Compression socks are specially designed stockings used for better blood circulation in your lower legs. These socks are also used to treat a wide range of medical conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis, Edema, Blood Clotting, Diabetes, and Pregnancy. They provide extra support while running and during your workouts. So, these socks are different from your regular socks.
This guide will help you find out more about compression socks and discuss a few methods to take good care of these like proper washing and drying. It will help you learn how to wash compression socks through different methods. All of this is going to be discussed in this article.
What are Compression socks?
Compression socks are designed with graduated compression technology to help your legs get the right kind of pressure. This pressure forces the blood and lymphatic fluids to move in and out of a certain area. This flow keeps you relaxed and reduces pain and swelling. Diabetic patients feel pain in their lower legs and feet, so they use compression socks to keep the blood flow right.
Compression socks are used according to the physician’s advice as there are multiple factors to consider while wearing these socks. Your physician might recommend a specific pair for you according to the compression needed in your legs. The research and surveys concluded that the compression stockings have an immediate effect on the blood circulation. They keep blood circulation in and out of the joints and prevent issues like blood clots, spider veins, and deep vein thrombosis. So they need proper care.
How Are Compression Socks Made?
By look, you would see elastic materials and rubber in compression socks. But it is way more than that. There are multiple materials used to design these special socks. Spandex, Nylon, Merino wool, and Polyester are a few of the materials used to make these socks. The mix of these materials offers the compression needed for your legs.
The socks are created using specialized knitting machines. The knitting process produces a tight weave, creating a fabric with varying levels of pressure to achieve graduated compression – tighter at the ankle and gradually decreasing towards the calf.
Many compression socks are made with seamless or flat-seam technology to minimize friction and reduce the risk of irritation or blisters. Compression socks come in different sizes to ensure a proper fit. Manufacturers follow specific sizing charts to accommodate various leg shapes and sizes.
Manufacturers design socks with different compression levels measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). This accommodates various medical and lifestyle needs, from mild compression for everyday wear to higher levels for therapeutic purposes.
How to Wash Compression Socks in a Washing Machine
All you need to do is keep the cycle speed lowest. Pick the right detergent to wash compression socks in your washing machine. Washing the socks brings back their elasticity and feels new after every wash. Washing is also vital to keep it safe from dirt and oil.
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Is it Safe to Wash Compression Sock in a Washing Machine?
Yes, it is safe to wash compression socks in your washing machine. While many compression socks are machine-washable, it’s essential to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, the gentle cycle should be used so that it doesn’t harm the fibers of your socks. The cold water is recommended for compression garments.
Use a one-way cycle if you want the best results. It is also better to machine wash compression socks alone. Placing compression socks in a mesh laundry bag can protect them from excessive stretching or snagging during the machine wash cycle.
How to Hand Wash Compression Socks
Hand washing compression socks is the best way to wash them. You apply the right amount of pressure while washing them with your hands. All you need is a small tub and soapy water to start with. Here is how you can do it.
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Choose the Right Detergent: Get a tub with cool water and choose a gentle, mild detergent suitable for delicates. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the compression fabric. Press gently in the water to push all the soap or detergent out of the fabric. Avoid hot water, it would definitely affect your compression socks’ performance due to its effect on elasticity. Avoid fabric softener as well, it does not help you much, and gently rub to get the best outcome.
Avoid Bleach: Bleach could never be a good option while washing your compression sock. So, Skip bleach as it can weaken the fibers and compromise the elasticity of the compression socks. Stick to a color-safe detergent to maintain the vibrancy of the fabric. Bleach damages the color and material of the fiber.
Consider Fabric Type: Different compression socks may have varied fabric compositions. Check the care instructions on the label and follow them accordingly. Few companies like to give a pamphlet with guidance on how to wash your socks. Use can use that pamphlet and follow the guidelines given. Generally, gentle hand washing helps preserve the integrity of the fabric.
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The Best Way to Dry Compression Socks
You need to take care of the drying process as well. The mild sun heat could help, but the direct sun heat is not good. It could damage the fabric. Here are the two methods to dry your stockings.
Air Dry: Allow the compression socks to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as excessive heat can affect the elasticity of the fabric. Air drying is vital and beneficial as it does not affect your stockings.
Flat or Hanging: To maintain their shape, either lay the socks flat on a drying rack or hang them over a line. This helps prevent stretching and ensures they dry evenly. You can also use tumble drying as well. The tumble dry method is easy and helpful, even for regular socks.
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How Often Should You Wash Compression Socks
Compression socks are not normal socks that you can wear and take it off like they are nothing. You need to take care of these socks as they are expensive and bring value to your health. You can wear compression socks for two days if you want, but not more than this period. If you are sweaty even on your first day of exercise or workout, you should go for a wash.
If you are just using compression socks as a medication and you’re not sweaty, you can wear these socks for two days or even more. Medical compression socks increase circulation, and you don’t feel sweat, so they can be washed after two days or more.
How Often Should Compression Socks be Replaced
It depends on the elasticity of the fabric you use. There is no need to replace these socks as long as they are elastic and offer a mild to strong grip on your lower legs. The best way to do that is to slip your finger through your stockings while wearing them. If your fingers don’t feel any tightness or stretch, then it’s time to replace your socks.
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How Many Times Can You Wear Compression Socks Before Washing
It is the dirt or oil that makes you think about machine-washing compression socks. It is definitely the case where you need to secure yourself from germs. If you are using compressor socks while running or working out at the gym, you should wash them daily. That’s what most of the athletes do. If you are using them as a precaution and for blood circulation, you can wear them 2-3 times before every wash.
How Important is to Wash Compression Socks?
Washing compression socks is essential to maintain their effectiveness and prolong their lifespan. Here are some general guidelines for washing compression socks:
- Like any other garment, compression socks can accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria during wear. Regular washing helps remove these contaminants, preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for your feet and legs.
- Clean compression socks contribute to overall skin health. By washing the socks regularly, you reduce the risk of skin irritation, fungal infections, and other skin conditions that can arise from the accumulation of bacteria and moisture.
- Clean compression socks are more comfortable to wear. Removing accumulated sweat and bacteria helps prevent discomfort, itching, and irritation, making the experience of wearing compression socks more pleasant.
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Conclusion
Compression socks are quite a handy tool to bring blood circulation back on track. These socks are not like normal socks as they serve different purposes, such as treating varicose veins, DVT, spider veins, edema, diabetes, and pregnancy issues. So, they are different and need special care while washing. Another factor is the price of these socks. These socks are a little more expensive than those of normal socks.
Washing these socks is important, but taking precautionary measures while washing them is even more important. This guide will surely help you know how to wash compression socks. Follow the above-given methods and washing instructions for your compression stockings.
