How to Wash Compression Socks: Care Guide for Healthcare Workers
For healthcare workers who spend all day on their feet, compression socks are a vital piece of gear. They hold back the swelling and keep your circulation moving to get you through a grueling 12-hour shift. But the one thing that shortens their life span more than anything is washing them wrong.
Too much heat or the wrong detergent can break down the elastic fibers and strip the graduated compression that makes them work in the first place.
This guide covers how to wash and store your compression socks so they keep doing their job while you're doing yours.
The Best Way to Wash Compression Socks
First things first, check for any specific washing instructions on the label. Compression socks aren't all made from the same material, so the care label will tell you what to do for your new pair.
Nylon, spandex, bamboo blends, and merino wool compression socks all respond differently to heat and detergent. Dr. Woof compression socks are made from a bamboo blend specifically, which is breathable and soft against the skin but also needs cool water to preserve the fiber integrity. The label is just a 10-second check that can save you from an expensive mistake.
Hand washing
Hand washing is the gentler method and, honestly, the better choice if you want to maximize the life of your medical compression stockings since their composition is different from that of a normal pair of socks.
All you need to do is fill a sink with cool or lukewarm water, add a small amount of mild detergent, and submerge the socks. Let them soak for a few minutes, then work the fabric gently with your hands. Don't scrub or twist the fabric, though, as putting compression garments under that kind of pressure can cause them to lose their elasticity. The same goes for wringing them out.
Rinse the socks thoroughly with cool water and press out the excess water with the palm of your hand on a flat surface before drying them.
Machine wash
Machine washing is fine for most compression socks, including our performance compression socks. There are, however, a few rules to follow.
Set your machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. To protect your graduated compression stockings against snags and tears, use a mesh laundry bag. And keep them separated from heavier garments like denim and towels, which can create friction and rough up the fabric over the course of a wash.
Washing tips
When it comes to detergent, go with something mild, ideally a formula designed for sensitive skin. Other additives, like fabric softener or bleach, can weaken the elastic fibers and totally kill the compression. Harsh stain removers and tough-action formulas should also be avoided, since they're too harsh for the specialized materials.
If you have smaller stains, you can gently wash the area by hand before your main washing cycle. This should be enough to remove stains without damaging the fabric.
How to Dry Compression Socks
It can be tempting to tumble dry your compression socks, but that's the quickest way to degrade their elastic fibers.
Elastic degrades when it's exposed to high heat, meaning that your socks will become looser and less effective every time you put them in the dryer. For healthcare workers who rely on the efficacy of these socks for hours at a time, that gradual loss of function adds up fast.
The best way to dry your compression socks is to allow them to air dry. Lay them flat to help them keep their shape, or hang them in a well-ventilated spot. While they're damp, take 30 seconds to gently reshape them by smoothing out any bunched areas around the ankle or toe, and make sure the cuff isn't twisted or folded. This keeps the compression zones aligned correctly while the fabric dries.
Remember to keep your socks away from direct sunlight and radiators, since they emit the same kind of heat as a dryer. You should also avoid ironing them, since they don't wrinkle in a way that needs fixing.
Quick-drying compression socks
If you need to turn a pair around quickly between shifts, the good news is that bamboo compression socks are quick-drying. If they're hung in a well-ventilated bathroom or near an open window, most pairs are ready to go in a few hours (without any heat involved).
How Often to Wash Compression Socks
You should wash your compression socks after every shift.
During a full shift, your socks absorb sweat and skin oils, which can build up between wears if they aren't washed. Over time, this does more than just create a bad smell; it degrades the fibers that help to create compression. And although the antibacterial properties of bamboo materials slow this process down, they don't stop it altogether.
Now, washing after every wear is only practical if you own enough pairs to rotate through. While every nurse should own a pair of compression socks, having only a single pair means washing it every day, which can cause quicker wear and tear.
Most healthcare workers doing regular shift work usually need at least three pairs in their rotation. This way, you always have a clean pair ready while the others go through their wash and dry cycle.
When to Replace Compression Socks
Proper care can extend the life of your socks, but it doesn't make them last indefinitely. With a good care routine, your compression socks should last at least six months.
Remember, a good pair should feel snug and supportive from toe to calf. But if it's sagging at the ankle or sliding down through a shift because it's looser than it used to be, the compression isn't doing its job anymore. Similarly, thinning fabric (especially around the heel or toe) is another sign that it's time to buy new socks.
Good Compression Starts With Good Care
Healthcare workers depend on compression socks to keep their legs feeling functional through long, demanding shifts, and to take some of the accumulated pressure off their legs and feet by the time they finally get to sit down. So don't let poor washing habits compromise the one feature of these socks that actually matters.
To keep the support where it needs to be, wash your compression socks in cold water and dry them without heat. Rotating pairs and replacing them often enough will also ensure you're always protected.
If you want to find your new favorite pair of compression socks, start by taking a look at our top picks for nurses.
FAQs
Should I wash my compression socks every day?
To avoid bacteria buildup and smells, it's best to wash compression socks after every use. If you work every day, then daily washing is best. Just make sure to have a fresh pair on hand while the others are drying.
How many hours should you wear compression socks a day?
While there's no specific time limit on wearing compression socks, wearing the same pair for too long isn't recommended. A good rule of thumb is to wear them for a maximum of 8 to 12 hours at a time.
Do I need to take my compression stockings off at night?
Yes, you should take your compression stockings off as soon as you end your shift. These socks and stockings are designed to work while you're moving around or upright, but can restrict your circulation if you wear them while sleeping.
How do I know if my compression stockings are working?
If you usually experience swelling in your legs and feet after a long shift, properly fitting compression stockings should reduce or eliminate that problem entirely.
What compression strength are Dr. Woof socks?
Most Dr. Woof compression socks are 15-20mmHg medium graduated compression, available in knee-high, crew, and ankle lengths. Each length is designed for a different level of support, but all of them rely on the same elastic structure that proper washing helps preserve.
Are Dr. Woof compression socks machine washable?
Yes. Dr. Woof compression socks can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mesh laundry bag to prevent snags and keep them separated from heavier items like denim or towels. Hand washing is gentler if you want to extend their lifespan.
How should I wash bamboo compression socks specifically?
Bamboo compression socks need cool water and mild detergent to preserve the fiber integrity. Avoid hot water, fabric softener, bleach, and high-heat drying. Air drying flat is the best way to maintain their shape and compression strength.
