Can I Wash My Socks By Hand | Useful Tips
In the laundry cycle, socks are often the most ignored piece of clothing. Most of us toss socks in the washer with the rest of the clothes, dry them, and that’s the end of the story. But have you ever thought of washing your socks manually? If you have, then it's time to explore the sock-specific laundry revolution that can prove to be helpful for both your socks and the planet. In this article, we discuss your random thought can I wash my socks by hand and explore the process of washing your socks by human hand?
Why Wash Socks by Hand?
Let's take a short spin to fully understand what could drive you to wash socks before we jump into the how-to segment manually.
1. Gentle on Delicate Fabrics
Socks are mostly knitted in a wide range of fabrics like cotton, wool, or synthetic clothing material. Its really depends on the types of socks you have in your wardrobe. Some fabrics can be light and thin, becoming frail and fragile to damage, especially after many machine wash cycles. Hand washing gives you incredible flexibility, enabling you to be more considerate when it comes to avoiding stretching, losing shape or getting socks damaged in the process. For instance, wool socks can be quite easily shrunk if they are not washed properly, and hand washing, activity gives total autonomy with regard to the process of washing.
2. Saves Energy and Water
Another advantage of hand washing socks is it contribute significantly towards the greener agenda as opposed to putting them in the washing machine. Machines use huge amounts of water and electricity and by manually washing socks, both of these can be conserved. Hand washing socks become a preferred way of washing smaller loads, as it uses less water and energy, especially if you only want to clean a few pairs of socks.
3. Give Your Socks a Longer Life
When it comes to socks, hand washing means preserving their quality. The continual action of a washing machine results in loose fibers getting agitated; and this constant agitation results in holes or thinning material. Handwashing gives you the ability to hold on to the elasticity of your socks and ensure that they last longer. If you have a kid boy and he is involved in so many outdoor activities then 100 percent cotton socks are an ideal option for him because of the premium fabric.
4. Perfect for Those with Special Care Needs
Some socks, like compression socks or stylish crew socks, need more attention with regard to their maintenance. These specialty socks often require a precise washing method in order not to get ruined. Usually, for these types of socks, hand washing is best as it tends to maintain the socks shape, structure, and lifespan. Doing so ensures comfort and style will always be delivered.
How to Wash Socks by Hand
If you’ve decided to try washing socks by hand, you may be wondering what the right way to do it is. Luckily, socks are quite simple to wash by hand since the process is usually straightforward. Here are the steps to make it happen.
Sort Your Socks
Before anything else, take the time to go through your laundry and segregate socks for different washes. If you’re washing socks of different colors, fabrics, or types, try to separate them. This will prevent any color bleeding and ensure that the socks get cleaned properly. For instance, don’t wash white socks with dark-colored socks, as dark colors can stain lighter ones.
Fill a Basin with Water
Next, arrange a basin or sink wherever you will be washing the socks. Fill it with lukewarm water not too hot as this can cause some socks made with delicate materials like wool to shrink. Cold water is fine too, especially if your socks are lightly soiled. Adding hot water can damage the fibers so lukewarm or cool water is a safe option.
Add Detergent
Pick a mild soap appropriate for the socks. If those socks require special treatment, use a wool soap or some other gentle soap formulated for delicate items. Put a little bit of detergent onto the water and swish it around to mix the soap up. You do not need a lot of soap because that will leave unused soap on the socks.
Soak Your Socks
Next, place the socks in the basin. Submerge them in the water and let them sit for around 5 to 10 minutes. This will help the sock get rid of any dirt, sweat, and unpleasant smells. It also relaxes the material within the socks making them easier to clean without scrubbing too much.
Give Your Socks a Gentle Shake
After your socks have been soaked for a while, it is time to scrub them. Slowly stir the water with your hands as you rub the fabric together in order to remove the dirt and gunk that may be in the sock. If your socks are extra dirty, you may need to work them between your fingers or use a soft brush to get rid of some of the stubborn stains. Be careful not to twist or ring the socks too much, it can damage the material beyond repair.
Make It Shine
The step after washing is rinsing. Remove the soapy water from the basin, then refill it with lukewarm clean water. Sit the socks under the running water while squeezing them gently to release the suds. You will probably have to repeat this a couple of times to get all of the soap out. Remember to be careful not to overly stretch the socks while rinsing.
Properly Dry Your Socks
The next part is to dry the socks out. For this part, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t put the socks in a dryer as the heat produced could warp the fabric or shrink the socks collar particularly if it’s wool or some other delicate material. For best air circulation, it’s preferable to dry the socks on a clean and dry towel. In addition, if you’re very short on time, you could opt to hang them out to dry. If you choose to hang them out, make sure that the socks are not straight in the sun, seeing as prolonged exposure could cause the color to get washed out.
Tips for Hand Washing Socks
Use Mild Detergent: Always opt for a mild detergent or one designed for delicate fabrics to avoid damaging your socks. Harsh chemicals in some detergents can weaken the fibers and cause them to wear out faster.
Avoid Fabric Softener: While fabric softener may seem like a good way to make your socks feel extra soft, it can coat the fibers and make them lose their natural stretch. This is particularly problematic for socks made from materials like wool or spandex.
Wash Socks Regularly: It’s easier to hand wash socks when they’re not too dirty. If you wait too long between washes, the dirt and oils from your skin can build up, making them harder to clean by hand.
Don’t Overcrowd Your Basin: When washing by hand, it’s best not to overload the basin. Washing only a few pairs of socks at a time ensures that they get the proper care and attention they need.
The Benefits of Hand Washing Socks
In addition to keeping your socks clean, washing them by hand has many benefits. As stated previously, it reduces the risk of damaging your socks through washing machines, while also extending their lifespan. In addition, it saves energy and water. By hand washing socks, you can dedicate more time to focus on giving them the care they need, like keeping compression socks from losing or deteriorating their shape too fast, preventing wool socks from shrinking too much, and more. The task also helps you feel more attentive as doing laundry by hand is an exercise in mindfulness that allows you to relax and actively look after the things that take care of you. And as a bonus, if done on a larger scale, it can truly make a difference in eco-friendly households.
Final Thoughts
So, can you wash your socks by hand? Sure you can! Actually, it’s a very effective option when it comes to energy use, water conservation, and keeping your socks intact, as well as your delicate clothes. Even though hand washing socks takes quite a bit more time than just the micromachine’s magic spin, it is a priceless way to clean. Your socks, with the right plan, will give you the satisfaction of remaining in good condition for a longer duration. You truly would not regret making the switch whether you are hand washing one pair or a dozen pairs of socks. So, what are you waiting for? Take action and your feet and socks would be the first to appreciate the change.