10 Pro Tips for Proper Sock Cleaning Care
At Spirit Sox, we believe that socks are more than just simple foot coverings – they tell a story. Socks are expressions of personality, comfort, creativity, community, and personal care. Especially if you own high-quality socks made by yours truly (;)), we know that you want to keep them in tip-top shape so you can enjoy them for years and years to come.
So, why not give you guys some helpful tips on how to properly wash your favorite pair of socks? We’ve got your back!
To keep your socks looking the best, feeling the best, and lasting for a long time, here’s a comprehensive guide we put together so you can learn about proper sock care. (And, honestly, just make your laundry life much easier.) Follow the below step-by-step guide to ensure your favorite pairs stay vibrant and cozy:
Step 1. Sort Before You Soak
Your first step in properly washing your household’s socks starts with organization. Begin by separating your pairs of socks by color and fabric type. Washing whites with whites and darks with darks prevents color bleeding while also ensuring each pair receives the appropriate individual care, just like you do with other articles of clothing. Delicate materials like wool or specialty fabrics should be washed separately and on a more delicate cycle to avoid damage.
Step 2. Flip ‘Em Inside Out
Next, you’ll want to turn your socks inside out before washing them. This essentially exposes the inner fabric area that collects the most sweat and dead skin cells, allowing for a deeper clean and helping to remove accumulated the “dirtiest” side of your socks. This simple step also helps maintain the exterior’s appearance by reducing lint and preserving designs.
Step 3. Consider a Mesh Laundry Bag
Since socks are smaller articles of clothing, you’ll want to put all your socks in a mesh laundry bag before washing them for several reasons. First, the mesh material separates your socks from the rest of the laundry to minimize friction with other garments, which reduces the risk of pilling and even damage. Second, using a laundry bag helps prevent socks from getting lost or tangled with other garments, ensuring that they always come out in pairs every time. (We all know how one sock mysteriously seems to disappear every load so using a laundry bag can stop that wizardry once and for all!)
Step 4. Use Mild Detergent
As for your laundry soap choice, opt for a light or mild detergent and use it sparingly. Overloading a load of socks with detergent can leave residue on the fabric that can irritate your skin and also degrade the fibers, reducing the quality and lifespan of your socks.
Step 5. Skip the Softener
Although it might seem counterintuitive at first, it turns out fabric softeners can actually break down the elastic fibers in your socks and reduce their longevity. Instead of trying to find “sock-safe” fabric softeners, just nix this product all together for the sake of your pairs. Or, if you must use some type of softener, try using a natural alternative like a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for a softening effect without harmful outcomes.
Step 6. Choose Gentle Cycle Settings
For the next step, set your washing machine to a gentle, energy-saving cycle with cold water, ideally set around 30°C (86°F). Just like you would do for your more delicate items of clothing, running your sock load on ‘cold and gentle’ will help preserve the elasticity and color of your socks. (Not to mention, using these settings also conserves energy allowing you to use sustainable practices that help save our planet!)
Step 7. Air Dry for Longevity
After your delicate washing cycle, grab your bag of socks and unpack your pairs in your folding space. That’s right, always avoid the dryer because it uses high heat, which can shrink or damage the fibers in your socks. Instead, air drying is the way to go! Reshape your socks to hang them individually on an outside line or over your dining room table’s chairs (we won’t judge ;)). This method maintains their shape and elasticity while also being environmentally friendly as well!
Step 8. Special Care for Special Socks
For socks made of delicate materials like merino wool or eco-friendly bamboo, consider manual hand washing to ensure each pair is gently handled. (Using the mesh bag does help delicate-made socks stay in good condition, but definitely go for the hand wash method if you have high-end pairs.) Also, be sure to always follow the care instructions specific to the material of socks you have to keep them in top condition as some might call for alternative cleaning techniques.
Step 9. Don’t Overwash
A good practice to get into is not overwashing your socks. Unless your socks are smelly or heavily soiled, consider wearing them a few times before washing. This helps prevent premature or unnecessary wear on these smaller-sized clothing items, prolonging their life. Obviously, use your best judgment for this step so you don’t irritate the skin on your feet, create athlete’s foot, or walk around with locker-room-smelling socks that others notice before you do! (yummy! ;P)
Step 10. Invest in Quality
Last, but certainly not least, investing in high-quality socks made from nicer, durable materials like bamboo, merino wool, or premium cotton, will not only feel better on your feet but these types of socks will also last much longer. Choosing quality socks over quantity means fewer replacements, more comfort, better style, and a better bang for your buck in the long run.
As sock lovers ourselves, we know your socks are more than just an afterthought – they’re a part of your story and style. Whether you prefer the bold and bright or the classic and cozy, taking good care of your socks allows for longer-lasting fit, vibrant color retention, and all-day comfort with every wear. By following these simple yet effective care tips, you’ll keep your favorite pairs of socks vibrant and comfortable, ready to accompany you on every step of your life adventures. (Especially if you’ve invested in or received a pair of Spirit Sox, they always deserve a little extra love. 😉 <3)
Laundry day just got a whole lot smarter and a whole lot more fun! Happy sock washing!
