Follow these steps to keep your compression socks and support stockings in top-notch shape. The Spruce. Wear with Care: Three Ways to Keep Your Compression Socks as Good as New Purchasing compression socks and support stockings can be an investment of time, money and effort, so of course you want them to last for as long as possible. Wearing Your Socks Generally speaking, most people get the maximum benefits when they wear their compression socks all day , putting them on when they get out of bed in the morning and only taking them off when they return to bed at night.
Cleaning Your Socks Compression garments must be washed after each use, and they need to be cleaned carefully to avoid compromising the material. Here are the steps to properly clean compression garments , first by hand and then in the washing machine: By Hand Fill a sink, tub or basin with cool water. Submerge the compression socks in water until wet, and then remove. Add mild soap or detergent to the water. Some compression sock brands sell their own cleaning products.
Mix the soap into the water. Place the wet support stockings back in the water and let them sit for minutes. Rub the stockings to remove any oil and dirt. Do not use bleach, fabric conditioners, a hot dryer, or hot water when cleaning them. While some manufacturers have started making socks with fabric that is washing machine safe, always review the care instructions beforehand. If there are none, then resort to hand wash. Lastly, do not wring out compression socks; instead, pat-dry them with a towel and then hang them to air dry.
Ensure that no jewelry is worn on the hands while putting on or taking off compression socks in order to prevent them from getting stuck on the fabric and causing a tear. Wearing application gloves is also advisable to easily don compression socks. Most application gloves have finger pads and textured palms to provide extra application assistance.
You may also consider using a sock donner , which is very helpful for people who have trouble bending over to put on their socks or have arthritis. In case of a fabric snag or run, a tip is to apply clear nail polish on the loose fabric at the two endpoints of the run, or apply it directly over the snag.
This will help to stop the snag or run before it worsens. Discard the stockings when they appear to have lost their elasticity or are damaged.
Generally your stockings should last for about 3—4 months. Compression stockings can cause problems. If you notice any of these signs, stop wearing your stocking and contact your doctor:. Looking for Where to get medical help A health professional or service Patient portals Newsletters View all. Compression stockings are used to improve blood flow in your legs.
This helps to prevent runs or snags. Wet legs and feet can make them stick. Remember, use of compression hosiery when there are early signs of venous insufficiency can help to prevent the development of ulcers in later life. Here are some tips and advice on the importance of wearing compression from the Leg Club :.
If you would like more information about compression hosiery, please get in contact and one of our advisors will be happy to help you.
Why not subscribe to my newsletter? You will receive important information about veins straight to your email in-box.
The VeinCare Centre Dorset We help people find freedom from unsightly veins, veins causing pain, ache and throbbing as well as veins causing serious medical complications such as phlebitis, varicose eczema and leg ulcers. UK registered company no. Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin-in.
0コメント