Here’s how to wash socks:
- 1. Separate socks by color and fabric type
- 2. Turn your socks inside out
- 3. Place your socks in a mesh laundry bag
- 4. Use a gentle, cold water cycle
- 5. Add an enzyme-based laundry pod
- 6. Add scent boosters (optional)
- 7. Hang to air dry
Socks put up with more than any other piece of clothing you own. They brave sweaty workouts, city commutes, and the occasional “forgotten in the gym bag” situation. They stretch, absorb, cushion, and protect—and for all that effort, most of us thank them by blasting them in scalding water and frying them on high heat.
The result? Shrinking, fading, and elastic that gives out long before the rest of the sock does.
But there’s an art (and a little science) to keeping your socks clean without destroying them. Whether you’re washing cotton crews, wool hikers, or silk dress socks, a few simple tweaks can make them last longer, feel softer, and actually smell fresh again.
Here’s how to wash socks the right way—from prep to dry cycle—without sacrificing comfort, shape, or scent.
1. Separate Socks by Color and Fabric Type
Socks might look harmless, but mix a dark athletic pair with your white dress socks, and you’ll end up with the world’s saddest shade of gray. Separate by both color and material before washing.
Light socks, dark socks, wool socks, athletic synthetics—keep them in their own piles. This prevents dye transfer and ensures you can pick the right water temperature and cycle for each type.
Bonus: Sorting now saves you the pain of trying to match 18 random singles later.
2. Turn Your Socks Inside Out
This might sound obsessive, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your socks. Most of the grime—sweat, dead skin, bacteria—builds up on the inside. Flipping them inside out lets your detergent reach where it matters most.
It also keeps the outer fabric looking newer for longer, protecting colors, patterns, and texture from friction damage.
3. Place Your Socks in a Mesh Laundry Bag
You know that mystery where socks disappear on laundry day? It’s not folklore—it’s physics. Socks are small and prone to sneaking into corners, sleeves, and the black hole between the drum and the door seal.
The fix is simple: Toss them into a mesh laundry bag before washing. It keeps pairs together, prevents stretching, and stops delicate materials from rubbing against zippers or jeans.
4. Use a Gentle, Cold Water Cycle
Hot water is great for sterilizing, but terrible for socks. It weakens elastic fibers, fades dyes, and makes shrinkage inevitable. Cold water, on the other hand, is gentle enough for everyday socks and tough enough to handle dirt and odor—especially if you’re using the right laundry detergent.
Choose a gentle or delicate cycle to reduce friction. Less agitation means less wear and tear on fibers, especially in blends that contain nylon, spandex, or wool.
5. Add an Enzyme-Based Laundry Pod
The detergent you use matters as much as the temperature. A good laundry pod should hit the sweet spot: Strong enough to remove sweat and odor, gentle enough to protect fibers.
Laundry Sauce pods check all the boxes. They’re bio-enzyme-based to break down body oils and dirt. Plus, they come in sophisticated, signature fragrances like Australian Sandalwood and Himalayan Cashmere.
You’ll wonder why you ever settled for detergent that smelled like “Mountain Breeze” instead of actual refinement.
No matter what your care tag says, these must-haves keep your clothes looking and smelling their best—minus the guesswork.
6. Add Scent Boosters (Optional)
If you don’t want your socks to smell like…socks, this is your moment. Laundry Sauce scent boosters pair perfectly with our detergent pods and come in the same fragrances.
Just toss a capful into the drum before you start the cycle. Thanks to their continuous-release technology, they’ll keep your socks smelling incredible long after laundry day.
7. Air Dry
Dryers are to socks what open flame is to marshmallows—one minute they’re fine, the next they’re misshapen and crispy.
When the cycle’s done, press out excess water by gently squeezing or wrapping your socks in a towel. Don’t twist or wring them—it can stretch or damage the elastic. Then either hang them or lay them flat to air dry.
If you’re pressed for time, tumble dry on the lowest heat setting or use the air-fluff option. Adding a few dryer balls helps keep them soft and prevents that stiff, “I’ve been baked” feeling.
Common Questions About Washing Socks
You’re not the only one wondering if you’ve been doing it wrong. Here’s what people ask most often.
What Temperature Should You Wash Socks At?
Stick with cold or cool water for everyday socks. Warm water is fine for athletic pairs that get extra sweaty, but avoid hot—it shortens their lifespan.
Can Socks Go in the Dryer?
Yes, but only on low heat. High temperatures break down elasticity, which is what keeps socks snug instead of saggy. For delicate or expensive socks, air drying is always safer.
How Do You Wash Wool Socks?
Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a mild detergent pod. Never use fabric softener—it coats the fibers and ruins wool’s natural breathability. Lay them flat to air dry to prevent stretching or felting.
How Do You Wash Dress Socks?
Treat them like delicates. Turn them inside out, use cold water, and wash on a gentle cycle. Mesh bag optional but recommended. Then air dry—dress socks hate heat more than anything.
Why Do I Keep Losing Socks on Laundry Day?
Because physics is cruel. Socks are small enough to get caught in corners, sleeves, and the rubber gasket of your washer door. Keep them in a mesh bag from start to finish and you’ll never have to play matchmaker again.
Your Socks Need Laundry Sauce
Socks may not get the spotlight, but they deserve respect. Laundry Sauce makes that effortless.
Our enzyme-powered pods clean deep and protect delicate fibers, while our fabric softeners and scent boosters elevate the experience with fragrances that smell like they came from a boutique, not the bottom of a gym bag.
Your socks work hard. Treat them like it.
