Want to know everything about washing socks?
Read on! Of course, socks are the most consumable part of the wardrobe. They are the ones that most often become unusable - they tear, lose steam, and become covered with dirt that is difficult to remove. One of the reasons why socks most often become completely unpresentable is due to improper washing. Therefore, we will devote this article to how to wash socks correctly.
It is important not only to wash correctly, but also to dry
The best materials for sewing socks – what is recommended to choose?
When purchasing socks, it is recommended to carefully study the information provided by the manufacturers on the label. Not all products are suitable for daily use; some are difficult to care for.
Cotton underwear is in first place - it is hygienic, easy to wash, durable and inexpensive. Among the disadvantages is that durability depends on density. It is recommended to wear at different times of the year - the fabric retains moisture and heat well.
Wool socks confidently hold second place in terms of practicality and durability. It is better to wear it in cooler times - in summer your feet will be too hot.
Wool socks
Bamboo or eucalyptus products are in third place. Like bamboo, eucalyptus has excellent hygroscopic qualities and does not cause difficulties in getting rid of stains. Among the disadvantages is fragility; even careful care is not enough to avoid damage with regular wear.
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Nylon and polyester socks are among the cheapest and most impractical. Poor water absorption and restriction of air access to the skin are part of the disadvantages. The advantages are that they keep their shape, are easy to wash, and are wear-resistant.
Basic washing rules
The main requirement that must be met before soaking is to study the information on the label. Typically, the recommended temperature, use of detergents, and care features after removing contaminants are indicated here.
A prerequisite is sorting. It is better to send colored and white ones into the washing machine separately - there is a risk of causing multi-colored stains to appear on light-colored laundry. After sorting, turn it inside out and shake out any debris, dust, or sand.
Rules for washing socks
If using a washing machine is not recommended, carry out the process manually. The use of aggressive detergents for delicate materials is prohibited - there is a risk of damage to the fibers. The linen will quickly lose its shape, the threads will become thin and quickly break.
Removing dirt manually
Before washing socks by hand, it is recommended to soak them. The water temperature is no higher than 30 degrees.
Add detergent (gel, powder). Place products in soapy liquid after complete dissolution of the drug. The duration of soaking is from 4 hours; for persistent stains, it is recommended to extend the process to half a day. During this time, change the water 1-2 times.
Manual removal of dirt is carried out in stages:
- Soap the fabric with laundry soap (if there are greasy stains, use detergent).
- Rub vigorously with your hands, rinse if necessary, and re-soap.
- Change the water, rinse in clean cold (about 20 degrees) liquid.
- Wring out and hang to dry.
Wash by hand
If the label indicates that spinning is not recommended, allow the water to drain and hang to dry. The duration of washing depends on the degree of soiling, the amount of laundry, and the type of material (delicate fabrics require careful handling, which takes longer).
Features of hand processing
Once the socks are sorted and free of dirt, you can start washing them.
Step-by-step instruction:
Pour water into a basin and dissolve the selected detergent in it.- Moisten the steam and rub the contaminated areas manually or with a brush.
- Rinse in detergent solution. The procedure must be repeated until complete cleansing.
- Rinse socks thoroughly under running water.
- Wring out and dry the products.
In addition to classic washing, there are unusual methods for getting rid of dirt. A quick way is to put socks on your hands. Then they are soaped and intensively rubbed against each other.
Another washing method is using plastic containers . Water with dissolved powder is poured into it, socks are placed and the lid is tightly closed. They put the bottle in the trunk of the car and drive around with it all day. In the evening, all that remains is to rinse the pair and hang it to dry.
Check out this unusual way to wash socks in the video:
Selecting a detergent
When choosing a detergent for washing socks, you need to start from the type of fabric from which they are sewn.
Synthetic and cotton products can be treated with soapy water and washing powder. Liquid formulations are used to care for delicate materials.
Water temperature
It is a misconception to wash socks in hot water. This is done only when additional disinfection of things is required. In other situations, it is enough to limit yourself to warm water.
Its optimal temperature is 40 degrees . It will not burn your hands and will not allow dirt to penetrate deeply into the fibers of the fabric.
Do you need a spin?
Socks can be wrung out after hand washing. This allows you to get rid of excess water and speed up the drying process.
However, there is an exception. It applies to wool products. Woolen socks are not wrung out, but placed on a rack immediately after washing .
They should dry naturally. If you squeeze them out, they will lose their shape and stretch out greatly.
Getting rid of dirt using a washing machine
Using a washing machine is an effective way to deal with any dirt. If the laundry is not too dirty, you can do without pre-soaking. If there are stains on your socks that are difficult to remove, put them in the machine and turn on the “Pre-wash” mode.
