How to wash socks properly

Socks are the most frequently washed item in our wardrobe. Sure, you can stock up on so many pairs that you won't have to wash them for two weeks, but that won't solve the problem; you'll still have to do it sooner or later. Knowing how to wash socks properly can significantly simplify the process and save you time.

What to choose: a washing machine or a basin?

The question arises: is it better to wash socks by machine or by hand? There's no definitive answer here; everything depends on the specific situation. You can wash socks either way. But there are some nuances. If you have a small number of socks, for example, 3-4 pairs in a 5.5 kg machine, don't wash them. You'll need to add other items to the load, otherwise an imbalance will occur, and the display will show a program error.

This is not a reason to give up machine washing. Socks can be washed in a special small sock machine. Thanks to such a machine, you can save both water and your energy. But if you don’t have such a machine, and your socks are all different colors, then hand washing is simply unavoidable.

Hand washing is also convenient when you need to refresh your socks or remove fresh stains. For example, it's best to wash white socks immediately rather than wait for the dirt to set in, so don't wear them more than once. You can even skip the basin if you have a sink in your bathroom to wash a single pair. Just remember to clean the sink afterward.

Housewives often resort to double washing. First, they soak the items in a basin, and then, for a more intense effect, they spin them in the washing machine.

Washing colored socks

Before washing, be sure to shake out dust and lint from all socks, and then sort them. Light and Wash white socks separately from dark and black ones. Also, sort socks by fabric type: wash wool socks separately from cotton and synthetic ones. You can use any powder to wash cotton socks. Hand washing is carried out as follows:

1. socks need to be thoroughly wetted and generously lathered with soap, for example, laundry soap;
2. dissolve washing powder in a basin of water at 40-60 degrees;
3. put the soapy socks into the solution and leave them for 2-3 hours, or longer;
4. After the time has elapsed, rub each sock, paying special attention to the dirty areas;
   

   Don't rub your socks too hard, or you'll literally wear them out. It's better to lather them up again and let them sit for a little while longer.

5. Once the socks are clean, you need to thoroughly wash off the soap, rinse them and hang them up to dry.

As for machine washing, you can use any setting with water temperature no higher than 60 degrees Celsius. The "Cotton" setting is, of course, the best. Before washing, you can fasten pairs of socks with clothespins so they don't get separated and it will be easier for you to hang them up to dry. Well, if you still lost a sock after washing, read the article Where do the socks go?.

How to wash white socks

White socks are the most difficult to wash by hand, especially if they've been dirty for several days. During this time, the dirt has dried and become ingrained in the fibers. So, don't wait; wash your white socks right away. Simply lather them thoroughly with regular laundry soap or a bleach-inducing soap and let them sit for 40-50 minutes. This will allow the dirt to dissolve, and all you have to do is rinse them and hang them up to dry.

You can whiten darkened socks using oxygen bleaches; instructions for using these products are included. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and you'll see results. Lemon and mustard can help remove stains and dirt from white socks if you apply them to the item for a while. Before machine washing, be sure to rinse off the mustard to prevent it from getting into the internal parts.

Important! It is better to wash white socks in water at a temperature of 40⁰C, too hot water can cause socks to darken.

If the above tips don't help, you'll have to soak or boil the beans. Suitable soaking methods include:

• Boric acid mixed with water at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per liter of water. After soaking the socks in this solution for 3 hours, wash them in the washing machine on the "Cotton" cycle and dry them;
• Hydrogen peroxide mixed with ammonia. Add 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and a spoonful of ammonia to a basin of warm water, soak the socks, and let them sit for 3 hours. Grayed socks will turn snow-white after soaking. Rinse them well and dry.
• A quarter cup of washing soda. Add it to water; it will help clean white socks. You'll have to soak them for a few hours and wait.

And finally, the most labor-intensive process is boiling. Socks are boiled for 10-15 minutes in water with the addition of powder and lemon wedges, which have good bleaching properties. We hope now you understand how to wash white socks.

White socks should be hung to dry, not directly on a radiator. The radiator can cause the socks to take on a yellowish tint.

Peculiarities of washing woolen products

Wool socks require special care. Here are some guidelines for caring for wool socks:

• They are washed using a special liquid detergent.
• You can wash socks in the washing machine, but only in the "Delicate Wash" or "Wool" mode. These programs have reduced drum speeds, which means the wash will be gentle.
• When washing wool socks by hand, use warm water no hotter than 30 degrees. Otherwise, the socks will shrink and become smaller in size.
• Wash items not only from the front, but also from the back.
• When wringing warm items, avoid twisting them too hard and don't hang them on a line to dry. Avoid drying them on a radiator either. Drying on a flat, horizontal surface near a heat source is optimal.

Everyone should know how to wash socks. That's why we've compiled all the important rules for washing these items, both in the washing machine and by hand. You can also watch a video about restoring the whiteness of your white socks.

   

Readers' comments