There are various ways that can be followed to wash socks, but some methods are better or more effective than others. If you want to wash your socks in the washing machine, make sure you turn the socks over before washing them on the gentle setting. If you want to wash them manually (by hand), shake them and soak the socks in a mixture of warm water and detergent. After washing, hang the socks in the sun to dry them so they don't get damaged.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Machine Washing Socks
Step 1. Sort socks by color
Before washing, separate the socks into two piles: white and another color. Thus, the color of the socks will still look bright and the white socks will not fade to other colors.
- If you want to wash formal socks (eg work) and sports socks, it's a good idea to separate the two types of socks as well. For example, you can make piles or loads of colored formal socks, colored sports socks, white formal socks, and white sports socks. You can also categorize socks by their material. For example, wash wool socks separately from cotton and cotton blend socks.
- If you only have a few pairs of white sports socks to wash, put them all in the washing machine along with the few white towels you have on hand.
Step 2. Use a stain-removal product to remove the stain
There are a variety of stain removal products (eg Vanish) that are formulated to remove stains. Purchase the product and follow the directions on the package or bottle. You may be asked to soak a soiled sock in a mixture of water and product, or to apply the product directly to the stained area.
Add a spoonful of a powder/liquid stain remover product (eg Vanish or Power) to 3.8 liters of warm water and soak the soiled sock for a few hours, or overnight if the stain is particularly persistent. After that, wash the soaked socks
Step 3. Remove the stain using homemade ingredients
There are several home remedies that can be used to remove various types of stains. Try sprinkling salt on the red wine stain or spraying a hairspray on the ink stain before washing the sock.
Make your own generic stain remover mixture by mixing dish soap and hydrogen peroxide in a 1:2 ratio
Step 4. Turn the sock over
Thus, the socks can be washed thoroughly because odor-causing bacteria usually stick to the inside or "interior" of the sock. In addition, this step also helps reduce the buildup of fibers that clump on the surface of the sock.
Step 5. Clamp each pair of socks using clothespins
If you frequently lose pairs of existing socks, try clasping each pair of socks with clothespins before you put them in the washing machine. This way, the socks will stay in pairs during the washing process and are easier to store afterwards.
Step 6. Wash the socks in cold water and a mild detergent using the gentle (gentle) setting
Set the washing machine to fine spin mode, press the start button, and apply a mild laundry detergent to prevent fading, stretching of fabrics, and other damages.
Step 7. Turn the sock back over
Take the socks out of the washing machine. Push the end of the sock from the inside toward the mouth of the sock, then carefully pull the end that pops out of the hole until the sock interior is back on the inside. Be careful not to stretch the sock fabric.
Method 2 of 3: Washing Socks Manually (by Hand)
Step 1. Sort the socks to be washed
Divide the socks into two piles: colored socks and white socks. Wash each pile separately so that the color on the colored socks doesn't run off and stain the white socks. In addition, this step also helps maintain the color resistance of colored socks so they don't fade easily.
If you want to wash sports socks and formal socks, keep them separate to prevent damage
Step 2. Remove stubborn stains with a stain remover product or home remedies
Purchase a stain remover product and follow the directions on the package or bottle (eg soak a sock in the water and product mixture, or apply the product directly to the stained area). You can also remove stains using a variety of materials available at home. For example, use hot vinegar to remove greenish stains from grass and soil.
Step 3. Fill the sink with cold water and soap
Put the stopper on the sink and fill the tub with cold water from the faucet. Warm water can cause discoloration and/or shrinkage of the fabric. When the tub begins to fill, pour a mild detergent into the tub. If you don't have laundry detergent, use dish soap.
Use a soaking tub instead of a sink if the load is heavy
Step 4. Turn the sock over
The inside or interior of the sock is the side that needs to be cleaned more thoroughly. By turning your socks over and washing them under these conditions, you can eradicate as much of the odor-causing bacteria as possible.
Step 5. Move or shake the sock in the water
Shake or move the sock in the water with your hands to remove any adhering dirt and ensure that the sock can be cleaned more thoroughly. Do not brush and/or twist the sock as this can stretch the fabric and damage it.
Step 6. Soak the socks for 5 minutes
Let the socks sit for about 5 minutes so they can absorb the soapy water. If the socks are very dirty, remove the water from the tub, refill the sink with the soapy water mixture, and soak the socks for 10-30 minutes.
Step 7. Rinse the socks
Unplug the tub and remove dirty water from the tub. After that, turn on the cold water tap and rinse the socks by holding them under running water to remove any remaining soap.
Step 8. Turn the sock back over
Reinsert the interior of the sock to the inside, just as when the sock was clean. Be careful not to pull or stretch the fabric while doing this.
Method 3 of 3: Drying and Storing Socks
Step 1. Roll the sock in a towel and press it to remove the remaining water
Spread the sock over the towel, roll up the towel tightly, and press the towel to remove the water from the sock. Do this before you dry the socks to speed up the drying process.
Do not wring the sock as this can stretch and damage the fabric
Step 2. Dry the socks to dry them
The best way to dry socks is to hang them on a rack or clothesline. Drying socks using a dryer can actually reduce their elasticity and/or weaken the fabric of the socks.
Step 3. Dry the socks using a tumble dryer on a gentle setting if you are in a hurry
If you can't wait for the socks to dry in the sun, put them in the dryer and use the light or fine drying setting to avoid damaging the socks. This setting is designed for clothing that is prone to breakage, such as lingerie or sportswear, so it (at least) won't damage your socks.
Step 4. Fold each pair of socks and store
Fold or roll each pair of socks so no pairs are lost or separated. Manage each pair of socks by putting them in or storing them in a special sock drawer.
