How to Wash Socks
To keep your SOKKS looking like new for as long as possible, we've summed up the essentials of sock care. In short: wash your socks at a maximum of 40 °C – bamboo socks at 30 °C – inside out and without fabric softener. That keeps the colour, shape and material intact.
At a Glance
- Wash temperature: maximum 40 °C – bamboo socks at 30 °C
- Turn socks inside out – protects colours and the inner side
- Wash similar colours together, red separately
- Do not use fabric softener or bleach
- A laundry bag extends their lifespan
- Tumble drying is possible, but air drying is better – bamboo always air dried
- Do not iron and do not dry clean
Care by Material
Not every sock wants the same treatment. Here are the key materials at a glance:
| Material | Washing | Drying | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton / organic cotton | 40 °C | Air dry (tumble possible) | Robust and versatile, absorbs moisture well |
| Bamboo viscose | 30 °C | Air dry | Especially soft and temperature-sensitive – treat gently |
| Sport / performance fabric | 40 °C | Dries on its own | Quick-drying, no tumble dryer needed |
| Dress socks (cotton) | 40 °C | Air dry | Keeps its fine look, do not iron |
What the Care Symbols Mean
You'll find these symbols on every care label. Here's what they mean:
Washing
|
Bleaching
|
Drying
|
Ironing
|
Dry cleaning
|
Do not wash
|
Do not bleach
|
Do not tumble dry
|
Do not iron
|
Do not dry clean
|
On our products you'll always find a selection of these symbols – crossed out or not, depending on the model. A crossed-out symbol means the sock isn't suitable for that cleaning method.
The Five Basic Symbols in Detail
|
Washing
The wash tub shows whether and how warm you may wash. The number is the maximum temperature (e.g. 40 °C). One or two bars beneath it indicate an especially gentle or delicate wash cycle.
|
|
|
Bleaching
The triangle relates to bleaching. An empty triangle allows bleach; two diagonal bars inside mean only chlorine-free (oxygen-based) bleach is allowed.
|
|
|
Drying
The square with a circle stands for the tumble dryer. The dots show the temperature: one dot = low/gentle, two dots = normal. Bars instead of a circle mean air drying.
|
|
|
Ironing
The iron tells you whether and how hot you may iron. The dots stand for the temperature: one dot low (~110 °C), two medium (~150 °C), three hot (~200 °C).
|
|
|
Dry Cleaning
The circle is aimed at professional textile cleaners. Letters inside (P or F) indicate the permitted solvent – at home, the symbol is relevant only as a reference.
|
The Most Important Care Tips
Wash at a Maximum of 40 °C
At 30 to 40 °C your socks get just as clean as at higher temperatures – and you save noticeable energy and CO₂. Too much heat can also tire out elastane and fade colours. Wash bamboo socks at 30 °C. For heavier soiling, soaking beforehand helps.
Separate Your Colours
Wash whites and blacks separately. You can wash coloured socks together – with one exception: red bleeds strongly and belongs in its own wash. That way your socks keep their colour even after many wash cycles.
Wash Inside Out
This keeps the delicate outer surface protected on the inside, and sweat residue on the inner side dissolves more easily.
Use a Laundry Bag
In a bag the socks rub less – this prevents pilling (small bobbles) and keeps the surface smooth. Special wash bags also catch microplastics and protect the environment. As a bonus, your socks stay together in pairs.
Better to Avoid the Dryer
Air drying is the gentlest way to dry your socks – it keeps their shape and quality the longest. In the dryer, textiles can shrink easily. It is possible for cotton and sport socks on a low setting when you are in a hurry – but air is always better. Bamboo socks always belong on the line.
No Fabric Softener, No Bleach
Both harm the material and the environment: fabric softener coats the fibres and robs them of breathability, while bleach attacks colours. It is best to skip them entirely – your socks and the planet will thank you.
Wash New Socks Before First Wear
This removes production residues and is better for the skin – some people react sensitively to substances from the manufacturing process. Freshly washed, your socks are comfortable to wear from the very first day.
Common Sock-Washing Mistakes
- Washing too hot – above 40 °C strains material and colour
- Putting them in the dryer – can shrink socks
- Using fabric softener – reduces breathability
- Washing them with hook-and-loop fasteners or rough textiles
- Leaving wet socks lying around too long – encourages odours
Why Wash Socks Regularly?
There are two good reasons – and both matter to us. First, your health: especially in summer or during sport, the feet produce a lot of sweat, and in that warmth odour-causing bacteria multiply. Regular washing gives them no chance and keeps your socks hygienically fresh. Breathable materials like organic cotton and bamboo viscose support a pleasant foot climate.
Second, the look: nobody wants once-white socks that drift towards yellow or grey over time. With the right care your SOKKS keep their shape and colour even after many wash cycles – saving you hassle and money.
Öko-Tex Standard 100
All SOKKS are certified to Öko-Tex Standard 100. That means tested for harmful substances and skin-friendly – even for sensitive skin. More on the Öko-Tex certification →
If a Hole Ever Appears
If a hole ever appears despite good care, don't let it bother you. Thanks to our anti-hole guarantee we'll find a solution together – just get in touch.