Compression stockings are thick jersey products that have a beneficial effect on certain active points on the legs and improve blood circulation. Such underwear is indicated for vascular diseases and swelling of the legs, stockings can be an excellent prophylactic against varicose veins. For treatment and prevention, such products must be worn constantly, so frequent washing cannot be avoided. In order not to spoil such expensive underwear, you need to know how to wash compression stockings. This procedure has its own subtleties that should be considered.
Features of the care of the compressor
stockings
Before washing compression stockings or pantyhose, you must carefully study the instructions from the manufacturer. If you do not follow these recommendations, then the laundry may be damaged during washing, which will entail considerable costs for the purchase of a new one.
All compression stockings, tights and socks have a special silicone insert that must be degreased every time you wash your knitwear. For this purpose, a piece of cotton wool is used, which is pre-wetted with medical alcohol.
Silicone rubber bands, which are found in all stockings and tights, can lose their elasticity with excess moisture. This must also be taken into account when washing such knitwear.So that the stockings do not lose their elasticity, the top of the knitwear is pulled with an elastic band so that the soap solution does not fall on the silicone insert.
When washing compression garments, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Most compression garments can only be washed by hand.
- Washing water should be slightly warm, the temperature should not exceed 40 degrees.
- Wash compression garments with neutral baby soap or powder for delicate fabrics.
- Do not use bleach or fabric softeners. The components that make up such household chemicals adversely affect the fibers and degrade the properties of linen.
- When washing, do not rub or stretch the products too actively. Too sudden movements can lead to damage to stockings or tights.
They rinse the hosiery very carefully, it is impossible to twist the stockings at all, since the silicone rubber bands are deformed and the underwear will lose its healing properties.
All compression garments have care labels. In addition, it is not recommended to throw away the packaging with the instructions, as important information may be written on it.
Wash by hand
Hand washing of compression stockings should be done very carefully. Washing is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- 3-4 liters of slightly warm water are poured into a small basin.
- A little liquid soap or a mild powder is dissolved in water.
- Pre-prepared hosiery, with elastic bands tightened at the top, are placed in water and left to soak for 5-10 minutes.
- After that, things are carefully washed, avoiding too active and rubbing movements. Places of strong pollution can be rubbed a little with your palms.
- If some places are heavily soiled, they are soaped and left for 20 minutes, after which they are rubbed with palms.
- After that, the stockings are transferred to another basin and clean water is poured for rinsing. You need to change the water several times. Until it's completely clean.
Compression products must not be twisted. This will cause them to deform. It is better to lay out the laundry at the bottom of the tub and wait for the excess water to drain.
Washing machine
Some manufacturers allow you to wash compression stockings and tights in automatic washing machines. To properly wash your compression underwear, follow these guidelines:
- Laundry is placed in the drum of the washing machine and set to manual or delicate washing.
- Along with compression underwear, you need to put a few more things so that the socks are not washed off so actively.
- Pour a little gel for washing silk or pour a little powder for washing baby clothes into the detergent compartment.
- The spin function is disabled. It is worth remembering that spinning even at minimum speed can damage the fibers of the fabric, which give a compression effect.
After rinsing, the compression underwear is taken out of the washing machine and laid out on the bottom of the bathroom so that excess water is glassed. After that, things are laid out to dry.
Even if the manufacturer indicates that the medical stockings can be washed in a washing machine, it is better not to take risks and resort to hand washing.
How to dry
Compression garments should never be wrung out.After the water drains from the stockings or tights, they are easily blotted with a terry towel and laid out to dry on a horizontal surface. You can dry stockings on a table that is covered with a sheet folded several times or on a dryer, which is covered with a soft cloth. During drying, the stockings must be turned over several times so that they dry evenly.
What Not to Do
To extend the life of your compression underwear, you need to know what not to do with it:
- Cannot be washed in hot water.
- Do not use aggressive substances for washing - bleaches and stain removers.
- Do not dry in an upright position.
- Do not rub too hard when washing.
- Do not use nail polish remover to degrease the silicone insert.
If the laundry is washed in an automatic machine, then you need to set the most delicate washing mode.
After the linen has dried, the stockings must first be carefully put on the arm, and then put on the legs. Thanks to this simple action, the fibers can be slightly stretched after washing.
Good medical stockings and tights last a long time, but only if they are properly cared for. It is necessary to wash such linen at least once a week, although ideally washing should take place every 3-4 days. It is advisable to purchase two sets of linen for change.
