Socks are essential for comfort, hygiene, and performance. Take care of them the way they take care of you and extend their life by properly cleaning them–– so they give you the comfort and support you need.
Quick Overview: Step-by-Step Sock Washing
Various types of socks exist, each requiring their own type of care. Check out this general overview, then jump to the type of socks you’re looking to wash to keep your socks clean and fresh.
- Sort Your Socks
- Pre-Treat Stains
- Choose the Right Washing Method
- Wash with Care
- Dry Properly
- Fold and Store
Air-drying your socks can help maintain their color and elasticity.
Step 1: Sort Your Socks
Begin by separating your socks from other laundry to avoid color transfer and to treat specific material needs. Sort them by color and fabric type—keeping delicate fabrics and heavier socks apart.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains
Check each sock for stains before washing. Apply a gentle stain remover to any soiled areas and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps ensure that stubborn stains are addressed prior to the main wash.
Step 3: Choose the Right Washing Method
Select the appropriate washing settings based on your sock materials. For most cotton and synthetic fabrics, a gentle cycle with cold water is sufficient. Delicate materials like wool or cashmere may require hand washing or a specific machine setting.
Step 4: Wash with Care
Place your socks in a mesh laundry bag to prevent stretching and snagging during the wash cycle. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach to keep the fabrics’ integrity and color vibrancy.
Step 5: Dry Properly
Air drying is ideal for socks to maintain their shape and elasticity. Lay them flat on a drying rack or hang dry them in an area with good air circulation. Avoid using high heat in a tumble dryer as it can degrade the fabric and elasticity over time.
Step 6: Fold and Store
Once dry, fold your socks or roll them into pairs. Store them in a dedicated drawer or organizer to keep them neat and easily accessible. This also helps in keeping pairs together, reducing the chances of losing individual socks.
How to Wash Wool Socks
Use a wool-safe stain remover or a gentle detergent solution.
Be cautious not to rub too hard to avoid damaging the fibers. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a detergent specifically designed for wool. It also helps to place your socks in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from excessive agitation and potential damage. For hand washing, be gentle to avoid felting.
Air dry wool socks. Lay them flat on a towel to dry, reshaping them to their original form to prevent stretching or distortion.
How To Wash Compression Socks
Correct cleaning is important in maintaining the benefits of these socks. Treat stains with a mild detergent or stain remover. Gently rub the affected area and rinse thoroughly before washing.
Use cold water on a gentle cycle. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach. Avoid high heat, as it can harm the elastic fibers.
If hand washing, avoid wringing out excess water to maintain their shape and effectiveness. Air dry by laying them flat or hanging them.
How To Wash Merino Wool Socks
These socks are softer than regular wool. Wash them gently in water to keep them in good shape.
Use a wool-safe stain remover or a gentle detergent solution. Be cautious not to rub too hard to avoid damaging the fibers. Place the socks in a mesh bag to minimize friction and protect the fabric.
Similar to regular wool socks, Merino wool requires cold water and gentle handling.
Air drying is essential. Lay them flat on a towel, reshaping them to their original form to maintain fit and prevent shrinking.
How To Hand Wash Socks
While it’s easier to toss your socks into a washing machine, you can also take extra care washing by hand. Always wash your socks in cool water with the appropriate detergent. For example, wool detergent for your wool socks. Gently squeeze out the water and either hang or lay flat to dry.
How To Get White Socks White Again
White socks can lose their brightness over time, but there are ways to restore them. Simply apply a stain remover directly to the areas on the sock you’d like to treat.
Wash with hot water and a detergent that contains oxygen bleach, which is effective for brightening whites. For extra whitening power, add a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the wash. Air dry white socks in the sun, as sunlight can naturally brighten them.
Should You Iron Your Socks
Generally, you don’t need to iron your socks. To remove wrinkles, simply lay the socks flat and smooth them out with your hands.
How to Wash Custom Socks
For custom socks, especially those with prints or special materials, extra care is crucial to maintain their appearance. Turn them inside out to protect any printed designs and wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, as these can fade colors and degrade fabric quality. If possible, hand wash to preserve the design and fabric integrity for longer.
Conclusion
Cleaning socks may seem simple, but taking care of each type can greatly improve how long they last and how well they work. At Sock Source, we host a large selection of customizable socks, including cotton and merino wool options. Some of our most popular styles are flat knit, ankle, and athletic chassis’. With over 50 custom yarn colors, unlimited custom packaging options, and variability in the sock build itself, we’re sure we’ll meet your needs. Reach out to us to get started on your custom sock order!
Whether you use everyday cotton, soft wool, special compression, or high-performance Merino wool socks, these tips will help. They will keep your socks in great shape and make sure they last longer. So, next time you’re ready to clean your socks, remember these steps for the best results!
