How to Wash Compression Socks: Washing, Drying and Care

You can wash compression socks by hand or in a washing machine using mild detergent and a gentle cycle. The key is to avoid excessive heat, harsh washing products and rough handling that can damage their elasticity.

Compression socks are meant to exert a certain amount of pressure on your legs. Whether you wear them for work, travel, exercise or medical reasons, washing them regularly helps to remove sweat, body oils and dirt while keeping the fabric in good condition.

But washing compression socks is a bit different than washing regular cotton socks. Incorrect temperature or drying technique can affect their fit. Here’s how to wash compression socks properly, how often to clean them and what to avoid.

Why Is It Important to Wash Compression Socks Properly?

Compression socks contain elastic fibres that help them fit snugly around your legs. Unlike regular socks, their stretch is a major factor in how they work.

Sweat, skin oils and dirt accumulate during wear and are removed by washing. It also helps the fabric to go back into shape. According to guidance from Dorset County Hospital NHS, daily washing helps remove bacteria and dead skin cells while returning compression garments to their original shape (Source: Dorset County Hospital NHS, 2025).

Proper washing helps you:

• Remove sweat, oils and everyday dirt.
• Keep your socks fresh and comfortable.
• Maintain the fabric’s elasticity.
• Reduce unnecessary wear caused by unsuitable washing methods.
• Keep compression garments in good condition for regular use.

Medical compression stockings may also have specific replacement requirements, so washing them correctly is part of their ongoing care.

How to Hand Wash Compression Socks

Hand washing is a gentle way to clean compression socks without putting unnecessary strain on their elastic fibres. You only need a basin, water and a mild laundry detergent.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water at around 30°C to gently clean your compression socks.
2. Add a little mild detergent and mix it into the water, avoiding bleach or fabric conditioner.
3. Place your compression socks in the water and gently swish them around to loosen dirt and sweat.
4. Gently rub the fabric with your fingers, focusing on the foot and heel areas without stretching the material.
5. Rinse the socks in clean water until all the detergent is washed away.
6. Gently press the socks between two clean towels to remove excess water without twisting or wringing them.
7. Lay the socks flat on a dry towel in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat.

Hand washing is particularly useful for compression garments with delicate construction or manufacturer instructions that do not permit machine washing.

How to Wash Compression Socks in a Washing Machine

Many compression socks are machine washable. Use a delicate cycle with a gentle detergent and the temperature recommended by your manufacturer. Some compression stockings can be machine-washed on a delicate cycle at 40°C, the NHS says. But some have a lower temperature limit.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Check the care label on your compression socks to make sure they can be washed in a machine.
2. Place your socks in a mesh laundry bag to keep them from getting tangled or snagged on other clothes.
3. Choose a delicate wash cycle to clean your socks gently without putting too much strain on the fabric.
4. Set the water temperature to around 30°C or follow the temperature recommended on the care label.
5. Add a small amount of mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric conditioner.
6. Select a low spin speed to prevent unnecessary stretching or damage to the elastic fibres.
7. Once the wash is complete, gently reshape your socks and lay them flat on a clean towel to air dry.

Avoid washing compression socks alongside towels, jeans or clothing with exposed zips and hooks. These can catch on the fabric. For additional help understanding washing instructions, read our guide to laundry symbols.

How to Dry Compression Socks Without Damaging Them

Air dry away from direct heat, laying compression socks flat on a clean towel. This is a safe way to dry many types of compression hosiery. Avoid pulling or stretching the socks while they are wet.

To dry them properly:

1. Place a clean, dry towel on a flat surface.
2. Gently reshape the socks without pulling the fabric.
3. Spread them flat so air can circulate.
4. Keep them away from radiators, heaters and strong direct sunlight.
5. Allow them to dry completely before wearing or storing them.

Can you tumble dry compression socks?

Some compression socks permit low-temperature tumble drying, but many medical compression garments specifically prohibit it. For example, JOBST allows low-heat tumble drying for certain compression garments, while Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust advises air drying for its prescribed stockings.

The safest default is to air dry your compression socks unless their product instructions specifically allow tumble drying. For more guidance on fabric drying methods, explore our air drying and tumble drying guide.

How Often Should You Wash Compression Socks?

Generally, wear compression socks and wash them every day. This removes sweat, oils and dirt and helps the fabric bounce back between wears. Here’s a practical guide:

Type of compression sock	Washing recommendation
Everyday compression socks	Generally after each day of wear
Sports compression socks	After exercise or sweaty use
Travel compression socks	After extended wear, before reuse
Medical compression stockings	Follow the prescribed product’s washing schedule

If you wear compression socks daily, keeping two pairs makes washing and drying much easier. For stockings worn after surgery or prescribed for a medical condition, your healthcare professional’s instructions take priority over a general washing schedule.

6 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Compression Socks

Compression socks need a little extra care to maintain their stretch and fit. From using hot water to drying them incorrectly, a few common laundry mistakes can shorten their lifespan. Here’s what to avoid.

1. Washing with hot water

Hot water can weaken the elastic fibres in compression socks and affect their fit. Stick to a gentle wash at around 30°C or 40°C, depending on the garment’s care instructions.

2. Using fabric conditioner

Fabric conditioner can leave residue on compression socks and affect the material over time. Instead, use a mild laundry detergent to remove sweat and dirt without being too harsh on the fabric.

3. Twisting or wringing the socks

Wringing compression socks to remove water might seem harmless, but it can stretch the fabric and affect their shape. Gently press them between two clean towels to soak up the excess moisture.

4. Drying socks on radiators

Placing compression socks on a radiator might help them dry faster, but the direct heat can damage their elastic fibres. Lay them flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated room and let them air dry naturally.

5. Washing with heavy clothing

Washing compression socks alongside jeans, towels or clothes with zips can cause snagging and unnecessary stretching. Keep them with lightweight garments or place them in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.

6. Ironing or dry cleaning compression socks

Ironing can expose compression socks to temperatures that damage their elastic fibres, while dry cleaning may not be suitable for their material. Avoid both methods unless the manufacturer specifically recommends them.

How to Keep Compression Socks in Good Condition

A consistent care routine is the simplest way to protect compression socks between washes.

The Laundryheap Compression Sock Care Checklist

• Wash regularly to remove sweat and dirt.
• Use mild detergent without fabric conditioner.
• Choose hand washing or an approved gentle machine cycle.
• Keep the washing temperature within the product’s limit.
• Avoid twisting, wringing and unnecessary stretching.
• Air dry flat unless the manufacturer permits another method.
• Store only when completely dry.
• Check regularly for signs of damage or loss of elasticity.

Keep Your Compression Socks Clean and Comfortable

Knowing how to wash compression socks helps you keep them fresh without damaging their elastic fibres unnecessarily. A regular cleaning routine can help maintain their fit and extend their usable life.

For medically prescribed compression stockings, always follow the product’s care instructions and your healthcare professional’s recommendations. Compression socks may need specialist handling, but the rest of your laundry doesn’t have to take up your day.

Laundryheap collects, cleans and delivers your everyday laundry straight to your doorstep, giving you more time for everything else. Explore Laundryheap’s laundry collection and delivery service and book a collection at a time that suits you.