How to Wash Compression Socks Properly

Compression socks aren’t just “socks.” They’re engineered knitwear that relies on elastic fibres to deliver a specific level of pressure. Wash them like everyday cotton socks, and you can shorten their useful life—sometimes faster than you’d expect. Research on elastane/spandex fabrics shows that laundering conditions (temperature, chemicals, mechanical action, drying method) can measurably change fabric properties over repeated cycles.

This guide is written from Hamlet Laundry Ltd’s perspective in London: we handle delicates and performance knitwear daily, and we’ll show you the safest at-home routine—plus what to do when smell, stiffness, lint balls, or “they don’t feel as tight anymore” starts happening.

Important: This article is general garment-care guidance, not medical advice. If your stockings were supplied by a clinic, follow the clinic leaflet and your garment label first. NHS leaflets can differ by product type.

Quick answer: the safest way to wash compression socks

Turn them inside out, wash on a gentle/delicate cycle in cool water (often ~40°C or lower), use a mild detergent, and avoid bleach and fabric softener. Air drying is the safest default. Only tumble dry on low heat if your label explicitly allows it—some do, some don’t.

The 60-second settings guide (save this)

Why care instructions can conflict (and why that’s normal)

You’ll see contradictory advice online—especially about dryers—because “compression socks” can mean:

• Medical compression stockings (often clinic-issued): many NHS materials advise hand wash / avoid tumble dryers / avoid radiators to protect elastic and prevent heat damage.
• Sports/travel compression socks (brand retail): some brands allow tumble dry low heat, and still warn against bleach and certain detergents.

The rule that keeps you safe:

1. Follow the label/clinic leaflet first.
2. If you don’t have it: treat them like delicates—cool wash + gentle cycle + air dry.

Laundry science (plain English): what actually wears them out

Compression socks typically contain elastane/spandex blended with fibres like nylon (polyamide) or polyester. Over time, what reduces performance is usually a mix of:

• Heat exposure (especially drying heat)
• Aggressive mechanical action (high spin, heavy loads, wringing)
• Harsh chemistry (some detergents/bleaches/softeners)

Textile studies on elastane/spandex fabrics show repeated laundering can change dimensional stability and mechanical feel/behaviour; washing conditions and drying methods both matter.

You don’t need lab equipment to act on that—just gentle settings and smart drying.

Before you wash: a pro checklist (1 minute)

Do this every time:

• Check the care label (or your clinic leaflet) before you choose dryer settings.
• Turn them inside out (better cleaning where sweat and oils sit).
• Use a mesh/garment bag (reduces abrasion and “lint balls”). CEP explicitly recommends a garment bag for lint-ball control.
• Keep them away from rough items (towels, denim, zippered garments).

How to machine wash compression socks (step-by-step)

This is the easiest safe method for most people—if your label allows machine washing.

1. Turn inside out
2. Place in a mesh laundry bag
3. Add similar lightweight items (avoid towels/jeans).
4. Choose delicate/gentle cycle.
5. Use cool water (commonly around 40°C or lower depending on guidance).
6. Use a mild detergent.
7. Skip fabric softener and bleach.
8. Remove promptly after the wash to reduce creasing/tangling.

Quick “Do / Don’t” table

How to hand wash compression socks (best for delicate or clinic-issued hosiery)

If your leaflet says hand wash—or you’re dealing with higher-compression medical hosiery—hand washing is the safest bet.

1. Fill a basin with cool to lukewarm water.
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Submerge and gently agitate for a minute or two (no aggressive scrubbing).
4. Rinse thoroughly. (Some NHS guidance stresses rinsing well, especially if ointments are used.)
5. Press water out with a towel—don’t wring.

NHS procedure-related guidance explicitly advises hand washing to avoid damage to elastic and says do not tumble dry for those stockings.

Detergent rules: what to use (and what to avoid)

Use

• Mild detergent (basic, no heavy “boosters”)
• If your skin is sensitive: consider fragrance-light options (comfort choice)

Avoid (common across clinical + manufacturer guidance)

• Bleach
• Fabric softener / conditioner
• “Specialty” detergents your label warns against (CEP explicitly says no Woolite/bleach for socks/sleeves).

Why this matters: repeated wet processing and chemical exposure can affect elastane blends; textile research reviews discuss how wet processes (including softening/bleaching) influence properties of cotton/elastane knits.

Dryer rules: can you put compression socks in the dryer?

This is the section that saves the most socks—and the most money.

The Dryer Decision Tree (simple and safe)

1) If your label/clinic leaflet says “Do not tumble dry” → Air dry only.
Many NHS materials warn against tumble drying and radiators/direct heat.

2) If your label explicitly allows tumble drying → Use LOW heat, short time, remove early.
CEP’s official care instructions say tumble dry low heat for compression socks/calf sleeves.

