Compression stockings are specialized medical garments designed to apply graduated pressure to the legs, supporting venous circulation and preventing issues like swelling and discomfort. The efficacy of these garments relies on the integrity of their elastic fibers, which provide the therapeutic compression level. Regular cleaning is a functional necessity, as washing removes skin oils and sweat that degrade elasticity, allowing the garment to maintain its original compression strength.
Essential Supplies and Preparation
Preparing the correct materials ensures the longevity of the delicate elastic fibers. Use a clean basin or sink free of harsh chemical residue. The water should be lukewarm or cool, as temperatures exceeding 105°F (40°C) can damage the spandex or elastane components.
Only a mild soap, baby shampoo, or specialized compression garment cleaner should be used. Avoid standard laundry detergents containing bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh stain removers, as these chemically weaken the elastic structure. If the stockings are significantly soiled, turn them inside out before washing to better access accumulated body oils and sweat.
Step-by-Step Manual Washing
The manual washing process begins with a short soaking period. Soak the stockings in the prepared lukewarm, soapy water for a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the mild detergent to penetrate the fabric. Longer soaking times are not recommended.
After soaking, gently agitate the garment. Lightly massage the fabric, focusing particular attention on the heel and toe areas, which typically accumulate the most soil. Avoid harsh scrubbing, twisting, or wringing motions, as these mechanical stressors distort the precise knit structure of the stocking.
The final step is rinsing the soap completely from the fibers. Drain the soapy water and rinse the stockings under cool, running water until the water squeezed from the garment runs completely clear. Residual soap accelerates the breakdown of the elastic material, compromising the garment’s compression effectiveness.
Proper Drying Techniques
Immediately after the final rinse, focus on removing excess moisture without causing mechanical damage. Never wring or twist the stocking to expel water, as this action aggressively stretches the elastic components beyond their recovery point. Instead, lay the wet stocking flat on a clean, absorbent towel.
Gently roll the towel up, with the stocking inside, applying light pressure to press the water out of the fabric. Once the towel has absorbed the majority of the water, unroll it and remove the stocking. The garment should then be air-dried by laying it flat on a mesh surface or draping it over a drying rack.
The drying location must be away from all sources of direct heat, including radiators, direct sunlight, and heat vents. High heat causes the synthetic elastic fibers to lose their molecular structure, which compromises the compression. Allowing the stocking to dry slowly at room temperature ensures the preservation of the therapeutic compression level.
Common Mistakes That Damage Compression Stockings
Several common laundry practices must be strictly avoided to prevent premature garment failure. The use of harsh chemicals, such as chlorine bleach or fabric softeners, is detrimental, as they chemically degrade the polymer chains of the elastic fibers. Fabric softeners leave a residue that clogs the pores of the fabric, reducing its breathability and elasticity.
Mechanical stress is another significant cause of damage. Wringing the stocking to remove water or using clothespins to hang it creates permanent stress points and weak spots in the knit structure, leading to a localized loss of compression. This stretching compromises the graduated pressure profile of the garment.
Exposure to any form of high heat is the most frequent cause of fiber failure in compression wear. Tumble drying, placing the garment on a radiator, or leaving it in direct sunlight causes the elastane molecules to permanently relax and lose their ability to contract. When this happens, the stocking no longer delivers the prescribed level of therapeutic compression.