplace spill. We can prepare your workplace for any spill. Always be prepared to clear up water, oil, and chemical hazardous spills. We have several spill-cleaning and containment products for all facilities, industries, and markets. Find everything from spill kits to emergency leak repair. Check out our bulk savings and low prices.


Which Spill Response Kit Belongs in Your Facility?


A well-stocked spill kit is as necessary as a first aid kit: Spills occur regardless of location or activity. Life is natural! In your company, having the right instruments on hand to clean up spills before injuring workers or plants is crucial. Spills need immediate action. What "correct tools" are needed to respond to emergency spills? Which strategy is better for spill control and remediation? The spill response kits and spills themselves vary in size and effectiveness. Make sure you're ready for the spill kind. You can confidently tackle any calamity with the right spill kits and equipment.


What spill risks exist at your job site?


Your facility has a distinct identity, and with that identity comes distinct potential problems. There are several other risk factors that you should consider. Which machinery, facilities, or locations are most prone to spills? What kind of drinks are available on-site? How many different volumes are you keeping on hand? Where do you store or move the fluids, and how?


Punctures may be caused by forklifts moving pallets, IBC totes, and other big storage containers around. The location and probable magnitude of your spills are other items to consider. Will you have to clean up little leaks or huge spills? Remember the spill kit container you will need and the standards for your business. Is it necessary to utilize your spill response equipment inside or outdoors? For example, bagged or bucket spill kits may work great for little spills, while major spills may need a drum or a mobile spill kit on a wheeled cart. Varied kinds of containers will be best suited for varied spill volumes.


Before shopping for the best spill kit, consider these factors and others carefully. Consider the worst-case amounts that might leak in several different areas.


What components do spill response kits need to contain?

After identifying the potential hazards at your site, you may purchase an appropriate spill kit. What should your survival pack contain? Possibly absorbent items such as pads, rolls, cushions, and socks. You should research the specific applications of each material to discover which is ideal for you.


Battery acid spill cleanup equipment

Battery acid spill response kits include safety gloves, goggles, sorbent pads, disposal bags, and more.


Along with absorbents, typical spill kit components include disposal bags for dirty clean-up supplies, nitrile gloves for safe material handling, and goggles for eye protection. You can frequently buy spill kit refill materials separately, allowing you to replenish or expand your kit as required. It is important to use the appropriate spill kit. Every spill kit is different, just like your facility is. Various kits are available to clean up various liquid spill sizes. The three most common kinds of spill cleanup kits are typically color-coded so that you can quickly and easily determine which kit to use for a given cleanup.


The kit types include:


● Universal or General Purpose Kits

● Sock and pad universal absorbent drum spill kit 65 gal.

● Drum universal spill kit


Both water-based fluids and hydrocarbons can be cleaned up with these kits. In these kits, the universal absorbents and cleaning supplies are typically gray. Universal spill kits are a good choice for locations that store or use paints, solvents, coolants, and other non-hazardous chemicals and materials.

Oil Only Spill Kits

● Mobile cart kit for oil spill response

● Mobile cart kit for oil spills


Doing business with hydrocarbons? In Oil Only kits, the absorbent pads and other items are typically white. Motor oil, jet fuel, diesel, gasoline, lubricants, and hydraulic oil are some spills that can be cleaned up with these materials because of their water-repellent properties. Garages, machine shops, and shipyards are natural places to find a demand for oil-only kits.


Hazmat/Chemical Spill Kits

● Duffel bag and hazmat spill response equipment

● Hazmat spill kit in a duffel bag


Cleaning up acids and solvents is possible with the help of a HazMat kit. These kits include yellow absorbents that can be used for both hydrocarbons and water-based liquids. For laboratories and other locations handling or storing hazardous materials and chemicals, this kind of kit is excellent for meeting OSHA requirements.


Spill kit container and size options

Various drum spill kits are available to accommodate large spills, with capacities ranging from 30 gallons to 95 gallons. Also, remember the convenience of mobile spill kits, such as overpack drums or large carts with wheels at the base.


A duffel bag or fleet spill kit may be the best option for less significant spills or storage in emergency response vehicles. In the event of a spill of moderate size, a bucket-style spill kit is a handy, on-the-go option.


What other spill response kit options are there?

● Mercury spill response equipment kit

● Cleanup equipment for mercury spills


A wide variety of specialty kits are available for quick spill containment and response in addition to the three main types listed above. For example, biohazard fluid kits, mercury spill kits, and battery acid spill kits are available. Remember that multiple kinds of spill kits should be available in the workplace. It is crucial to routinely check spill kits for missing or broken components and restock them as needed.


Do not worry if none of these starter packs appeal to you. If you consult with our specialists, we can assemble a kit tailored to your needs that will give you the assurance you need to clean up any accident.


You can quickly and easily stock your safety cabinet or supply closet with various other spill response products we offer. Wipers, drain plugs, drip pans, and containment berms are just a few recommendations.


Two types of oil-absorbent booms for boaters

Back to school means that warm weather is quickly ending in many places. This signals the end of a season for boat owners, which means it is time to put your boat away until the following spring. You will need to complete some winterizing tasks before storing the boat, like these:


● draining fuel lines;

● draining the fuel tank — or filling it and adding stabilizer;

● changing the transmission fluid and the oil;

● draining and refilling gear case lubricant and

● removing, charging, and storing the battery.


Whether you perform these tasks independently or hire a marine mechanic, things can get messy. It’s easy — and common — for fuel or other fluids to be spilled into the water or land. Ensuring they have the right supplies will help boat owners and marine mechanics respond quickly to spills.


Oil Absorbent Pads

Boat owners and mechanics can access the same cleaning supplies used to clean up significant ocean oil spills. In addition, a wide variety of oil-only spill kits are designed to soak up hydrocarbons (oil and gasoline) but keep water out, just in case.


The following products are available solely for your marine oil maintenance needs:


Oil Absorbent Pads: These pads and rolls are perfect for high-traffic areas and low-lint applications.

Oil Absorbent Socks: These non-biodegradable socks are flexible, float, and absorb up to 15 times their weight in oil spills.

Oil Absorbent Pillows: These smaller pads are ideal for absorbing leaking fluids in tight spaces.

Oil Absorbent Booms: These booms float on the water and absorb the hydrocarbon spill without sinking, even when saturated.

Bilge Booms: These booms are ideal for removing oil — not water — from your bilge, sump, or tank. They’re wringable, dustless, and will float indefinitely.


These economical oil-absorbent materials should be kept aboard your boat or yacht year-round. These marine oil spill kits let you or your technician clean up engine leaks before they pollute.


Looking for absorbent socks? Contact Samridhi Crreation, a renowned absorbent sock manufacturer and supplier in India.

33 views0 comments
bottom of page