How to wash and care for your socks to keep them longer?
Underwear, like socks, are the most commonly machine-washed garments. To limit their wear and discoloration, sock manufacturer Maison Broussaud gives you its valuable advice for optimal machine-washing of socks.
Choose the ideal temperature to wash your socks
The choice of washing temperature will slightly depend on the material of your socks. To know at what temperature to wash your socks, the best thing to do is to refer to the instructions on the label or packaging! We advise you not to wash your Maison Broussaud socks at more than 30° maximum to avoid the risk of damaging or burning the fiber. Contrary to popular belief, this temperature is more than sufficient to ensure good hygiene of your socks .
We often hear, wrongly, that cotton socks can be washed at 60°, or even 90°. But what is true for bath towels or sheets is not true for your socks! Your socks would be deformed by such high temperatures. Indeed, socks contain elastane, a material that ensures the elasticity of the sock. At such a high temperature, the elastane would be degraded and the sock deformed.
Tip : We also recommend washing your socks inside out the first time you wash them, before using them for the first time, to tighten the stitches. This will prevent small threads from coming out later!
Prefer a delicate spin cycle for your machine-washed socks.
When washing socks in the washing machine, the spin speed is as important as the water temperature to maintain their quality and preserve their lifespan. Spinning too quickly can damage the fibers of your socks. Here again, the material will determine the spin speed to select. But when in doubt, always choose a gentle spin cycle , between 700 and 800 revolutions per minute. To further preserve the fibers, use a protective laundry net . This will prevent direct contact between your socks and the drum of the machine, which can cause fraying and pilling.
Let your socks air dry
Now that your socks are washed, how do you dry them? Prefer air drying . And if your socks are white, it's even better in the sun because it's a natural whitener! Whether you wash your socks by hand or in the washing machine, it's also better to dry them flat rather than hanging them. Hanging them could cause your socks to lose their shape and initial size under the weight of the water.
Above all, do not use the dryer. The synthetic fibres in your socks may melt and lose their shape under the effect of heat, while the natural fibres will be gradually torn off by the air propelled into the drum.
Like the dryer, it is strongly advised not to use an iron because of the heat.
Use the right products to clean your socks
For optimal washing, try to avoid chemicals as much as possible. Sensitive fibers are attacked by aggressive cleaning agents. Your socks quickly become rough and stiff.
Our socks should not be bleached or stained with chlorine-based products (such as bleach) or containing oxygen bleaching agents. Bleaching agents are found in powder detergents for example. To find out if your detergent contains them, check the composition label on the packaging.
By following all these tips, you'll put all the chances on your side to keep your socks as long as possible!
