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Drying washed socks

How to Wash Socks in Your Washing Machine

We know what you must be thinking: “C’mon P&S, surely we don’t need a lengthy guide on how to wash our socks - how we’re doing it already is just fine!”

Well, buster, ‘just fine’ doesn’t cut it in the PantsMan’s book! At Pants&Socks, we only settle for the very best, research-proven methods of sock-washing that are guaranteed to extend the lives of your hard-working socks.

We’d recommend washing your socks at temperatures of no more than 30 degrees. If you wash your socks at temperatures that are too high, you will damage the material fibres - including the elastic - and will significantly shorten their effective lifespan. At the same time, in our fast-paced modern world, we don’t always have time to wash our garments by hand… 

So, let’s go for the best of both worlds - let us teach you the best way to wash your socks using your washing machine. 

Here’s the best way to wash your socks

  1. Separate your socks - but make sure you organise them into pairs (we don’t want any odd socks creeping in and creating a mystery)
  2. Turn the socks inside-out
  3. Set the machine to wash in cold water (30°), on a gentle cycle, with light detergent
  4. Empty the load, find the socks and turn them right-side out.
  5. Hang them out to dry - preferably in their pairs
  6. Fold and put away 

Step 1: Separate your socks

This step is super simple: just find your dirty socks, make sure they stay organised in their pairs and place them into your next laundry load.

Step 2: Turn the socks inside-out

To ensure you give your dirty socks the total clean that they deserve, turn them inside-out for maximum exposure - time to get rid of that dead skin on the inside… yep, gross isn’t it? But don’t worry- all that gross, dead skin will soon be gone!

Step 3: Load up the washing machine

We recommend washing your socks at temperatures of no more than 30 degrees. While all washing machines are a bit different, all reputable manufacturers should have low-temperature eco settings that you can make use of and accomplish this. 

Couple this low temperature with a gentle, energy-saving cycle that won’t thrash the load about on a heavy spin and supplement the wash with a light detergent of your choice. Remember to follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you don’t overload the wash with detergent.

Step 4: Empty the load

Another easy step for you: empty the laundry from the machine (we’d recommend using a dedicated laundry basket to prevent you losing anything in the mad scramble of trying to grab it all up in your arms). Next, find and separate the socks, then turn them back the right way - turn them inside-in? Basically, just make sure they’re not inside-out anymore! 

Step 5: Hang them out to dry

Before you hang them on the line, group your socks back into their proper pairings - this will make your job easier in the final stage.

And why not use a dryer? Well, you can if you like… but again, higher temperatures may compromise the longevity of your socks, and we want to ensure they get the longest lives possible. Also, it’s not the most environmentally friendly way of doing things.

Moreover, exposing your freshly cleaned socks to the fresh air will help them to maintain a fresh odour once they’re fully dry and placed in your drawer. 

Step 6: Fold them and store them

Finally, you should be left with a lovely selection of fresh, clean socks. So, gather them all up (ensuring that they stay in pairs) and get them ready for folding and storing. 

At a loss on how to fold your socks? Well, don’t worry about that! Just so happens, we have an article for exactly that occasion - you can read all about different methods for folding and storing your socks right now. 

Wash your socks the right way

And that covers it! Washing your socks on gentle cycles and at lower temperatures ensures that your socks will end up both well-washed and undamaged - you’ll be surprised at just how much washing at high temperatures can impact the longevity of your socks. 

For more insightful tips and tricks, stay tuned in to our Below the Belt Blog. And, if you’re ready to grab a fresh pair of socks and put this method to the test, visit our main site and grab yourself a sweet deal on the very best sock brands today!
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