Quality compression socks represent an investment in your health, and proper care ensures they maintain their therapeutic properties for as long as possible. Unlike regular socks that can withstand rough treatment, compression garments require more careful handling to preserve their elasticity and compression gradient. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your compression socks in optimal condition.
Why Proper Care Matters
Compression socks derive their effectiveness from precisely engineered elastic fibres that apply graduated pressure to your legs. These fibres are more delicate than they might appear and can be damaged by improper washing, drying, or storage. When elasticity degrades, the socks lose their ability to provide consistent, therapeutic compression.
Regular socks simply keep your feet covered; compression socks must maintain specific pressure levels to deliver health benefits. A compression sock that has lost its elasticity might feel comfortable but provides little more therapeutic value than a regular sock. Proper care protects both your investment and your health outcomes.
How Often to Wash
Ideally, compression socks should be washed after each wearing. Daily washing might seem excessive, but there are good reasons for this recommendation:
- Hygiene: Sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate in the fabric throughout the day
- Elasticity maintenance: Body oils and sweat can break down elastic fibres over time
- Consistent compression: Clean socks maintain their shape and compression properties better
- Skin health: Wearing dirty compression socks can contribute to skin irritation
If daily washing isn't practical, aim for at least every second day. Having multiple pairs of compression socks makes daily rotation easy and extends the life of each pair.
The Two-Pair Minimum
We recommend owning at least two pairs of compression socks so you can wear one pair while the other is being washed and dried. Three or more pairs provide even better rotation and reduce wear on each individual pair.
Washing Instructions
Hand Washing (Recommended)
Hand washing is the gentlest method and best preserves the elastic properties of your compression socks. Follow these steps:
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water (not hot). Water temperature should be comfortable to touch, roughly 30-40°C
- Add a small amount of mild detergent. Look for detergents designed for delicates or specifically for compression garments. Avoid fabric softeners entirely
- Submerge the socks and gently agitate them in the water. Avoid twisting, wringing, or scrubbing vigorously
- Pay attention to the foot area, which tends to accumulate the most soil. Gently rub these areas between your palms
- Drain the soapy water and refill with clean lukewarm water
- Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains. Residual detergent can irritate skin and degrade elastic fibres
- Gently press water out without twisting or wringing. You can roll the socks in a clean towel to absorb excess water
Machine Washing
If hand washing isn't practical, machine washing can work with proper precautions:
- Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the socks from tangling and stretching
- Select the delicate or gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water
- Use mild detergent; never use fabric softener or bleach
- Wash with similar colours to prevent dye transfer
- Avoid washing with items that have zippers, hooks, or rough textures that could snag the fabric
Things That Damage Compression Socks
Never use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets. These products break down elastic fibres and can reduce the effectiveness of your compression socks significantly. Also avoid hot water, which can cause shrinkage and elasticity loss.
Drying Instructions
Proper drying is just as important as proper washing. The heat and tumbling action of machine dryers can quickly destroy the elastic properties of compression socks.
Recommended: Air Drying
- After removing excess water by pressing (not wringing), lay the socks flat on a clean, dry towel
- Shape the socks to their natural form, smoothing out any wrinkles or bunching
- Place in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Turn the socks over halfway through drying to ensure even drying
- Allow to dry completely before wearing or storing
Alternative: Hanging to Dry
If space is limited, you can hang compression socks to dry, but do so carefully. Hang by the toe rather than the top band to prevent stretching. Use a drying rack rather than clothespins, which can leave marks and distort the fabric. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade elastic fibres over time.
Speed Drying Tip
If you need your socks to dry faster, use a fan directed at them or place them near (not on) an air conditioning vent. The moving air accelerates evaporation without the damaging heat of a dryer.
Storage Guidelines
How you store your compression socks between wearings affects their longevity and performance.
Short-Term Storage
- Store compression socks flat or loosely folded; avoid tight rolling
- Keep them in a drawer or container away from direct sunlight
- Don't store dirty socks; always wash before storing
- Keep away from sharp objects that could snag the fabric
Long-Term Storage
If you're not using compression socks for an extended period:
- Wash and dry thoroughly before storing
- Place in a breathable storage bag or container
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Avoid folding tightly or placing heavy objects on top
- Check periodically for signs of deterioration
Extending the Life of Your Compression Socks
Beyond proper washing and storage, several practices can help your compression socks last longer:
Rotate Multiple Pairs
Having three or more pairs allows each pair to rest between wearings. This rest period allows the elastic fibres to recover their shape, extending the useful life of each pair.
Use Donning Aids Correctly
If you use rubber gloves or donning aids to put on your socks, ensure they're free of rough edges or damage that could snag the fabric. Some people use silk sock liners underneath compression socks, which can reduce friction and wear.
Avoid Sharp Objects
Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed to prevent snagging. Remove rings and bracelets before putting on or taking off compression socks. Be mindful of rough surfaces when sitting or kneeling.
Replace When Needed
Even with perfect care, compression socks don't last forever. Most manufacturers recommend replacing compression socks every three to six months with regular daily use. If you notice decreased compression, visible wear, or loss of elasticity, it's time for new socks regardless of how long you've had them.
Quick Care Summary
- Wash after each wearing, or at minimum every 2 days
- Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent
- Never use bleach, fabric softener, or hot water
- Air dry flat; never machine dry
- Store flat or loosely folded in a cool, dark place
- Replace every 3-6 months with regular use
- Own at least 2-3 pairs for proper rotation
Travel Care Tips
Maintaining your compression socks while travelling requires some advance planning. Pack a small bottle of mild detergent for hand washing in hotel sinks. Allow extra drying time, as hotel bathrooms may be more humid. Consider packing an extra pair in case one gets damaged or lost. For extended trips, three pairs minimum is recommended.
Proper care of your compression socks ensures they continue providing the therapeutic benefits you need while protecting your investment. A few extra minutes of careful handling pays dividends in extended sock life and consistent compression performance.