Compression stockings are specialized garments designed to apply graduated pressure to the lower limbs, which is tighter at the ankle and gradually lessens higher up the leg. This calibrated pressure is intended to assist the veins in moving blood back toward the heart, thereby improving circulation and preventing the pooling of fluid that causes swelling, a condition known as edema. To ensure these therapeutic benefits remain constant over time, proper care is paramount for maintaining the garment’s precise structural integrity.
The Immediate Answer to Tumble Drying
Compression stockings should never be exposed to the high heat generated by a machine dryer, even on a low or delicate setting. The primary concern is not simply shrinkage, but the immediate and irreversible degradation of the garment’s therapeutic function. The calibrated compression gradient, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), is the sole reason for wearing the garment, and this gradient is instantly compromised by machine drying. Once the elastic structure is broken down, the stockings no longer deliver the prescribed pressure needed to effectively manage venous conditions.
How High Heat Ruins Elastic Fibers
The fabric of a compression stocking relies on a precise blend of synthetic materials, primarily spandex or elastane, woven with durable fibers like nylon or polyamide. The graduated pressure is created by the tension and amount of these elastic polyurethane fibers. Exposure to the elevated temperatures inside a clothes dryer causes these synthetic polymer chains to undergo a process of thermal degradation.
The heat makes the elastic fibers lose their inherent “memory,” resulting in a permanent loss of stretch recovery. This physical breakdown can manifest as brittleness, causing the elastic to snap, or simply a permanent slackening of the material. When this occurs, the garment cannot exert the force required at specific points on the leg, permanently altering the pressure gradient and rendering the stocking ineffective for its medical purpose. Any change to the fiber structure means the garment must be replaced.
Safe Air Drying Techniques
After washing, the safest and only recommended method for drying compression stockings is air drying. The first step involves removing as much excess moisture as possible without damaging the fibers through wringing or twisting the fabric. A highly effective technique is to lay the stockings flat onto a clean, dry towel and then roll the towel and garment together, pressing gently to allow the towel to absorb the water. This method, often called the “towel burrito,” prevents unnecessary stretching.
Once the bulk of the water is removed, the stockings should be laid flat or hung over a rack in a well-ventilated area away from any direct heat sources. It is important to avoid hanging the stockings by the delicate cuff or top band, as the weight of the damp material can cause localized stretching and damage. Direct sunlight should also be avoided during the drying process, as its ultraviolet rays can contribute to the long-term breakdown of the spandex and nylon fibers.
Best Practices for Washing Compression Stockings
Hand washing is the preferred method to maximize longevity and preserve the fiber structure. If a washing machine is necessary, the stockings should be placed inside a mesh laundry bag and washed on the most delicate cycle setting. The water temperature used should be lukewarm or cold, ideally not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, to protect the elastic components from heat shock.
The type of cleaning agent is equally important, requiring a mild soap or a specialized compression garment cleanser. Harsh chemicals like bleach must be avoided entirely because they accelerate the deterioration of the elastic fibers. Fabric softeners should also be skipped, as they can coat the fibers and interfere with the garment’s moisture-wicking and breathability properties. Proper washing using gentle agents and low temperatures ensures the synthetic yarns remain clean without compromising the integrity of the compression weave.