Are you washing your socks the wrong way? Three easy tips to make them last longer

The humid rainy season is upon us. During this time, laundry is hard to dry, and socks in particular are susceptible to moisture and germs.

It would be a shame to ruin your favorite socks if you wash them incorrectly.

But don't worry. By following just three rules, you can make your socks last longer and get through the rainy season comfortably. Here are three tips for washing socks that anyone can easily follow.

[How to wash socks: Golden rule 1] Always use a laundry net

Do you just put your socks in the washing machine as is? In fact, this is a major cause of shortening the lifespan of socks.

Why do we need the internet?

The biggest benefit of using a laundry net is that it reduces wear and tear . The fibers of socks are gradually damaged by rubbing vigorously against other clothes in the washing machine.

In particular, delicate knitted parts and elastic rubber parts are easily damaged by friction. By placing them in a net, this friction can be greatly reduced.

Another benefit is that the shoes retain their shape. The beautiful knit pattern and three-dimensional shape that fits the foot are maintained, so the shoes stay comfortable for a long time.

Practical tips

The key to choosing a net is to make sure it has fine mesh. If the mesh is too large, the socks may come into contact with other clothes. Also, do not pack too many pairs of socks into one net, but keep it to around 2-3 pairs so that the detergent and water can be distributed evenly and dirt can be removed properly.

[How to wash socks: Golden rule 2] Hang them with the opening facing up

What is surprisingly little known is the correct way to dry socks. In fact, the way you dry them can make a big difference in the lifespan of your socks.

Reasons for putting the opening up

A common mistake many people make is to hang their socks by clipping the toe part of the socks to a clothespin. This may seem like a no-no at first glance, but it's actually a no-no. If you hang your socks up with the opening facing down, the weight of the entire sock will continue to rest on the elastic part.

When rubber is subjected to gravity for a long period of time, it gradually stretches and loses its elasticity. Once stretched, rubber does not return to its original shape, so the fit becomes poor and the shoes start to slip down as you walk.

By hanging the socks with the opening facing up, gravity will work in the socks' natural shape and moisture will be efficiently wicked away from the toes. This will help prevent deterioration of the rubber and maintain the original comfort of the socks.

The correct way to dry

Secure the opening of the socks securely with clothespins and choose a well-ventilated location. When drying indoors during the rainy season, you can shorten the drying time by using a dehumidifier or electric fan. It is also important to hang socks with a reasonable amount of space between them so that they do not overlap.

[How to wash socks: Golden rule 3] Never use a dryer

When you're short on time or it's difficult to dry socks during the rainy season, you may be tempted to use the dryer, but this is something you should avoid doing to your socks.

Why dryers are bad

The high temperatures of the dryer are the biggest enemy of socks. First of all, they greatly increase the risk of shrinkage . In particular, cotton and wool materials can shrink in fiber due to heat, and become smaller than their original size. Once socks have shrunk, they will not return to their original size no matter how much you stretch them.

Even more serious is damage to the rubber parts . The rubber and elastic threads used in the opening, toe, and heel parts of the shoes will deteriorate rapidly when exposed to high temperatures. They will lose their elasticity, and in the worst case scenario, may even break.

Dark socks are also more susceptible to fading and discoloration caused by heat, which can ruin your favorite vibrant hues.

Alternative drying methods during the rainy season

To dry clothes efficiently without using a dryer, it is effective to combine a dehumidifier with an electric fan. By using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and a fan to circulate the air, clothes can be dried naturally in a short time.

If your bathroom has a drying function, we also recommend using the clothes drying mode. However, set the temperature low and allow the clothes to dry slowly over time.

Summary of how to wash socks

Three rules to make your socks last longer

1. Net required → Prevents wear and lasts longer

2. Opening up → Prevents rubber deterioration

3. Do not tumble dry → Avoid shrinkage and damage

By following these three rules, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your socks. The rainy season can be particularly harsh on socks, but with proper care, you can enjoy your favorite pair for a long time.

Since you wear socks every day, it's important to take a little time to look after them carefully. With comfortable feet, you'll be able to comfortably weather the humid rainy season.