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Written By Alecsa Stewart
Scientifically Reviewed by Daniel Chantigian
Compression socks are great therapeutic garments to wear when your work requires you to stand all day, when you’re injured and returning to physical activity, or simply when you’re recovering from a workout that’s challenged your lower limbs. Thanks to their versatility and functionality, compression socks are popular with many people that use them for many reasons, but compression socks can also be a little tricky to look after. You need to ensure that the fabric stays tight, so you can get benefits such as preventing swelling and circulatory problems or improving blood flow.
In this guide, we will look at how you can wash compression socks by hand or in the washing machine, how to dry them, and a few other key points for keeping them working and feeling their best.
How to Hand Wash Compression Socks
Washing compression socks is like washing any other high-quality socks. You want to wash them regularly to keep them fresh and clean to avoid bacteria buildup, unpleasant smells, or fabric deterioration. A 2021 study found that hand washing is the best way to keep your compression socks working their best. Also, we highly recommend washing your compression socks between uses. If you’re hiking or traveling, you can easily hand wash and let them air dry overnight in your tent or hotel room. Here is how.
Step 1: Fill a Basin with Water
It is easiest to wash your socks in a basin. If you do not have one at hand, a sink or bathtub can also work fine. Use cold water - no need for high temperatures, especially with high quality merino wool or nylon socks.
Step 2: Add Mild Detergent
You do not need to overcomplicate choosing a detergent to wash your compression socks in. A simple detergent without any brightener, softener, or bleach will work great. Do not use any tough action detergents or stain removers because these could harm the fabric or compression ability of your socks.
Step 3: Soak the Socks
If you leave your socks to soak in the cold water with detergent for 20-30 minutes, you won’t need to make any effort to wash them. Simply come back and rinse them in cold water, taking care not to wring or twist them excessively.
Step 4: Gently Rub and Rinse
If you feel that the socks need a deeper clean, we recommend rubbing them gently before you rinse them.
How to Machine Wash Compression Socks
The easiest way to wash compression socks is in the washing machine, in a cold-water cycle, on a delicate option if possible.
Step 1: Use a Delicate Cycle
We recommend using a delicate washing machine cycle to avoid an overly powerful spin at the end (which equates to wringing your socks too much, which can damage the fabrics and reduce their effectiveness). You can absolutely add the socks to a bigger load, too.
Be sure to wash with cold water. This will limit the damage to the fabrics and prevent color bleeding (especially from other clothing).
Step 2: Choose the Right Detergent
When it comes to detergent, always look for a simple one, without any added softener or brightening agents. Do not use strong detergents, bleach, or stain removers on your socks because these can harm the fabric, which will reduce the pressure the socks apply to your lower limbs.
Step 3: Protect with a Laundry Bag
To avoid socks tangling with other pieces of clothing and getting twisted or wrung too much, it is a good idea to separate them from the rest of the load by using a dedicated laundry bag. This will make them easier to find at the end, as well!
The Best Way to Dry Compression Socks
Regardless of the fabric of your compression socks, drying them naturally will help maintain their elasticity and compression levels. Air dry them by hanging them on a washing line or laying them on a flat surface ensuring they are not folded over. Merino wool or moisture-wick nylon pairs will dry more quickly, so if you’re traveling or hiking and want to use the same pair the following morning, we recommend choosing those fabrics over cotton.
DO NOT tumble dry your compression socks, as this can also damage the fabric and reduce their effectiveness.
Considering Fabric Type and Care
At Vim & Vigr, we offer our compression socks in soft and comfortable fabrics to match your lifestyle and the environment. Because of the variety of fabrics, you may be asking yourself, do different fabrics behave differently in the wash? Here is what you need to know about washing and drying each compression sock material.
Cotton Compression Socks
High-quality cotton compression socks are comfortable for all-day wear and will look great with any outfit (especially as we’re able to offer so many different colors and patterns in this material). But they’re not as quick to dry and won’t wick away moisture while you wear them. Therefore, when washing cotton compression socks, expect to leave them to dry naturally for a little longer than those made from other materials. You can wash cotton socks in warm water, but we recommend referring to the label for care instructions. We would suggest using a cold-water cycle for them as well (just like with nylon and merino wool).
