Taking the right care of your compression socks can help them have a longer life span for continued effectiveness and comfort.
Learning care tips is especially important for those who use compression socks daily. Using them every day is the best way to ensure optimum results in prevention and treatment efforts.
How to wash your compression socks?
- Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water
- For machine wash, place in linen or mesh laundry bag for extra protection
- Do not wash in hot water
- Use a gentle detergent
- Do not use any bleach or fabric softeners
- Do not dry clean
How to Dry your compression socks?
- Hang or lay flat to air-dry
- Avoid drying in the sun or on the radiator
- Do not place in the dryer
- Do not iron
How often should you wash them?
While Dr. Segal’s Sock Technology includes anti-microbial silver-ion wash to provide effective odor and stain protection throughout the day, washing your garment is still required.
For optimal results, washing after every use is recommended.
When to Replace you compression socks?
Proper care will increase the lifespan of your compression socks, but elastic fibers will inevitably break down with wear over time. Depending on frequency of use, you will need to replace your compression socks every 3-6 months to ensure the right level of compression is still being applied.
Some signs that you need a replacement:
- If putting your socks is easier than usual, this means some stretching has occurred and you are no longer getting adequate pressure
- If there are areas of the sock that are thinner, worn out or sagging
- If you have lost or gained weight - which means that the circumference of your leg has changed and you might need to change sizes for optimal compression
