Compression stockings and gentle machine care
Short answer: Compression stockings last longest if you wash them at a low temperature, use a mild detergent, skip fabric softener and air dry them. Always follow the care label. That way the elastic keeps its pressure and the fabric its softness for longer.
Start with the care label
The label shows how your stockings should be cared for, and you should always follow it. Check temperature, programme and drying before you put them in the machine. Instructions vary, so what applies to one pair does not necessarily suit another.
Why washing affects the pressure
The elastic in compression stockings is what gives the pressure, and heat and hard washing can weaken it. Stockings with slack elastic give less support, and they slide down more easily. Gentle washing is therefore good not only for the fabric but also for the function.
Low temperature and mild detergent
Wash at a low temperature, often thirty to forty degrees, and use a mild detergent in the right amount. Stockings get clean at low heat, and the elastic wears less. See our bamboo compression stockings and check their care label.
Use a laundry net
Put the stockings in a laundry net so they do not tangle with other laundry or snag on zips and hooks. Turn them inside out if you like, to protect the surface. A net is cheap and noticeably extends the life of the stockings.
Avoid fabric softener and bleach
Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that can affect stretch and pressure, so leave it out. The same goes for bleach and strong stain removers, unless the label allows them. If you want a soft feel, choose a mild detergent and rinse well.
Drying without ruining the elastic
Air dry the stockings flat or hung on a rack, away from radiators and direct sun. Avoid the tumble dryer unless the label says it is fine. Do not wring them out, but press the water out gently, because wet fibres are weaker and lose shape more easily.
When to replace them
Compression stockings lose pressure over time, even with good care. Signs of wear are slack elastic, thin fabric, holes or stockings that slide down. Replace them when they no longer fit well. If they were prescribed by your doctor, ask how often they should be replaced.
Care for the whole wardrobe
The same gentle rules suit the rest of your bamboo clothes. See all bamboo socks for men and bamboo underpants for men, and wash them at a low temperature so the whole wardrobe lasts longer.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash compression stockings?
It depends on use and the label. Many wash them after every wear, because sweat and skin cells settle in the fabric. Always follow the care label on your pair.
Can compression stockings go in the tumble dryer?
Most should be air dried to protect the elastic. Check the care label on your pair, and avoid strong heat, which can make them slack.
When are compression stockings worn out?
When the elastic is slack, the fabric thin, or the stockings slide down and no longer give the same feeling of pressure. Ask your doctor how often to replace them if they are prescribed.