Washing by machine also requires compliance with certain rules. The first is to study the information provided by the manufacturers. Usually the recommended temperature and the material from which the underwear is made are indicated. Most machines have the function of processing according to the fabric, which allows you to abandon experiments that are destructive for things.
Cotton, synthetic, nylon products can be washed at 60 degrees. For more delicate materials, choose a gentle mode - up to 40 degrees.
If dirt is removed from the socks of a person suffering from skin diseases or fungal diseases of the nail plates, increase the temperature to 60 degrees. It’s even better to pre-boil the laundry, and only then put it in the washing machine.
The duration of washing depends on the model of the washing machine. Usually the active mode, rinsing, spinning takes up to one and a half hours. If stains are removed from delicate fabrics, it is recommended to select the delicate mode.
In the drum of a washing machine, items easily become entangled, even tied into a tight ball, which is quite difficult to untangle. A special bag that can be filled with soiled laundry will help you avoid trouble.
Washing socks in a machine
Some useful tips
- To simplify the selection of pairs, you need to purchase a batch of socks that are the same in material and color. Having bought three dozen identical pairs of products, you can make a laundry bag once a month exclusively from socks, without mixing them with other things.
- In the case when the pair is not very dirty and needs to be washed to refresh, it is recommended to put one sock inside the other so that they do not get lost.
- It is convenient to use a separate box or bag for dirty socks, and connect the items in pairs with special clips.
- Some people don’t like it when socks go into the wash at the same time as other things, and it takes a long time to wait for just such items to be completely washed. In such cases, socks are often washed by hand.
- The easiest way is to lather each sock with soap and place them in this form in a basin. After this, we put the socks on our palms, like mittens, and begin to wash them. The process is reminiscent of vigorous hand washing. In this way, you can wash even heavily soiled steam in a few minutes.
- Inventive people have come up with another way to help wash small items without using a washing machine. You need to take a five to six liter plastic container, pour a soap solution into it, push it through the hole, close the lid tightly, and place the bottle in the trunk of the vehicle. During the day of driving, all the things in the bottle will be washed perfectly, all you have to do is rinse them.
Which laundry detergents should you prefer?
The use of aggressive detergents to remove soiled socks is not recommended. If the material is too delicate, there is a risk of significantly reducing wear resistance. The exception is underwear made of durable fabrics that are not susceptible to deformation or the aggressive effects of drugs.
For gentle washing, it is recommended to use gels. Most products contain enzymes that effectively remove stubborn stains. Take into account one of the qualities of active elements - enzymes at high temperatures lose some of their properties.
Be sure to first study the information on the bottle - recommended mode, temperature, tissue requirements. If the product is not suitable, do not experiment - such actions will affect the cleanliness and integrity of the fabric.
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Washing powder is another product that effectively removes most dirt. If you choose the right temperature mode and program in the washing machine, you can wash the products without any special difficulties.
Detergents
Important Tips
To prevent things from getting damaged during the washing process, you must follow the following recommendations:
Woolen items are washed at temperatures up to 30 degrees. They are not wrung out, but left to dry naturally, in a horizontal position. Hair shampoo is suitable for caring for them.- It is not recommended to use bleach or bleach too often, as these products corrode fabric fibers.
- Nylon socks are not soaked. They are washed with soap under the tap. The whole process does not take more than 3 minutes.
Modern socks are often decorated with additional decorative elements, such as rhinestones or sequins, which are held on with glue. Such products should be washed carefully, minimizing contact with water.
Whitening – what to use, rules, requirements
For washing white items, it is recommended to use boric acid. For 4 liters of water – 12 g. substances. It is allowed to replace a rather aggressive element with citric acid or juice squeezed from citrus slices. The duration of soaking socks is up to two hours. Soak items that are too dirty 2-3 times.
The use of preparations with bleaching properties is another way to obtain snow-white products. Vanish is popular among housewives; for stains that are too stubborn, it is recommended to use Antipyatnin.
The dosage is indicated on the label; exceeding the amount of the drug or combining several products is prohibited - such actions will not affect the quality of washing.
Some housewives use “Whiteness” to whiten clothes. You should not overuse the drug - the active components quickly corrode the fibers, which will affect the durability of the socks. “Whiteness” is used against stains that are not amenable to more gentle means.
For cotton materials, it is recommended to use chlorine-containing preparations. Step-by-step application of funds:
- Fill the container with 2 liters of warm water.
- Add a chlorine-containing preparation (50 g).
- Stir until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Add detergent (can be replaced with gel), you will need up to 100 g.
- Soak the products, rub a little with your hands, and leave overnight.
