How to Wash Compression Socks and Keep Them Looking New

You may be new to wearing compression socks, either for keeping your lower limbs fresh and nimble on long flights, standing up all day, helping you recover from injury, or if you need to wear them for other medical reasons. You may also be preparing your first big hike in merino wool compression tights or want to start using them for running. In all cases, the question of how to care for your compression socks is important to know so you can keep your socks as long as possible. Washing your compression socks correctly will help them prevent swelling, edema, or other circulation problems for much longer while also keeping your feet clean and healthy. 

How to wash compression socks and how can you care for them, so they keep their elasticity and pressure levels for as long as possible? 

In this article, you will learn about washing your socks in a machine or by hand washing, what the best laundry detergents are, and how often you should wash compression socks for best results. We’ll also cover when you need to replace them – a necessary step in the life cycle of socks. 

HOW TO WASH COMPRESSION SOCKS AND STOCKINGS  

Like other socks, compression socks should be washed between uses for the best results. If you don’t wash your compression socks between uses, the material of the compression socks can break down more quickly. If this happens, the compression socks will not prevent swelling or edema as effectively.

Compression socks are worn for many different reasons. If you wear compression socks while running or hiking, you should wash them between wears to make sure they don’t retain odors or cause irritation of the skin of your feet or ankles. If you use compression socks for a hike, there’s no need to wash them any differently from those you might be using while sitting at home, which you might do to protect yourself against varicose veins or edema. Ultimately, good quality compression socks should retain their properties for at least 6 months, if they’re not exposed to any destructive substances during washing. Here's how to wash your compression socks to keep them functioning well and to keep your lower legs clean and healthy. 

MACHINE WASHING COMPRESSION SOCKS  

To keep your compression socks working effectively, wash your compression socks after each time you wear them. Our Merino Wool Compression socks are odor resistant, so they can last slightly longer than other fabrics, but we do not recommend wearing them for more than 2 days in a row. The easiest way to wash compression socks correctly is to machine wash them on a delicate cycle with cold water. You will want to avoid washing your compression socks in hot water, because high temperatures might reduce the compression pressure in the material. 

A machine wash at a maximum of 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) will be enough to get your socks clean again, even after a long run.  

HAND WASHING COMPRESSION SOCKS  

If your washing machine is broken or if you are traveling, the easiest thing to do is to hand wash your socks with cold water in a sink or the bathtub. You could even soak them for 20-30 minutes in cold water with detergent, then rinse them out if they were only worn for a few hours.  

Fabrics like Nylon or moisture-wick Nylon will then dry quickly, so you should be able to wear your socks again the following day.  

CHOOSE THE RIGHT DETERGENT  

You do not need to overly complicate choosing a detergent to wash your compression socks in. A simple detergent without any brightener agents will work great. Don’t use any tough action detergents or stain removers because these could harm the fabric or compression ability of your socks.  

AVOID BLEACH  

Similarly, chlorine or bleach can damage the fibers that make up compression socks. This can result in losing their elasticity, making them less fit for purpose. It could also lead to discoloration, ruining some lovely patterns.  

CONSIDER FABRIC TYPE  

If you have any doubts about washing your compression socks, check the label and the fabric type. Different fabric types may wear out more easily if you do not wash them correctly. Our range of socks includes materials like merino wool (especially important to wash after each use), Nylon or moisture-wicking Nylon, and cotton. While cotton compression socks could be fine with a warm wash, it’s best to always refer to the label and care instructions on the packaging, in addition to the advice above.  

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH COMPRESSION SOCKS?  

An important question linked to how to wash your compression socks is about the frequency of the washing. Most people prefer to wash any type of socks after every use, whether that’s immediately or simply in the next washing machine load available. 

There is no need to hurry and wash compression socks as soon as you’ve taken them off. We do, however, recommend washing yours after each wear. This will keep the materials clean and fresh, ensuring they keep working for as long as possible and are comfortable to wear every time. Washing your compression socks correctly will keep their pressure levels, which acti on your lower limbs to avoid the creation of blood clots and other side effects. They’ll also keep looking great, with vivid colors that last longer.  

IS IT BAD TO WASH YOUR COMPRESSION SOCKS EVERY DAY?  

You should wash your compression socks every time you’ve worn them, especially after wearing them for a long time. No harm will come to them from being washed often, if you stick to these tips: 

•         Wash your socks by hand or in a washing machine on a gentle cycle, in cold water (maximum 40 C / 100 F)
•         Don’t tumble dry compression socks
•         Don’t use bleach or tough action detergents
•         Don’t use stain removers.  

Additional tip: If you’ve been out for a run or a hike and sweat a lot in your compression socks, or if your socks have got wet in the rain or puddles, it’s a good idea to first air them out before storing them in your pack and taking them home. Keeping the socks even a little bit wet will keep unwanted odors, make them harder to clean, and increase how quickly they might lose their therapeutic pressure.  

THE BEST WAY TO DRY COMPRESSION SOCKS  

To avoid any damage to the material, the best way to dry compression socks is to hang them up to air dry. If you’re able to hang them outside, the wind and fresh air will dry them relatively quickly (especially in the case of moisture-wicking Nylon socks).

If you can’t air dry your socks outside, no need to worry. Compression stockings or socks will air dry just fine indoors. Both indoors and outdoors, compression socks will keep their shape and size for longer if left to dry naturally.  

Avoid using a tumble dryer with your compression socks, as this might cause them to shrink. If the socks are too small, they will not work as well and could cause skin irritation, discomfort, or even pain, according to one scientific report. .  

WHEN TO REPLACE COMPRESSION SOCKS  

Finally, you may be wondering when you will know if it’s time to replace your compression socks. Simply put, you need to replace your compression socks if they do not provide the therapeutic pressure you need. Normally, if you wear compression socks every day, you should replace them after 3 to 6 months. This will ensure that you are getting the health benefits from wearing your socks while feeling great while you do so.  

With proper care, your compression socks can be a great ally when it comes to keeping your feet and lower limbs healthy, avoiding unwanted conditions such as edema, and feeling light and fit. Simply follow these tips and you’ll have no trouble holding on to yours for as long as you need them! 

When your socks are clean, you will want to fold them and put them away. Here is a quick video we made on how to properly fold compression socks.

Shop stylish and functional compression socks online at Vim & Vigr.

Shop stylish and functional compression socks online at Vim & Vigr.

References

Rabe, E., Földi, E., Gerlach, H., Jünger, M., Lulay, G., Miller, A., Protz, K., Reich-Schupke, S., Schwarz, T., Stücker, M., Valesky, E., & Pannier, F. (2021). Medical compression therapy of the extremities with medical compression stockings (MCS), phlebological compression bandages (PCB), and medical adaptive compression systems (MAC): S2k guideline of the German Phlebology Society (DGP) in cooperation with the following professional associations: DDG, DGA, DGG, GDL, DGL, BVP. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 72(Suppl 2), 37–50. Read it here.

Xiong, Y., & Tao, X. (2018). Compression Garments for Medical Therapy and Sports. Polymers, 10(6), 663. Read it here.

Rabe, E., Partsch, H., Morrison, N., Meissner, M. H., Mosti, G., Lattimer, C. R., Carpentier, P. H., Gaillard, S., Jünger, M., Urbanek, T., Hafner, J., Patel, M., Wu, S., Caprini, J., Lurie, F., & Hirsch, T. (2020). Risks and contraindications of medical compression treatment - A critical reappraisal. An international consensus statement. Phlebology, 35(7), 447–460. Read it here.