How to wash socks

In order for socks to last and maintain their original softness for as long as possible, it is necessary to wash and dry them correctly.

In this practical guide, some very useful tips will be provided for both hand washing and machine washing, thanks to which mishaps will become just a distant memory.

Buy multiple pairs of the same model

One of the secrets to ensuring the longevity of socks is to buy multiple pairs of the same color and fabric, so that you can easily replace a damaged or worn-out sock with another and keep the pair for much longer.

Wash socks as soon as possible

To prevent the formation of mold, bacteria, and unpleasant odors, it is essential to wash socks as soon as possible.

You can choose to hand wash or machine wash if you want to save time.

How to hand wash socks

Never wash colored socks together, but separate them by color to avoid unpleasant color exchanges, which would then be difficult to remove.

Pour plenty of warm water into a sink or a large basin, add fabric disinfectant plus one or two caps of liquid Marseille soap for washing machines, as it is less foamy than the one for hand washing and is much more practical to use.

Mix well, immerse the socks, make sure they are completely submerged in the soapy mixture, and let them soak for about ten minutes.

Then take one sock at a time, wear it like a glove (the lower part of the foot should coincide with the palm of the hand) and rub it with solid Marseille soap to remove all dirt.

Rinse repeatedly until all foam is completely removed.

Finally, fill a basin with cold water, add two or three tablespoons of white wine vinegar and immerse the socks for five minutes, squeeze gently and hang them up to dry.

Vinegar is recommended as it is an excellent disinfectant.

How to treat white socks

Over time, white socks tend to take on a yellowish or gray color, especially on the sole of the foot.

In this case, the use of bleach is strongly discouraged, as it would accentuate the problem even more.

To make them perfectly white again, just wash them, let them dry, and boil them in a pot containing water and two or three slices of lemon; let them soak until the liquid cools down and proceed with another wash.

You can also use special whitening sachet products, which are available in any supermarket.

How to wash socks in the washing machine

One of the major risks of washing socks in the washing machine is finding them unpaired, as they can get lost between the drum seal and the door seal or between the folds of other clothes.

To avoid this inconvenience, simply keep them together with sock pairing clips or special mesh bags, which can be purchased at any household goods store.

If you need to wash socks belonging to different family members, it is recommended to use one mesh bag for each of them; this way, you will save time and effort, as it will not be necessary to separate them at the end of the wash.

Furthermore, the use of the mesh bag helps to prevent the formation of annoying fuzz balls, which are often caused by rubbing against other garments inside the washing machine.

Before proceeding with washing, always check the label with the respective instructions to avoid making mistakes.

If you do not want to separate whites from colors, you can use color catcher sheets to insert in the washing machine drum.

If there are stains, treat them with solid laundry soap, a little dish detergent, or a stain remover and let it act for a few minutes.

Then put the socks in the mesh bag, pour liquid detergent into the drawer, and proceed with washing.

To avoid damage to elastics and colors, select a program for delicate items and a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

How to soften socks

To maintain the high quality of socks, it is important to pay attention to the type of fabric softener and drying method as well.

If you don't want to use industrial products, baking soda or white vinegar will work just fine, but the latter should only be added at the end of the wash, as it neutralizes the action of detergents.

In case of loss of elasticity and hardened fabric, don't worry, because there is a solution for this problem too: just place the socks inside the mesh bag, run the washing machine water, add a cup of white vinegar and start the program.

Towards the end of the wash, add half a cup of baking soda to the drawer and let the washing cycle finish.

How to dry socks

If you dry socks incorrectly, all previous steps lose much of their effectiveness.

First of all, avoid exposing them directly to sunlight or on a radiator during the winter season, as the heat would make them rigid in no time.

Moreover, this behavior obstructs the regular circulation of air and increases the heating bill.

To dry them indoors, it is better to use a dehumidifier or a fan near the drying rack.

If you want to hang them up traditionally, such as on a balcony or on a line outside the window, pair them up or use a special sock drying rack, which saves a lot of space.

Do you have a dryer at home? No problem, just leave the socks in the mesh bag and start the drying program as usual.

Important note: to avoid the formation of mold and unpleasant odors, store the socks only when they are perfectly dry.

These can be folded into a ball or in pairs, so they can be found in a few seconds when needed.

As for ironing, it is usually not necessary for these accessories, but if you really can't do without it, avoid using steam, as it tends to promote felting.

It is better to choose a delicate program according to the type of fabric.