How to Wash and Dry Compression Socks

Compression socks look simple, but they’re built from stretch fibres (often elastane blends) that can lose their “snap” when they’re overheated, over-agitated, or coated in residue. At Hamlet Laundry Ltd in London, we treat them like technical delicates, not everyday socks—because a few small mistakes (hot water, fabric softener, high-heat drying) can shorten their usable life.

Quick answer

Wash compression socks in cool-to-lukewarm water on a gentle/delicates cycle (or hand wash), use a mild detergent, avoid bleach and fabric softener, rinse well, and air dry by default. If you want to use a tumble dryer, only do so on low/gentle if the care label/brand allows it.

The 3-step rule we use at Hamlet Laundry (works worldwide)

1. Check the carefirst. That label is the “final word,” and brands genuinely differ.
2. Reduce friction and heat. Gentle wash + mild detergent + low agitation protects stretch fibres.
3. Default to air drying. If tumble drying is allowed, keep it low and gentle (never high heat).

Why we’re so strict about this: research on elastane knitted fabrics shows washing cycles can measurably affect stretching and elastic recovery—exactly what you’re trying to preserve in compression socks.

Compression sock wash & dry settings cheat sheet

Use this as your “safe default” when the label doesn’t say otherwise:

Dos and Don’ts (simple, practical, real-life)

✅ Dos

• Do turn them inside out before washing.
• Do use a mild detergent and rinse well (detergent residue is a common culprit behind “stiff” or “itchy” feel).
• Do choose gentle/delicates if machine washing.
• Do keep a second pair so you can wash one while wearing the other (this is also recommended in patient-care guidance).

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t use bleach or fabric softener.
• Don’t wring or twist—press water out with a towel instead (twisting can deform the knit).
• Don’t dry on radiators/heaters or in direct sun—both can be too harsh on stretch fibres.

How to machine wash compression socks (Hamlet Laundry method)

Hand washing is often the safest option, but many brands allow machine washing on gentle when done correctly.

Step-by-step (machine)

1. Check the label (especially for drying rules).
2. Turn socks inside out.
3. Put them in a mesh laundry bag (prevents snagging and reduces abrasion).
4. Use gentle/delicates cycle.
5. Use cool–lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
6. Skip bleach and softener—always.
7. If your machine has it, choose extra rinse (helps remove residue).
8. Move them to drying promptly (leaving damp elastane items bundled can cause odour).

Why gentle matters (the science bit, in plain English): Studies on elastane knitted fabrics show washing cycles influence elastic recovery and unrecovered elongation—so repeated harsh cycles can slowly change how well the fabric springs back.

How to hand wash compression socks (safest, simplest)

If you want the lowest-risk method, hand washing is it.

1. Fill a basin with cool–lukewarm water.
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Gently swish and soak for a few minutes.
4. Lightly rub any high-sweat areas (footbed/ankle).
5. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
6. Do not wring. Press water out with a towel.

How to dry compression socks (without ruining the stretch)

Air drying (best default)

Most guidance that prioritises longevity points you to air dry.
How to do it well:

• Lay flat on a drying rack or hang in a well-ventilated area
• Keep them away from radiators/heaters and direct sun

Can you put compression socks in the tumble dryer?

This is where people get conflicting answers—because brands differ.

• Sigvaris: recommends air drying and says to avoid tumble drying for the garment care guidance.
• medi: says their compression stockings are suitable for tumble drying, but only on gentle/low, and still warns against radiators/heaters/sun.

The safest, honest rule:

If thedoesn’t clearly permit tumble drying, treat air drying as the standard. If it does, use low/gentle only.

How often should you wash compression socks?

If you wear them against skin all day, the most common advice is effectively: wash them daily / after each wear—both for hygiene and to keep oils/sweat from building up. MedlinePlus patient instructions explicitly say: wash the stockings each day with mild soap and water, rinse, and air dry.

A practical routine:

• Wear Pair A today → wash tonight
• Wear Pair B tomorrow → wash Pair A
  (Keeping two pairs makes this easy.)

The most common mistakes we see (and how to avoid them)

Odour rescue (without harsh treatments)

If socks smell “clean but still sweaty,” it’s often residue + trapped oils, not just dirt.

Try this:

• Wash inside out, mild detergent, extra rinse
• Dry fully (damp drying = lingering odour)
• If odour persists, a short soak in cool water with mild detergent can help (avoid aggressive chemicals; follow label)

(We avoid recommending strong chemical hacks because they’re not label-safe for every brand.)

A London note: when you’d rather not risk it

If you’re in London and you’re worried about ruining an expensive pair—or you simply don’t have time—Hamlet Laundry Ltd can take compression socks through a delicates-safe process (low agitation, careful separation, and drying that respects care labels). It’s the same mindset we use for technical sportswear and other stretch garments: protect the fibres first, then chase cleanliness.

Subtle pro tip: if you drop them off, bring (or snap a photo of) the care label—dryer rules vary by brand.

People Also Ask

Can I wash compression socks with normal clothes?

You can, but it’s safer to wash them with other delicates and avoid rough items (jeans, towels, zips). Turning them inside out and using a mesh bag reduces abrasion.

Can I use fabric softener on compression socks?

No—multiple care guides advise avoiding fabric softeners because they can affect the material and leave residue.

What temperature should I wash compression socks?

Cool to lukewarm is the safest general setting unless thesays otherwise. Gentle cycles and mild detergent are commonly recommended.

Do I need to wash compression socks after every wear?

Daily washing is commonly recommended in patient-care guidance: wash each day with mild soap and water, rinse, and air dry.

Can I tumble dry compression socks?

It depends on the brand and label. Some (like medi) allow tumble drying on gentle/low; others (like Sigvaris) advise avoiding tumble drying and recommend air drying.

Ready to stop worrying about ruining your compression socks?

If you’ve ever hesitated before pressing “Start” on the washing machine, you’re not alone. Compression socks are delicate, technical garments—and one wrong wash can shorten their life.

That’s where Hamlet Laundry Ltd makes life easier. 🧺✨

Let us take care of them properly, so you don’t have to.

Why Londoners trust Hamlet Laundry Ltd:

• 🧵 Delicates-first care – compression socks are washed separately with low agitation and fabric-safe settings
• 🌡️ Temperature-controlled washing & drying – no guesswork, no fibre damage
• 🧴 Mild, garment-appropriate detergents – never bleach or fabric softener
• ⏱️ Time-saving convenience – perfect for busy schedules
• 📍 London-based, local service – reliable care from people who understand everyday laundry challenges

Whether you wear compression socks for work, travel, sport, or daily comfort, professional care helps them last longer and perform better.

👉 If you’re in London, let Hamlet Laundry Ltd handle your compression socks with the care they deserve.
Drop them off or include them with your regular laundry—we’ll treat them like the technical garments they are.

Your time is valuable.
Your compression socks are too.
👉Book your schedule today.