Waterproof socks are a must-have for anyone who spends time outdoors, especially in the winter. They keep your feet warm and dry, regardless of the conditions. But how do you go about washing waterproof socks? And can they be washed in the machine? In this article, we will answer all of your questions and provide some useful tips on how to wash your waterproof socks effectively!
What Do You Need Waterproof Socks For?
People use waterproof socks for a variety of reasons, the most popular of which is hiking. Hiking can be a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared. Wet feet are one of the main causes of blisters, so wearing waterproof socks can help keep your feet dry and blister-free.
Other people use waterproof socks for activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, or white water rafting. As you can see, one is exposed to both cold and humidity in such conditions. Getting wet feet in any of these situations can lead to hypothermia, so it’s important to have a good pair of waterproof socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
Finally, some people just like to wear waterproof socks as an everyday item. They can be a great alternative to regular socks when it’s cold outside or when you’re going to be doing a lot of walking.
Whatever the reason, if you need waterproof socks, it’s important to know how to wash them properly so that they will stay waterproof and last longer. [1], [2]
Are Regular Socks or Waterproof Socks Better?
Some people might think that waterproof socks are unnecessary and that you’re better off just using regular socks and treating them with a waterproofing spray. While this is an option, it’s not always the best one.
Waterproof socks also last longer than regular socks. They may be a little bit more expensive to buy upfront, but they will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them as often. No matter the season and the weather, your feet will stay dry!
So, if you’re looking for something that will keep your feet dry and comfortable in any situation, waterproof socks are the way to go. [1], [2]
Are Waterproof Socks Really Waterproof?
One of the main concerns people have about waterproof socks is whether or not they actually work. Do they really keep your feet dry, or do they just let water through like regular socks do?
The answer is that waterproof socks do work. They are made with a special fabric that is designed to be waterproof and breathable. This fabric will keep your feet dry even when they get wet, and it will also allow them to breathe so that they don’t get sweaty and stinky.
Waterproof socks are not 100% waterproof, however. There is always the possibility of water seeping through the seams or around the edges, but this usually only happens if you’re wearing them in very wet conditions for a long period of time. In most cases, they will keep your feet dry even in the wettest environments. [1], [2], [3]
How to Wash Waterproof Socks?
Now that you know why waterproof socks are a good idea, let’s take a look at how to wash them properly.
And the best way to wash waterproof socks is to hand wash them in cold or lukewarm water. This will help keep them from shrinking and losing their waterproofing ability.
You can use a mild detergent or soap that is designed for baby clothes or delicate fabrics. Regular laundry detergent can be too harsh and may cause the waterproofing coating on the socks to wear off. If you don’t have any of these at home, even body wash will do the job and it won’t harm the fabric either.
After washing, be sure to rinse the socks thoroughly and then hang them to dry. Do not put them in the dryer, as this will cause them to shrink and lose their shape. You can either lay them flat to dry or hang them up to dry. If you choose to hang them up, be sure not to do so in direct sunlight, as this can fade the colors and cause the fabric to become brittle. [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]
How to Avoid Damaging Your Waterproof Socks While Washing Them
It is important to take care of your waterproof socks while washing them to avoid damaging them. Here are a few tips on how to do so.
Wash your socks only in cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the fabric and make them less effective at repelling water.
Do not use any type of bleach or detergent that contains it when washing your waterproof socks. This can also damage the fabric and reduce its effectiveness.
Some people might be tempted to take their waterproof socks to the dry cleaners in order to have them cleaned. This is not a good idea, as it will damage the fabric and remove the waterproofing coating.
It’s crucial to never wring water out of your waterproof socks after washing. This can damage the fabric and cause it to lose its water repelling abilities. Gently squeeze the excess water out and then hang them to dry.
Always read the labels on your waterproof socks before washing them to make sure you’re using the right type of detergent and washing method. This will help keep your socks in good condition and ensure that they continue to repel water effectively.
Waterproof socks are a great way to keep your feet dry and comfortable in any situation, but it is important to take care of them properly and by following these tips you will prolong the life of your socks for more years to come. [7]
Why You Should Not Wash Them in Washing Machine
While it is possible to wash waterproof socks in a washing machine, it is not recommended. The agitation of the washer can damage the fabric and reduce their waterproofing abilities. In addition, the water and soap can get inside the socks and cause them to lose their ability to repel water.
