How to properly wash compression stockings?
Compression stockings are an elastic hosiery product that prevents the manifestation and development of diseases of the circulatory system of the lower extremities.
They protect veins during sports, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and if you are overweight.
Like any item of clothing, they need timely washing. This process has a number of nuances, without which you can easily ruin an expensive product.
Is it possible and how to properly wash compression stockings (for varicose veins, with silicone elastic, etc.) in a washing machine, why do this every day, read the article.
Content
Is it possible?
Compression stockings come into direct contact with the skin when worn, so dead keratinized particles, as well as dust and small specks, accumulate on them.
They gradually clog and burst the cells between the fibers, they become deformed, and the stretching properties of the knitwear deteriorate.
The lower part is worn on the foot, on which there are a large number of sweat glands and profuse sweating occurs.
To maintain cleanliness and hygiene, stockings can and should be washed periodically. Many manufacturers prohibit machine washing of their products., about which there are corresponding notes on the packaging.
If there is no such data, then machine washing is allowed, but subject to strict adherence to the rules. When washing by hand, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances, which will be discussed in more detail in the article.
Why do this every day?
First of all, you need to pay attention to the information indicated on the packaging. Conscientious manufacturers indicate the basic rules for caring for the product - washing frequency, water temperature, detergent and others.
Reminder for proper care of compression garments:
Selection of detergent
For washing shapewear stockings It is necessary to use soft means:
- baby soap, preferably liquid or shampoo;
- liquid (gel) for cleaning delicate fabrics;
- liquid soap with natural foaming components.
Some manufacturers of shapewear also make washing liquids for their products.
The following products can be used for manual and automatic washing:
| Name | Description |
| Burti Liquid | Product from a knitwear manufacturer. Qualitatively removes dirt, stains, protein contaminants in warm water. Hypoallergenic. Preserves fiber structure. Economical. Prevents the formation of pellets. |
| ERGOFORMA | Designed specifically for stretch knitwear. Surfactants remove the most severe contaminants without damaging the fibers. Extends the service life of the product. |
| Ofa Bamberg | Economical, does not contain flavors or perfumes. The composition includes surfactants, deol, bromine, which help maintain the elasticity of the fibers. |
| Villi | Does not contain aggressive substances. Suitable for caring for delicate fabrics. Helps maintain compression properties. Removes dirt gently without damaging the fibers. Product consumption is average. |
| Luomma Idealista “IDEALISTA” | The product contains organic substances.Maintains compression and acts as an antistatic agent. Economical. |
| Perwoll Advanced Sport | Suitable for delicate washing. The surfactants included in the composition do not have an aggressive effect on knitwear. Consumption is average. |
| Heitmann Spezial-Waschpflege | Care product for elastic sportswear, also suitable for shapewear. Does not contain aggressive components. The composition includes lanolin, which cares for elastic fibers. |
It is not advisable to use:
any powders, since their grains can destroy the structure of elastic tissues;- products containing aggressive, potent chemical components - solvents, bleaches;
- conditioners, rinses;
- laundry soap, which contains fatty acids that damage the elastic fibers of knitwear.
Having selected the appropriate product, you need to choose a washing option.
Which is correct?
Some manufacturers indicate in the care instructions for stockings that they cannot be washed with other clothes. In this case, it is not advisable to use machine wash.
You can purchase it at a hardware store or sew it yourself from fabric with a large weave.
In the washing machine
Washing is carried out in stages:
- Place the stockings in a mesh bag. This will help prevent snags from possible contact with the drum walls or other clothing.
- Pour detergent into the compartment.
- Set the selected mode - “Hand” or “Delicate” wash. The optimal water temperature is 30-40? C, unless otherwise specified by the stocking manufacturer.
- After finishing washing, do not use the spin mode, even at the lowest speed. It is also prohibited to use the “Drying” and “Pre-ironing” modes.
- Gently squeeze out excess water and lay the product out to dry.
Handwash
The best way to hygienically care for compression stockings is to hand wash them. This is more economical - it saves water, detergents, and electricity. Besides during a manual procedure there is less chance of fiber damage and loss of tightening properties.
If you have a long, pointed manicure, it is advisable to use gloves during washing to protect the stockings from damage.
The procedure is also carried out in warm water – 30-40? C, using soft means according to the algorithm:
Fill a container (basin) with warm water.- Add laundry detergent, dissolve it thoroughly, and foam.
- Soak the product for 10-15 minutes.
- The washing process should occur carefully, without sudden movements, strong friction or twisting of the product.
- Drain dirty soapy water.
- Pour cool water into the container and rinse the stockings thoroughly. The water is changed until no more traces of detergent appear in it.
- Squeeze the product carefully, without twisting or deforming. You can leave the stockings in a clean sink for 10-15 minutes to drain off excess water.
- Send the knitwear to dry.
It is undesirable to allow the fabric to become heavily soiled or stains to appear, since stockings should not be subjected to active mechanical stress, or chemical stain removers should be used.
Process features for products with silicone rubber
When washing products with silicone rubber, you should consider the following nuances:
- Silicone can lose its elasticity from water and detergents, so these stockings can only be washed by hand.
- To prevent water from rising up the silicone through the fibers, its path must be blocked. To do this, pull the stocking tightly with a simple elastic band under the very edge of the silicone insert.
- Then do normal hand washing.
How to dry?
It is prohibited to dry products on heating radiators, heaters, with a hair dryer or iron. or other heating household appliance.
It is also undesirable to place the product in direct sunlight during drying. Any natural or artificial heat sources destroy the structure of the canvas.
To avoid longitudinal stretching, carefully wrung out knitwear is laid out on a horizontal surface covered with a thick cloth or terry towel. Straighten it and leave it until completely dry with free access of air to the product.
To speed up the drying process, stockings can be placed between two layers of towels and pressed lightly, blotting to absorb excess moisture. And then transfer to another dry cloth until completely dry.
You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products Here.
Useful video
The video will show you how to wash, dry and care for compression hosiery:
Conclusion
Compression stockings are a medical type of hosiery, the main quality of which is to create compression (pressure) on the veins of the legs.
To preserve this property, Proper care of laundry is necessary - washing in warm water with properly selected laundry detergents, prohibition of strong mechanical impact and drying in a strictly horizontal position.
