How Many Degrees Should Socks Be Washed At?

Short answer: For bamboo socks, the answer is 30 to 40 degrees. That is enough to remove everyday sweat and dirt, and it protects the fibres, so the socks keep their fit and softness longer. Only in special cases can a hotter wash make sense, if the care label allows it.

Why 30 to 40 degrees is enough

Modern detergents clean effectively at low temperatures, and bamboo viscose releases dirt and sweat more easily than cotton. At 40 degrees you get a good balance between hygiene and gentleness. It is the temperature most socks do best with for everyday washing.

What does heat do to socks?

High heat wears on both fibres and elastic. Socks have elastic in the cuff, and that is often where they give way first. If they are often washed at 60 degrees, the cuff can go slack and the socks start slipping down into your shoes. The fabric can also thin at the heel and toe.

When can socks take more heat?

If there is illness in the household, or if you have athlete's foot, it can be sensible to wash socks hotter or use a detergent with a disinfecting effect. Always check the care label first. If you have questions about athlete's foot or skin problems, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the right treatment.

Turn the socks inside out

Sweat, skin cells and dirt collect on the inside of the sock. If you turn socks inside out before washing, the detergent goes straight to where there is most to remove. At the same time the outside is protected from friction in the drum, so the surface stays neater and pills less.

Use a laundry bag

Socks easily go missing in the washing machine or end up inside a duvet cover. A laundry bag keeps pairs together and protects the fabric from zips and hook and loop fasteners in the rest of the load. It also makes sorting afterwards quicker, since all the socks are in one place.

For men and women alike

The same advice applies whatever the style. Both bamboo socks for men and bamboo socks for women do best at 30 to 40 degrees with a mild detergent. Thicker socks can take a little longer to dry but are otherwise treated the same way.

Tennis socks and training

Socks used for training collect more sweat than everyday socks. Bamboo tennis socks for men can be washed at 40 degrees after each use. Do not leave them damp in a bag for too long before washing, as that gives odour time to settle into the fabric.

Detergent and fabric softener

Use a mild liquid detergent without bleach, and skip fabric softener. Softener coats the fibres and reduces moisture transport, which is exactly the property that helps your feet feel dry. Too much detergent can also stay in the fabric, so follow the dosage on the pack.

Drying without a dryer

Hang the socks on a drying rack, ideally toe down, so the water can run off. The tumble dryer wears on the elastic and can make bamboo shrink. Bamboo releases moisture quickly, so socks are usually dry in a short time, even indoors.

In short

Wash bamboo socks at 30 to 40 degrees, inside out and ideally in a laundry bag. Use a mild detergent, skip fabric softener and let them air dry. A hotter wash is only relevant in special cases, and the care label should always be checked first. See also bamboo socks for sweaty feet and complete washing guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can socks be washed at 30 degrees?

Yes, for everyday socks 30 degrees is often enough with a good detergent. For very sweaty socks or training socks, 40 degrees is a good choice.

Should socks be washed at 60 degrees?

Usually not. In case of illness or athlete's foot a hotter wash can make sense if the care label allows it, but frequent 60 degree washes wear on elastic and fibres.