If you do choose to wash your waterproof socks in a washing machine, be sure to use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and no bleach or detergent containing it. Air dry them as described above when finished. [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]
How Else to Take Care of Waterproof Socks
In addition to washing your waterproof socks correctly, there are a few other ways you can take care of them to ensure they last longer.
Avoid tumble drying if possible
The high heat from a tumble dryer can damage the waterproofing on your socks, so try to avoid using it if you can. Some brands allow their socks to be tumble dried, however you must set the dryer to a low heat and remove them as soon as they are dry to prevent any damage. [7], [9]
Never iron them
You might want to flatten your socks nicely with an iron but this is a very bad idea for the next two reasons.
First of all, if you iron your waterproof socks they will lose their waterproofing ability because the heat will damage the impermeable membrane. The fabric will become stiff and inflexible, and it will no longer be able to keep water out.
Second of all, if you iron them they will start to smell bad. The heat from the iron will cause the fabric to release an unpleasant odor that will be hard to get rid of. [2], [7]
Avoid bleaching your socks
Bleach can also damage the membrane in waterproof socks, so it’s best to avoid using it. If you accidentally get some bleach on your socks, rinse them immediately with cold water and air dry them. It can also cause the colors to fade and make the socks look old and faded. [2], [7]
Wear shoes with waterproof socks
This is very important as a preventive measure not to damage your socks in the first place. While waterproof socks can resist water damage, physical wear and tear can happen if you constantly walk on rough surfaces or in dirty environments.
If you have to walk in such conditions, wearing shoes that will protect your socks is the best way to go. This will help them last longer and keep their water repelling abilities for as long as possible. [2], [7]
Clean them regularly after the each use
It’s a good idea to clean your waterproof socks regularly, even if you haven’t been walking in dirty or wet environments. This will help remove any dirt or dust that might have accumulated on them, and it will also help keep the fabric in good condition. But washing them after wearing them in harsh conditions is a must if you want to prevent the deterioration of the membrane of the socks.
As we outlined already, you can either hand wash them or put them in the washing machine (in a gentle cycle) but make sure you air dry them afterwards. Do not put them in the dryer, as this will damage the membrane and reduce their water repelling ability. [2], [7]
Store them in a safe place
When you’re not using your waterproof socks, it’s important to store them in a safe place.
Waterproof socks are known for not being heat-resistant, so don’t leave them near radiators or in direct sunlight.
Instead, store them in a cool, dark place when not in use. It’s also important to keep them away from sharp objects that could cause damage. A good place to store them is in a protective bag or container. [2], [7]
FAQ
Can you put waterproof socks in the dryer?
No. You should never put waterproof socks in the dryer because it will damage the waterproof membrane and shorten the life of your socks. Instead, air dries them.
How do you wash swim socks?
Swim socks should be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly and air dry them. As mentioned above, do not put swim socks in the dryer.
How do you wash waterproof clothes?
To wash waterproof clothes, you need to use a soft detergent that is specifically designed to clean waterproof fabrics. You should also use a gentle cycle and cold water to avoid damaging the fabric. Be sure to air dry your clothes after washing them.
Useful Video: How Do You Wash Waterproof Socks? | TUTORIAL
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great item to keep your feet dry and comfortable while enjoying outdoor activities, waterproof socks are a perfect choice. However, it’s important to wash them properly in order to maintain their water-resistant properties.
Remember, handwashing them in cold water with a soft detergent is the best way to go. If you need to use a washing machine, set it on gentle mode and keep an eye on the temperature so that your socks don’t get ruined.
If you want to keep your waterproof socks in good condition for as long as possible, don’t iron them, don’t bleach them, and don’t use hot water to wash them.
As long as you follow these simple instructions, your waterproof socks should last for many adventures!
References:
- https://www.arcticdry.co.uk/the-benefits-of-waterproof-socks/
- https://www.keepdryfeet.com/waterproof-socks-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.arcticdry.co.uk/do-waterproof-socks-actually-work/
- https://waterprooftips.com/how-to-wash-waterproof-socks/
- https://www.arcticdry.co.uk/how-do-you-wash-waterproof-socks/
- https://oureverydaylife.com/sealskin-waterproof-socks-care-instructions-12309857.html
- https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/how-to-wash-sealskinz-socks/
- https://www.agilityworld.co.uk/blog/looking-after-you-sealskinz-socks.htm
- https://www.sealskinz.com/pages/care-guide