How to wash wool socks in a washing machine?

Wool items are quite delicate and require special, careful care. This raises the question of whether it's safe to wash wool socks in a washing machine. In fact, throwing warm socks in the washing machine drum is perfectly fine, as long as you follow the basic guidelines. We'll explain how to prepare your items for the washing machine, which washing cycle to choose, and what to avoid during the washing process.

Is it allowed to use a machine gun?

Of course, the best solution is to clean wool items by hand, as this allows you to fully control the process and avoid excessive wringing or wringing of the item. It is possible to wash woolen socks in an automatic washing machine, it is only important to choose the right mode and use special detergents.

As for program selection, almost all modern washing machines have a "Wool" cycle. This is ideal for knitted socks. You can also use a delicate or hand wash cycle, but be sure to turn off the automatic spin cycle. Rapid spins won't do any good to your socks—they'll shrink and the lint will clump.

The maximum permissible water temperature when washing wool is 30°C.

After the washing machine has finished the cycle, wait 5-10 minutes for the socks to drain. Then, remove them from the drum and lay them out on a terry towel to dry. Change the towel as it gets wet.

Drying wool socks in the washing machine is not recommended. Firstly, it will cause significant damage to the machine – just one cycle will completely clog the lint filter. Cleaning this element is not easy. Secondly, after drying in the machine, the fabric will become stiff and uncomfortable on the skin.

Preparing items for washing

Before loading laundry into the washing machine, it's important to sort it, even if it's socks. Dark, white, and colored items should be washed separately. When wool gets wet, it can transfer some of the dye to adjacent items, ruining the appearance of other items. Therefore, it's best to avoid mixed washing.

It's important to shake out dust from each sock before placing it in the drum. You should also brush away any lint and other debris stuck to the nap from the inside and outside. It's a good idea to read the care label. When buying socks, be sure to check the tag—it tells you the washing temperature, the washing method, and the preferred ironing method.

Traditional care

The most gentle and careful way to remove dirt from wool socks is to hand wash them. This allows you to fully control the process and adhere to all the necessary precautions. Hand washing will prevent the socks from fading or losing their shape. The procedure is as follows:

• Fill a basin with water at a temperature of 20-30°C. In a cool environment, wool does not shrink;
• Add detergent to the container. You can use shavings of baby or laundry soap, or use special gels for washing wool. It's best to avoid dry powder, as its granules dissolve poorly in cold water and are difficult to wash out of fabric fibers.
• soak heavily soiled socks for just 5 minutes in a soapy solution, this will soften the stains and make them easier to remove;
• Rub local dirt with soap;
• Using gentle, kneading motions, wash the socks first from the outside, then from the inside. Avoid rubbing vigorously;
• Rinse the items several times, changing the water frequently. You can use a softening conditioner at this stage;
• Don't twist the wool. To wring out excess water, simply roll the sock into a roll and press lightly.

Hand washing should not take more than 30 minutes; the less time wool socks are in contact with water, the better.

To prevent the wool from fading, you can add acetic acid to the washing solution. Add 2 tablespoons of 9% vinegar to five liters of water. Next, dry the socks properly. Lay a towel or sheet on a table in a well-ventilated area and place the socks on top. As the towel or sheet gets wet, move and turn the socks over.

What should you absolutely not do?

When cleaning wool items, it is important to remember the basic taboos. If you don't follow the washing instructions, wool socks can not only shrink a couple of sizes, but also lose their softness and heat-retaining properties, become covered in pilling, and change color. The main recommendations are:

• Avoid temperature fluctuations during washing. Immerse wool in water at approximately the same temperature for both cleaning and rinsing.
• Extended soaking is strictly prohibited. Woolen items can be left in water to soak for a maximum of 15 minutes;
• washing in hot water is prohibited, the temperature should not exceed 30°C;
• You should use special detergents for wool: gels, capsules, and plates. Dry powders should be avoided;
• Do not vigorously rub woolen socks or twist them while spinning;
• Do not hang wool items on a clothesline or place them on a radiator, heater, or electric dryer to dry. It is not recommended to speed up the drying process by using a hot hair dryer.
• Ironing wool is prohibited according to general rules.

If you follow all the recommendations, wool socks will retain their shape and color after washing, retain their softness, and retain warmth. Whenever possible, it's best to hand wash wool items. If you opt for machine cleaning, the key is to choose the right program, remember to turn off the automatic spin cycle, sort the items, and monitor the water temperature.

   

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