Merino Wool Compression Socks
Merino wool is known for its moisture-wicking properties and high breathability. This makes it easy to dry off after washing, too. But you need to be careful not to damage the fabric. Do this by washing it only in cold-water cycles, preferably by hand, and with mild detergent. We’ve put together some more tips on how to care for your merino wool compression socks here.
Nylon & Moisture Wick Nylon Compression Socks
Nylon socks are also easy to dry, and they wash quickly, too. Moisture wick nylon socks will air dry the quickest. For washing, stick to cold water and simple detergents, whether you put them in a delicate washing machine cycle or wash them by hand. Do not tumble dry your nylon compression socks.
Looking for high-quality compression socks made from durable, easy-care materials? Explore Vim & Vigr’s collection of cotton, merino wool, and moisture-wicking compression socks designed for long-lasting comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you wash compression socks, the main concern should be to avoid any strong chemicals, high temperatures, or being too rough with the fabric. In our experience, these two mistakes are what prevents compression socks from lasting as long as they should.
Using Bleach or Fabric Softener
Bleach and fabric softener can damage the fibers of your socks. Over time, this makes the socks less elastic and reduces the effectiveness of the therapeutic pressure they apply to the lower limbs. Most of the time, you shouldn’t need to soften the material, either - our Vim & Vigr compression socks are naturally soft and comfortable and will retain their softness throughout multiple wears as long as you care for them correctly.
Wringing or Twisting the Socks
The more you twist or wring your compression socks, especially when they’re wet, the more likely you are to damage the fabric. This can make it less constricting, and therefore less effective for your circulatory system and muscles. Simply lay the socks flat to air dry after a wash, or hang them on a washing line, taking care to make sure they’re not folded over.
How Often Should You Wash Compression Socks?
An important question linked to washing compression socks is about the frequency. Most people prefer to wash any type of socks after every use, whether that’s right away or simply with the next washing machine load.
There is no need to hurry and wash compression socks as soon as you’ve taken them off. We do, however, recommend washing them 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 maintain their pressure levels, which act on your lower limbs to avoid blood clots and other side effects. They’ll also keep looking great, with vivid colors that last longer.
How Do I Remove Stains from Compression Socks?
The most likely stain you can get on compression socks is blood if you’ve cut or scraped against something sharp during a hike or if you accidentally open a sore on your lower legs. The good news is that blood stains come off relatively easily. Rinse your socks with cool water and try to brush off the stain. If that does not work, run your socks through a regular cool machine wash with soap on a gentle cycle first, and examine the results.
In the unlikely event that you still have a stain that needs to be removed after a wash, we recommend soaking the socks in a wash basin with water and detergent, then gently rub the stained area before rinsing. Do not use stain removers, as these can harm the fibers and damage your socks.
When Should I Replace My Compression Socks?
Finally, you may be wondering how you will know if it’s time to replace your compression socks. The simple rule is that socks or stockings should be retired when they no longer provide the therapeutic pressure you need.
If you wear your compression socks daily, they normally last around 3 to 6 months. Afterwards, you may not get the same health benefits and feel as good in them as at the start as they will start to loosen over time.
If your socks are losing their compression, it might be time for a fresh pair. Check out our latest styles here.
One last thing…
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.
Caring for your compression garments ensures they continue to provide the benefits you’ve purchased them for and to keep them looking their best, all while helping them stay comfortable when wearing them. This guide on how to wash and dry compression socks should be your go-to for washing, drying, folding, and anything other sock care you can think of!
References
Candan, C., Nergis, B., Cimilli Duru, S., & Koyuncu, B. (2021). Development of a Care Labelling Process for Compression Stockings Based on Natural (Cotton) Fibers. Polymers, 13(13), 2107. Read it here.
Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here.
Li, Q., Li, C., Dong, D., Sun, G., Hu, Hongyan, Hu, W., Xie, H., Li, Y., Wang, Y. (2024). Effects of washing on the mechanical properties of medical compression stockings. Textile Research Journal, 95(1-2), 136-152. Read it here.
Lim, C. S., & Davies, A. H. (2014). Graduated compression stockings. CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 186(10), E391–E398. Read it here.
Mosti, G., Picerni, P., & Partsch, H. (2012). Compression stockings with moderate pressure are able to reduce chronic leg oedema. Phlebology, 27(6), 289–296. Read it here.
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