Whitening socks with folk remedies
In the morning, wash your socks as usual. There is no need for a washing machine - a concentrated chlorine-based product will cope with stains, contaminated soles, and a yellow tint.
About white socks
Alas, no matter how carefully you take care of them, after a short period of wear and a couple of washing cycles, white socks lose their pristine freshness - they begin to turn gray, turn yellow, and become covered with pellets. These tips will help you keep them clean for as long as possible:
- Make it a habit to wash your crisp white socks after every wear. It is easier to remove fresh dirt from products of this color than old dirt.
- When machine washing, add a little dishwashing detergent to the drum, which will help keep the hosiery from losing its whiteness.
- Ammonia and ammonia are substances that will not only help quickly whiten socks, but also soften tap water. Dosage – 2-3 spoons/liter of water.
This is what clothespins for washing socks look like
- Another way to return whiteness when machine washing is to pour an additional glass of baking soda into the powder compartment.
- When soaking, sprinkle a little lemon juice into the water and leave the socks in it for about three hours. And it is even permissible to rub it into severe stains.
- If your socks are stained with paint from the inner material of your shoes, soak them in a solution of boric acid (20 g/l of water). Then all that remains is to rinse them thoroughly and dry them.
- Add 9% table vinegar (based on 1 teaspoon per liter of water) when soaking.
Another type of clothespins
- White cotton socks can be saved by good old boiling. Let us remind you of this procedure (additionally, watch the video in this article): take an unnecessary old saucepan, dilute an aqueous solution in it with the addition of laundry soap and soda ash powder. Once cooked, immerse the socks in the container and place it on the fire. Stirring occasionally, bring the contents to a boil. It should remain in this state for 10 minutes. Then take the pan to cool, and then rinse the socks in clean water.
Use a bag like this to avoid losing small items when washing.
Tricks for getting rid of pellets
Woolen products, in addition to numerous advantages, have disadvantages, one of them is the appearance of pills. It is recommended to wash wool on both sides, so defects appear on the outside, inside the products.
For preventive purposes, it is recommended to use laundry conditioners. The use of special preparations will extend the life of the yarn, prevent the threads from abrading and the appearance of pellets. The recommended washing mode is delicate. Do not choose a water temperature of more than 40 degrees.
Angora products are also often covered with numerous pellets. It is easy to avoid the appearance of defects - use warm liquid, avoid strong spinning, and use gentle washing preparations. Friction of angora fabric is also not welcome, so it is better to avoid hand washing.
Tricks for making products shrink
It often happens that products stretch and become deformed. There are a few tricks to help your socks return to their previous shape. The easiest way is to use hot water (20-30 degrees higher than specified by the manufacturer), but only if the sock material can withstand heat treatment. If possible, boil followed by rinsing and spinning.
Another method actively used by housewives:
- After washing, soak the items in hot water (up to 70 degrees).
- After a quarter of an hour, gently squeeze.
- Place socks in ice-cold liquid.
- Leave for half an hour.
- Wring out and dry on a clean terry cloth.
A hot battery will perfectly remove deformation and stretching. The method is usually used for woolen products. Soak the socks in hot water, wring them out lightly, and hang them on hot radiators. Wait until completely dry.
Hand washing socks - a method for the lazy but patient
- Any detergent
- You can take either powder, gel, or soap. It’s your choice, the main thing is that it can be dissolved in water
- Sink drain plug
- Sink. Any washbasin will do
We combine the washing and soaking process. We plug the hole in the sink with a stopper and fill it with hot water. The hotter the better. We perform soaking as described in the previous paragraph.
Then we pull out the plug and drain the water. We fill the sink full of water again and fill or add detergent. How many? No matter how much it’s a pity. We are lazy, and we need a quick and strong effect. You can strain a little and stir your socks in the water.
We repeat the procedure three to four times. That's it, you can take out the socks and hang them to dry. If you did everything correctly, they are clean.
How to wash so that items do not shrink and retain their shape
One of the basic rules that should be remembered when washing socks is to prevent the product from shrinking, use only comfortable water. Hot or cold liquid is dangerous to fabric, regardless of the type.
It is recommended to use washing powder, gel, and conditioner. A special substance will prevent stretching of the fabric, the appearance of pilling, and will preserve the shade of the fabric.
If the socks are made of angora, use regular shampoo for washing. Be sure to make sure that there are no bleaching agents in the composition, especially if you are washing black socks.
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When using a washing machine, turn off the spin mode. It is better to easily squeeze out any remaining moisture after washing, spread the items in an even layer on a towel, and leave to dry completely.