3) If you’re not sure → Air dry is the safest default.

Radiator and direct heat: avoid

Even where mild tumble drying is allowed, multiple NHS sources warn against drying on radiators/direct heat because heat can damage the material.

A fast, safe drying hack (Hamlet Laundry tip)

If you need them dry quicker without heat:

• Lay flat on a towel, roll it up, and press (don’t twist).
• Then lay flat near airflow (fan/ventilated room).

How often should you wash compression socks?

For most people: wash after every wear—especially if you sweat or wear them all day. CEP explicitly says washing less often doesn’t help and that oils/dirt can negatively affect the compression profile; they recommend washing after every wear.

For some medical use cases, NHS guidance can be more specific (for example, daily washing when ointment is used, plus thorough rinsing).

How long do compression stockings last (and when should you replace them)?

There isn’t one universal lifespan—fabric blends, wear frequency, and drying habits matter.

That said, a credible UK reference point: Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS states that certain brands (medi, Bauerfeind, Sigvaris) “usually need replacing after 4 to 6 months.”

Signs it’s time to replace:

• They slide down more than they used to
• They feel looser at the ankle/calf
• They’ve lost shape even after washing
• Thinning, snags, or persistent pilling

(And if your compression is prescribed: speak to your clinician about replacement timing.)

Troubleshooting: common problems (and fixes that actually work)

1) “They still smell after washing.”

Try this:

• Wash inside out, gentle cycle, mild detergent.
• Don’t overload the machine (socks need water flow).
• Air dry fully (damp drying can trap odours).

Why it happens: sweat + body oils build up. CEP specifically notes oils/dirt can negatively affect the compression profile—so consistent washing matters.

2) “Lint balls / fuzz are collecting.”

• Use a garment bag (again: even CEP recommends it).
• Avoid washing with towels/fleece.

3) “They feel stiff or itchy.”

Often: detergent residue or hard-water minerals.

• Use less detergent.
• Add an extra rinse (especially if your NHS leaflet mentions thorough rinsing).

4) “They don’t feel as tight anymore.”

Common causes:

• Too much heat (dryer/radiator)
• High spin/aggressive washing
• Normal end-of-life wear

Research on elastane fabrics shows washing/drying cycles can affect deformation and recovery behaviour, so “gentle + low heat” isn’t just folklore—it’s consistent with textile testing.

London note: when it’s worth letting a pro handle it (subtle but real)

If you’re in London and you rely on compression socks daily (work, travel, recovery, medical use), it can be frustrating when they lose shape early—or when odour and residue don’t come out.

At Hamlet Laundry Ltd, we can help by treating compression garments as delicates: controlled wash conditions, fabric-safe products, and careful drying choices that align with label/leaflet guidance. If you’re dealing with recurring issues like stiffness, persistent odour, or lint balling, professional handling can be the simplest way to protect expensive hosiery and keep them comfortable longer.

FAQ

Can you machine wash compression socks?

Often yes—many guides allow machine washing on gentle settings. Some clinical leaflets recommend hand washing to protect elastic. Follow your label/clinic instructions first.

What temperature should you wash compression stockings?

Common guidance is around 40°C (or per label). NHS materials include 40°C washing advice for anti-embolism/compression stockings.

Can you tumble dry compression socks?

It depends. Many NHS sources advise do not tumble dry; some manufacturers (e.g., CEP) allow tumble dry low heat for specific products. Follow the label first; otherwise air dry.

Can you dry compression stockings on a radiator?

Many NHS sources say no—direct heat can damage the material.

How often should you wash them?

After every wear is widely recommended, and CEP explicitly advises it because oils/dirt can affect compression performance.

When should you replace compression stockings?

Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS notes some brands usually need replacing after 4–6 months. Your personal timing depends on wear and care.

♻️ Take the Guesswork Out of Caring for Your Compression Socks

If you rely on compression socks for work, travel, recovery, or medical comfort, washing them the right way shouldn’t be another thing on your to-do list.

Let Hamlet Laundry Ltd handle them with the care they deserve—so they stay comfortable, supportive, and longer-lasting.

Why Londoners trust Hamlet Laundry:

• 🧺 Delicates-first care – gentle cycles, fabric-safe detergents, label-aware handling
• 🚚 Convenient pickup & delivery across London – save time, skip the hassle
• 🌿 Eco-conscious processes – kinder to your garments and the planet
• ⏱️ Fast, reliable turnaround – perfect for daily wear and busy schedules
• 👕 Experienced with performance & medical garments – compression socks treated like the specialised items they are

Whether you’re dealing with persistent odour, stiffness, lint build-up, or early loss of elasticity, professional care can make a real difference.

👉 Give your compression socks the care they were designed for.
Choose Hamlet Laundry Ltd, London—where delicates aren’t an afterthought, they’re our specialty.