The best way to wash socks is to turn them inside out, wash them in cold water with mild detergent, and dry them on low heat to keep them fresh and durable. This simple method works for most sock types and helps maintain their quality over time.
Whether you’re dealing with everyday cotton socks, athletic pairs, or delicate wool, knowing the right washing method prevents shrinking, fading, and odour build-up. By following a few easy steps, you can make laundry day easier while extending the life of your favourite socks.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Socks?
The best solution for keeping your socks fresh. Just slip them into your shoes, and enjoy the comfort of going sockless with moisture-wicking and odour-control technology. On laundry day, toss them in the washer and dry as usual. For optimal results, machine wash cold with similar colours and tumble dry on low.
How Often Should You Wash Your Socks?
The frequency of washing socks depends on how long you wear them, your activity level, and how much your feet sweat. If you suffer from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), wash your socks after each use. Regular washing extends the lifespan of your socks, keeps them fresh, and promotes better foot health.
FLAT SOCKS no-show inserts are designed for those who dislike traditional socks or have sweaty feet. They help minimise sweat and odour, reducing the need to change socks multiple times a day or carry extra pairs.
Washing Machine vs. Washing by Hand
Using a washing machine is the easiest way to clean socks, whether it’s your floral FLAT SOCKS or cotton crew socks. Simply toss them in with the rest of your laundry and let the machine do the work.
Delicate fabrics like cashmere, Merino wool, or sheer tights should be washed by hand to preserve their quality. Here’s how to wash socks using both methods:
How to Wash Socks in a Washing Machine?
- Separate Socks by Colour and Material: Mixing a white shirt with a red sock? Expect it to turn pink! Always separate socks by colour and fabric type.
- Turn Them Inside Out: Washing socks inside out ensures germs and bacteria are removed while preventing lint build-up.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: A mesh bag keeps your socks together and prevents them from getting lost. FLAT SOCKS clean best in a garment bag.
- Wash on a Cool or Warm Cycle: Using mild detergent, cooler temperatures help maintain the quality of your socks, preventing fading and shrinkage.
- Tumble Dry Low: Dry socks on a low heat setting to preserve their integrity. Ensure they are completely dry before wearing or storing.
How to Wash Socks by Hand?
- Fill a Sink with Cool Water and Mild Detergent: Cold water helps delicate socks like wool last longer.
- Turn Socks Inside Out: This allows for a deeper clean.
- Soak for 5–10 Minutes and agitate by Hand: Soak longer for dirtier socks, and gently swirl them to remove grime.
- Rinse thoroughly with Cold Water: rinse until all soap residue is gone. Avoid twisting or wringing them out.
- Air Dry or Hang to Dry: Hang them on a line or place them flat on a towel to absorb moisture.
Washing Socks by Material
Before washing, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. All FLAT SOCKS no-show socks can be machine-washed, with guidelines provided on the packaging and website.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to wash different sock materials, including compression and wool socks:
- Kids’ Socks: FLAT SOCKS Kids ‘ socks are machine washable, moisture-wicking, and odour-controlling, making laundry day easier.
- Athletic Socks: Most athletic socks can be washed and dried by machine. They’re durable and designed for active, sweaty feet.
- Cotton Blends: Cotton and polyester socks, including FLAT SOCKS, are durable and easy to wash with regular clothing.
- Wool Socks: Handwash wool socks in cold water with mild detergent or use a delicate cycle, then air dry. For a machine-washable alternative, try Microwool FLAT SOCKS.
- Compression Socks: Handwash compression socks in cool or warm water, and air dry. Never use a dryer.
- Fuzzy Socks: Use cold water and mild detergent for fuzzy socks. Faux fur FLAT SOCKS can be machine-washed and retain their softness after washing.
What Temperature Should You Wash Socks In?
Cold water is ideal for washing socks, especially if you want to extend their lifespan and preserve their look. Cold water keeps FLAT SOCKS soft and maintains their features, such as the no-slip grip and vibrant patterns like animal prints or geometric shapes.
How to Clean White Socks?
Brighten dingy white socks with these simple methods. Depending on the fabric, regular white socks can be washed in warm or hot water with other whites. Here are a few tips for removing stains:
- Add a capful of non-chlorine bleach (but never use bleach on FLAT SOCKS).
- Use 1 cup of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of powdered dishwasher detergent with your regular detergent to brighten socks.
Getting the Smell Out of Socks
Want to eliminate embarrassing sock odours? FLAT SOCKS feature odour-control technology to keep your shoes and feet smelling fresh. Wear them alone or with socks for all-day odour protection. To further combat smells, add baking soda to your laundry detergent. It’s a natural antibacterial that neutralises odours and is safe on delicate fabrics.
Laundry Day Just Got Easier
If you dread laundry day as much as wearing socks, FLAT SOCKS and FLAT SOCKS Kids are your solution. These no-show inserts eliminate the hassle of washing multiple pairs of socks, giving you more time and fewer loads to worry about.
FQAs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I wash socks in hot water?
Hot water can sanitise and remove stubborn stains from white socks, but it may damage elastic fibres and fade colours in colored or elastic-rich materials. Use hot water only when necessary.
Is it best to air-dry or machine-dry socks?
Air drying is the safest method—it helps preserve stretch and fabric integrity. If using a dryer, select a low or no-heat setting to avoid shrinkage or fibre breakdown.
Can I wash all types of socks together?
Yes, but to avoid damage, wash delicate fabrics (like cashmere or compression socks) separately or by hand. Use mesh laundry bags to keep them safe in the machine.
How do I prevent losing socks in the wash?
Use a mesh laundry bag or place socks inside a pillowcase before washing. This simple trick keeps pairs together and prevents them from disappearing during the laundry cycle.
Final Words
Keeping your socks clean doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer machine washing or hand washing, the key is to use the right water temperature, gentle detergent, and proper drying methods to maintain comfort, freshness, and durability. By following these simple steps, you’ll extend the life of your socks and keep them looking and feeling like new—making laundry day a whole lot easier.
