With so many different types of socks and brands out there, it can be hard to know how frequently to wash each type. In this guide we will go though each type of sock and what to do in regards to washing.
Here Is How Often You Should Wash Your Socks:
It is always important to wash your socks, here is how often you should do so
Wool Socks: Hand washing is best and do not wash too often as this affects the material.
Compression Socks: It depends on what you are using them for. Running (2-5 days per week), clinical purposes(wash them as much as medically necessary)
We have gone through Wool Socks, Compression Socks and also Darn Tough socks giving you the answers on how frequently you should wash depending on what you are wearing.
What Is An Acceptable Amount Of Time For Wearing Socks Before Washing?
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the best time to take your socks off before washing them. Some people say it is best to wait until they are filthy, and others say after three days.
The first step in deciding how long you can wear your socks before washing them is to decide how much you sweat at night or during the day. If you are one of those who rarely sweat, it might make sense to wash your socks after a few days. In contrast, if you live in a place that gets hot during the summer and has to wear socks all day long, it might make sense to wash them after two days.
The goal of washing your socks is to remove any excess sweat or perspiration on your feet. Different types of socks will remove moisture at different rates, so you may need to change which type of sock you use. If your feet have a lot of sweat in them, and you end up with a pile of socks that are not clean, then it is crucial to start from fresh.
Do not wash the same set of socks when they are already dirty just because they were washed before and think “they will be fine.” It is essential to start from fresh when your feet are sweaty.
How Often Should You Wash Your Socks:
Wool Socks
Wool is a delicate fabric. It should be washed infrequently and with care. Do not wash your wool socks too often! Wool is self-cleaning and will not build up odors like other fabrics.
Washing your wool socks too often can result in shrinkage or pulls in the fabric. Ensure you only wash them when they are fully saturated with sweat and dirt so that the natural oils in wool can protect the fibers from damage during washing. If you are prone to sweaty feet, try wearing thinner socks made of a different fabric like nylon to help reduce sweat buildup on your feet for more frequent sock changes.
For best results, you should wash woolen socks in cold water monthly with a mild soap solution. You should fill your washing machine with cold water, add the soap, and put it in the wool socks. Allow them to soak for approximately 20 minutes before starting the wash cycle. You can then either rinse or spin dry your socks.
If you have adequate time, you can also use a hair dryer or a steam iron to speed up the drying process. If you have not worn your wool socks for a long time between washes (over 2-3 weeks), it is best to wash them separately from other clothing so that they are not stained by color-fast dyes and brighteners used in other fabrics. The finished product should be soft and clean, without any traces of the initial odor.
Wash your wool socks by hand in lukewarm water. Make sure you do not use hot water or risk shrinking or felting your wool socks.
Dry your wool socks flat on a towel, not by hanging them up or rolling them up in a dryer. If you hang them up to dry, the natural oils will be spread out evenly over the fabric of the sock, making it more likely to develop pulls and shrinkage; if you put them in a dryer, you risk drying out the fibers of the sock, which will weaken its ability to protect against cold temperatures and moisture.
If you find that your wool socks have pulls or loose threads, give them a second washing with woolite, then use a fine-toothed comb to gently and safely remove the loose strands.
Compression Socks
Some compression socks are made from a material that is porous and difficult to clean, so it is vital to wash them occasionally. If you do not know how often you should wash your compression socks, there is not an easy way to determine the answer.
Generally speaking, it can vary depending on how long your socks have been used. Here are some guidelines for washing your compression socks or stockings:
-If they are new, they must be washed in the machine at least twice before wearing them the first use (or three times if they are being worn as regular everyday wear). These changes help reduce odor and keep them fresh.
-If you are using them for clinical purposes, wash them as often as is medically necessary to help heal and minimize problems.
-Always wash your compression socks in cold water and hang them to dry. According to experts, washing your socks in hot water and drying them in the dryer can cause severe damage to the elasticity of your socks that might make them unusable later on. Also, do not forget to check the care instructions on your compression hosiery or socks before washing or drying.
-Some compression stockings are made from a breathable material that allows for air exchange and does not need washing. These are typically made from nylon, spandex, or Lycra and do not need to be washed.
-If you are a runner, your socks will get sweatier as time goes on, which means they will need to be washed more often. However, be careful about washing them too frequently. According to experts, you should not wash them every time you wear them because this can weaken the fibers over time. The same goes for cycling and other activities that get your feet wet during exercise; you should wash your socks more often if necessary so that bacteria does not build up in the fibers. So, how often should you wash your compression socks?
It depends on a few factors. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, if you want a general idea of how often they should be washed, it is probably somewhere between 2-5 times per week, depending on your activity level and what material they are made of.
Darn Tough Socks
Make sure the socks are washed once a week. If you wear them more than once a week, put them in the washer and hang them to dry.
You might think you can go without washing your socks for weeks at a time because they are not your everyday shoes or sneakers, but the reality is that this will lead to foul odors and possible health issues.
The bacteria on your feet may produce sweat full of bacteria and toxins, which will make their way onto your socks during every step of your day. Wearing smelly clothes or shoes does not make for healthy feet, so washing these as often as needed is best.
