How to Wash Compression Stockings

Compression therapy is a great way to boost circulation in the legs. Not only will they help maintain blood flow but they can also prevent swelling and discomfort.

Types of Compression Stockings

There’s more than one type of compression stockings to choose from:

Graduated Compression Stockings

These stockings offer strong compression at the ankles, which gradually decreases as you move up. Depending on the product, it may extend just below the knee or up to the thigh or waist.

Anti-Embolism Stockings

These stockings are designed to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. Unlike graduated compression stockings, they are not designed for mobility.

Nonmedical Support Hosiery

These types of compression socks usually don’t require a prescription. While they offer uniform compression, the amount of pressure that’s delivered isn’t nearly as strong as those mentioned above.

How to Wear Compression Stockings

For maximum benefits, you want to wear your compression socks all day. The goal is to put them on before the swelling can start. Ideally, you should only be taking them off when you’re going to bed at night.

If you’re new to wearing compression socks, however, you may want to start by wearing them for a few hours at a time. That way, you’ll be able to get used to the compression and pressure.

From there, you can slowly increase the amount of time that you wear them until you’re wearing them the entire day.

Are There Any Side Effects to Wearing Compression Stockings?

It’s important to check your legs daily for signs of irritation or redness if you wear compression socks.

These symptoms can indicate that you have an infection, that you’re not putting on or taking them off properly, or that you’re allergic to the fabric.

Rarely, misuse of compression socks can also lead to peripheral nerve damage.

What Are These Stockings Made Out Of?

Compression socks can be made from a variety of fabrics including nylon, spandex, cotton, and rubber.

Nylon

Nylon is sometimes referred to as polyamide. It’s a type of synthetic material and is constructed from plastic polymers, which makes it tear-proof and abrasion-resistant.

Not only is it smooth and lightweight but it also has a considerable amount of stretch. If anything, that’s why it’s often used for compression garments.

Spandex

Spandex is a synthetic fiber that is known for its elasticity. No matter how much you stretch it it will always return to its original length.

Cotton

Cotton is derived from cotton plants and is soft, insulating, and breathable, much more so than synthetic fabrics. For this reason, it’s often used for clothes such as sleepwear and underwear.

Natural Rubber

Natural rubber is made from latex from the rubber tree. Due to its durability and elasticity, it’s often incorporated into compression socks.

Taking Care of Your Compression Socks

All compression garments, including socks, must be washed after each wear. For example, you’ll want to wash them every day if you wear them daily. That will help prevent oils and sweat from building up on the inner layer.

This washing guide works for all types and brands of compression stockings including those from Compressionz and many others.

How to Wash Compression Stockings

There are two ways to wash compression socks – you can machine wash them with the rest of your laundry or wash them by hand.

Option 1: Machine Washing Compression Socks

First things first, check the compression socks for any stains. For example, if there’s dirt trapped in the silicone bands, you’ll want to clean it off first.

The next step is to place them in a mesh garment bag. That will prevent them from snagging while they’re being washed.

Zip up the laundry bag and place it in the washing machine. Set it on a cold, gentle cycle according to the care tag label and add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. Remember not to use fabric softeners or chlorine bleach – both of these products can damage the compression fabric. Avoid using hot water as the heat can damage the sock material.

Allow the washer to run.

Tip: You can wash your compression socks with other clothing as long as you separate them with laundry bags and use a gentle wash cycle.

Take out the socks after the cycle is finished and gently press out the excess water.

Place them on a clean, flat surface (e.g. on top of a towel or table) and let them air dry. Do not place them near a heat surface and that includes the dryer. And remember, you never want to wring or twist compression socks – that will wear out the elastic, which will prevent them from providing adequate pressure to your legs.

Option 2: Hand Washing Compression Socks

Handwashing your compression socks with mild detergent is the best way to make them last. While machine washing is effective, it can be tough on the fabric over time.

Start by filling a sink or container with cool water. Add half a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder and place your socks into the solution once it’s thoroughly dissolved.

Gently rub the material with your hands to remove any dirt or oils. Pay attention to the silicone bands as they tend to attract debris.

Let the compression socks sit in the soapy mixture for 15 minutes.

Rinse the garment thoroughly afterward to remove the soap suds. You may have to squeeze the material gently – but be careful not to pull on the material as that can cause it to stretch out.

Air dry compression socks afterward on a clean, flat surface. Don’t put them in the clothes dryer.

How Often Should You Replace Your Compression Stockings?

Ideally, you want to replace your compression sock every six months. This is important because, over time, they will lose their elasticity, which will render them less effective.

That’s why we recommend having more than one pair. By rotating them, you’ll be able to prolong their lifespan.