Absorbent Socks
Flexible absorbent socks that wrap around equipment, drains and spills to stop them from spreading, in the exact 3"×4' size standard spill kits call for.
Absorbent socks, also called spill socks, are the workhorse of everyday spill control. They conform around machine bases, pipework and drains to contain leaks and absorb them at the same time. Our 3"×4' socks are an exact fit for standard spill kit bills of materials, and longer 8, 12 and 20-foot socks cover bigger perimeters.
- Absorbs up to ~1.5 gal per 3"×4' sock, ~45 gal per 30-count box
- Universal, oil-only, hazmat, water sock and flat sock options
- Exact 3"×4' fit for standard spill kit BOMs
- Recycled polypropylene blend with sewn seams
- 30 per box standard, 20–25 boxes per skid
Absorbent Sock Specifications
Sizes, pack counts, absorbency and pallet quantities for every standard absorbent sock.
3" × 4' absorbent socks
| Type | Pack counts | Weight | Absorbency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal | 12, 20, 30 or 40 per box | ~0.6 lb per sock | Up to ~1.5 gal per sock |
| Oil-only | 20 or 30 per box | ~0.6 lb per sock | Up to ~1.5 gal per sock |
| Hazmat | 30 per box | ~0.6 lb per sock | Up to ~1.5 gal per sock |
| Water sock | 20 or 40 per box | On request | On request |
| Flat sock | 25 per case | On request | On request |
A standard 30-count box weighs about 18 lb and absorbs about 45 gal. Boxes ship 20–25 per skid.
Extended-length socks
| Size | Type | Pack count |
|---|---|---|
| 3" × 8' | Ask about types | 10–20 per box |
| 3" × 12' | Ask about types | 10 per box |
| 3" × 20' | Oil-only | 6 per box |
Construction
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fill | Recycled polypropylene blend |
| Sleeve | Spunbond polypropylene scrim with sewn seams |
| In use | Conforms around equipment, pipework and drains |
| Labels | Bilingual EN/FR, with SDS and disposal guidance |
Full specs, test results and pack counts are in the Green Spill Kits product sheet (PDF). Samples, SDS and technical test reports are available on request.
Where absorbent socks are used
- Machine leaks: wrap socks around the base of presses, compressors and hydraulic equipment.
- Drains: ring floor drains and catch basins to keep spills out of the sewer.
- Vehicle spill kits: the 3"×4' sock is the standard size in vehicle and shop kits.
- Spill response: lay socks around a fresh spill first, then absorb inside the perimeter with oil absorbent pads.
Absorbent sock sizing
Use 3"×4' socks for most leaks, drains and kits. Overlap the ends of two socks to cover a longer edge. For long perimeters, such as around a tank, a row of drums or a loading dock door, use 8-foot, 12-foot or 20-foot socks so there are fewer joints for liquid to escape through. For spills on open water, step up to oil spill containment booms.
Choosing a sock type
Universal socks absorb oil, coolant and water-based fluids. Oil absorbent socks (oil-only) absorb oil and fuel while repelling water, so they work outdoors and in wet areas. Hazmat socks are for aggressive chemicals. Water socks handle water and water-based leaks, and flat socks offer a low profile along floors and doorways.
Absorbent socks made to spec in Ontario
100% recovered polypropylene
Sorbent fill is 100% recovered polypropylene by dry weight, an EPA-designated recovered-content item.
Lot-checked fill and absorbency
Dimensions, fill weight and absorbency are checked by lot, so every case performs like the last.
Bilingual EN/FR labels
English and French labels, with SDS and disposal guidance available for every product.
No minimum order
Order a single case or a full truckload. There's no minimum on standard SKUs.
24-hour incident shipping
Reserved surge capacity means incident orders have shipped on 24 hours' notice.
Made in Ontario, Canadian-first
Manufactured in Campbellford, Ontario, supporting Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian and ESG purchasing criteria.
Absorbent Sock Questions
What size are standard absorbent socks?
The standard absorbent sock is 3 inches in diameter and 4 feet long. That's the size most spill kit bills of materials call for, and our 3"×4' socks are an exact fit.
How much does an absorbent sock absorb?
Each 3"×4' sock absorbs up to about 1.5 gal, so a standard 30-count box absorbs about 45 gal.
When should I use longer socks instead of 4-foot socks?
Use 8-foot, 12-foot or 20-foot socks for long perimeters, such as around tanks, drum rows or doorways. One long sock leaves fewer joints than several short ones, so there are fewer gaps for liquid to slip through.
What's the difference between absorbent socks and absorbent booms?
Socks are smaller (3 inches across) and flexible, built for leaks, drains and spills on land. Booms are 5 or 8 inches across and built to float, contain and absorb larger spills, especially on water.
What are oil absorbent socks used for?
Oil absorbent socks are the oil-only version. They soak up oil and fuel while repelling water, which makes them ideal for machine leaks, vehicle kits, outdoor spills and wet floors.
What are water socks and flat socks?
Water socks are made for water and water-based leaks. Flat socks are a low-profile sock format that sits close to the floor, packed 25 per case. Ask us which suits your application.
Are spill socks the same as absorbent socks?
Yes. Spill socks, absorbent socks and sorbent socks all describe the same product: a flexible tube of absorbent placed around or across a spill to contain and absorb it.
How many socks come in a box and on a pallet?
3"×4' socks ship 12 to 40 per box depending on type, with 30 per box as standard. Boxes ship 20 to 25 per skid, and there's no minimum order on standard SKUs.
What are your absorbent socks made from?
They're made from a recycled polypropylene blend in a spunbond polypropylene scrim with sewn seams, manufactured in Campbellford, Ontario, with bilingual EN/FR labels.
Get a quote on absorbent socks
Samples, SDS, technical test reports and pallet or truckload quotations are available on request. No minimum on standard SKUs.