Washing stockings

[nobody000]

Hi, I am new to stockings what's the best way to wash them and what with?

[Magpuss]

Hand wash in lukewarm water, I use either soap flakes or stergene then after thorough rinse I wrap them in a towel and squeeze (don't wring) most of the water out and leave to air dry. The lymph nurse that measured me said to remember - no machine wash, no hot water, no wringing, no tumble dryer and no hanging them on radiators.

[Lynora]

There should have been a leaflet with the garments, telling you how to care for them. If they are flat knit (with a seam) they can be put in a machine on a 20 or 30 degree wash, with non-bio washing liquid. They must be air dried - although some of my clients drape them over a towel on a radiator. They do not need washing every day - every other day or day 3 - especially if you have not been given a spare pair.

[nobody000 in reply to Lynora]

Thank you both for taking time to reply. The leaflet shows 40 degree and the label shows machine wash is OK. It was the detergent I was wondering about.

[Bev-1966 in reply to nobody000]

I just put them in washer with surf powder on a 14 min 30 wash inside out with 1400 spin and hang them on the line if I can and they are ok.

[PS55 in reply to nobody000]

I machine wash my tights after every wear with a wool wash liquid detergent then hang them up to dry. No fabric softener. I have been wearing compression tights for 11 years now and have found this method works really well and my tights last. Hope this is useful.

[CCT67]

If you have flat-knit bespoke garments consider putting them into a mesh lingerie bag, on the dellicate cycle 30-40 degrees with delicate detergent. Always air dry, flat (don't hang) away from direct heat/don't lay on radiator

[jwgc]

I was advised to wash them inside out so any dead/dry skin washes out better (sorry if that sounds a bit yucky)

[CCT67 in reply to jwgc]

👍 I Always wash mine instead out for that very reason and when I start putting my thigh garments on each leg they are inside out

[ezee]

I use delicate/wool detergent and wash them on a wool cycle. I then air dry or in the airing cupboard.

[maryiwright]

I wash by hand with liquid detergent (Ecover) that does include fabric conditioner, when I used one containing essential oils the stocking didn't stay up very well, or I use 'soak' which is sold for washing bras and delicate jumpers, you just leave to soak in cool water with soak added for 15 minutes (no rinsing). I then squeeze gently and hang over an airing rack standing in the shower.

My nurse suggested wiping the silicone top with a wet wipe in between washes.

[Bev-1966 in reply to maryiwright]

Not supposed to use fabric softener.

[maryiwright in reply to maryiwright]

Sorry big typo that should read does not include fabric conditioner. also its Ecozone not ecover.

[nobody000]

More great tips thank you all.

[Chocolate-e-clare]

I’ve always recommended that garments are best if washed daily. For a detailed review, here is a link: lymphedemablog.com/2011/07/...

[maryiwright]

Sorry its not ecover I'm using it's Ecozone

[linda5151]

hi i wash mine in the machine on a 30 degree wash short cycle 28 mins just wash with normal powder

[galtyboi]

Yes its got to be a hand wash,although I have a hand was cycle on my washing machine(Samsung Machine)and it does the business first class,in luke warm water with machine washing powder ,no shrinkage and stockings are as good as ever,just put them on an airing rack after and Bob's your uncle.