Drying socks
Hand wash method for the hardworking and persistent
We proceed exactly as described above. You can use a basin instead of a sink, whichever you prefer. Just don’t wait for the socks to wash themselves, but actively hold them in your hands.
We make fast, energetic movements. Maximum attention to the heel area and spots. You will be surprised, but there is even a mathematical formula for properly washing socks:
Clean socks = time x friction
That is, to remove dirt from them, you need to either rub harder or longer. You see how the scientific approach systematizes and structures simple everyday work.
This is a joke. Seriously though, it’s better to rub your socks with both hands. Change the water at least twice. You can dry it either on the radiator or in a suspended state. Even when hand washing, socks must be turned inside out and separated by color.
Be careful with wool socks - the water for them should be at room temperature. For cotton and other materials, heat the water to a temperature where you feel comfortable working with your hands. But don't forget about rubber gloves, take care of your skin.
And yes, washing soap is not the best option, even for white socks. Vinegar and citric acid are more effective.
Is it possible to wash socks and panties at the same time?
A question that often worries novice housewives is whether it is allowed to put socks and underwear into the washing machine drum at the same time? You should not do this - panties are personal hygiene items and must be washed separately.
It is better to wash even laundry sent in bags separately - temperature conditions, detergents, and spin cycles are significantly different. Briefs require delicate handling, while socks are more “resistant” to temperature fluctuations, powder (gel) composition, and spins.
How to dry socks correctly?
As with washing, the information on the label will come in handy when drying items. Here, caring manufacturers provide requirements that will avoid situations that are dangerous for socks. If the item of clothing is made of durable, wear-resistant fabrics, it is allowed to spin it using a washing machine.
Drying as usual - in the fresh air or near a radiator (hanging socks directly on a hot radiator is not recommended if there is no goal of reducing the size).
If the manufacturer has warned that you should not wring out socks or dry them at high temperatures, use a clean terry towel. Lay out the products, remove folds, straighten, smooth with your hand, and leave until completely dry.
The right temperature is the key to success
The main source of sock contamination is biological in origin. Roughly speaking, these are our skin cells. In order to effectively remove them from fabric, the powder must contain special enzymes. Some manufacturers, for marketing purposes, call them in the Western style - enzymes.
Call it what you like, but you can’t do without enzymes. This is one of the most expensive components of washing powder. It costs even more than the stain remover. Unfortunately, almost half of the detergents in our stores are fakes. And branded powders are not much better. Many manufacturers simply do not add enough of this component.
The easiest way to replace enzymes is by increasing the temperature. Just remember that socks are made from different fabrics. Only cotton and cotton with the addition of synthetics can be boiled, that is, washed at maximum temperature. It’s more difficult with wool; for it the maximum is +30°C.
Is ironing process required for socks?
Do items need to be ironed? It all depends on the fabric from which the socks are made. If the material is delicate, expensive, and does not tolerate elevated temperatures, it is better to abandon the process. It is recommended to use an iron for durable fabrics that cannot be deformed even when exposed to high temperatures.
The use of steam is mandatory - this will shorten the process and, if necessary, eliminate minor defects (tighten clothes that have stretched out during wear or washing).
Is it necessary to iron socks?
For ironing, use two cotton napkins - place the socks between a light cloth and carry out the process. If the items have slightly shrunk, it is recommended to wet the napkins, wring them out lightly, then stretch the linen and iron it with a hot iron. If necessary, repeat the steps, each time stretching the fabric to the desired size.
If you are washing the underwear of a person infected with a fungal disease, you should iron the socks, regardless of the fabric. The main rule is to iron from the back and front sides. The iron temperature is hot, the use of steam is encouraged.
Wash by hand
If socks are heavily soiled, they must be washed. To do this, soap the product with laundry soap or detergent. If there are greasy stains, apply dish soap and then scrub vigorously with your hands.
After washing, change the water and rinse thoroughly. If necessary, repeat the procedure again.
How to whiten socks
Socks made from natural fabric can be bleached by boiling.
- Take a container of water.
- Add laundry detergent and the juice of a few lemon slices.
- Boil for 15 minutes over low heat.
- If there are streaks or dark spots on your socks, wash them by hand.
- Rinse clothes thoroughly.
So that there are no pellets
Wool socks are washed on both sides in warm water, using shampoos and products suitable for this type of material. If the yarn from which the product is made is softly twisted or of poor quality, pills may form on it. You need to wear such clothes carefully, avoiding unnecessary friction and mechanical impact.
Katyshkina wearing woolen socks is a very common occurrence.
To prevent pilling, socks that are prone to pilling should be washed using fabric softener on a delicate cycle.
Terry and angora socks also do not like hot water, strong squeezing and friction. Otherwise, they will quickly lose their appearance.
