Caring for health socks – how to make them last
Health socks are made of fine, elastic yarns, and many also have an antibacterial finish. To keep the cuff, fabric and finish the way they should be for a long time, the right care matters. The good news: it is easy.
1. Washing: a little cooler is better
- Temperature: Follow the care label. According to the manufacturer, DEOMED® socks should be washed at no more than 40 °C. Higher temperatures put strain on the fine fibres and the elastane.
- Detergent: a mild detergent is enough. Aggressive products and bleach attack the fibres and the finish.
- Skip the fabric softener: it coats the fibres like a film and can reduce breathability.
- Models with merino wool are best washed on a wool or delicate cycle.
- Tip: Turn socks inside out before washing and put them in a laundry bag. That way they rub less against other items.
2. Drying: air instead of tumble dryer
Let the socks air-dry, ideally lying flat or loosely hung up and not directly on the radiator. Heat and the strong movement in a tumble dryer can wear out the elastic fabric. If you do have to use the dryer, only on a low temperature.
3. Storing: dry and in pairs
Only put the socks away once they are completely dry, folded in pairs in a drawer. Do not roll them up too tightly or turn one inside the other – otherwise the cuff gets stretched unnecessarily.
4. Check them regularly
Take a quick look at the socks when you put them on:
- Is the cuff worn out so that the sock slips?
- Are there thin spots, holes or pilling at the heel and toes?
- Has the sock lost its shape so that it creases in the shoe?
Then it is time for a new pair. Especially with sensitive feet, a sock should neither slip nor crease.
5. Several pairs in rotation
If you wear fresh socks every day with diabetes – as recommended – you need several pairs anyway. Rotating them is also gentler on the socks: each pair is worn and washed less often and therefore lasts longer.
In short
| Helps | Harms |
|---|---|
| Washing up to 40 °C, mild detergent | Hot washes, bleach |
| Inside out, in a laundry bag | Fabric softener |
| Air-drying | Hot tumble dryer, radiator |
| Folding loosely in pairs | Rolling tightly, turning inside each other |
The care instructions on the label of the respective product always take precedence.