Wash This Way! How to Care for Compression Therapy Socks

Posted On: March 8, 2018 by CarePro Health Services in: CarePro Compression Therapy Health

Start Practicing These Proper Washing Techniques

Person sitting in the car with their feet on the dash, wearing orange socks.

When old socks become holey, most of us just toss them in the trash without a second thought. But when it comes to compression therapy socks, most of us expect to get a little more mileage out of them. That’s why practicing proper washing techniques can help you extend the life of your compression therapy garments. Here are a few tips you should keep in mind:

Machine Washing

How you wash your compression therapy socks—by hand or machine—is entirely up to you. If you do put them in the washing machine, make sure you put them in a mesh laundry bag to keep the fabric protected. Turn the machine onto the gentle cycle and keep the temperature between 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you choose to put it through the dryer, make sure it is set to a no-heat or maximum low-heat setting.

Hand Washing

When washing by hand, soak the socks in warm water with washing solution for a few minutes before gently rubbing the fibers of the compression garment together. Make sure you do this without stretching them excessively. To help it dry faster, roll the socks in a towel and gently squeeze. Don’t hang a garment to dry—this can cause it to stretch excessively. Instead, lay it flat on the towel, avoiding direct sunlight.

Use the Right Washing Solution

Solvents, petroleum-based cleaners and other harsh cleaning agents can damage your compression therapy socks. Make sure you use mild soaps or detergents that are free of bleach, chlorine, fabric softeners and other laundry additives.

A few compression therapy manufacturers also make solutions to wash compression therapy garments. These can quickly and easily remove oil, body acids and other residues without causing damage to the fabric.

At CarePro Health Services, we’re all about connecting you with the medical supplies that can help make your life better. If you have any questions about best practices when it comes to compression therapy socks, give us a call today! Or, browse our online catalog to see what we have in stock.

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