Terms of UseHow to Wash Wool Socks Explore this Article methods 1 Using a Washing Machine 2 Washing Wool Socks by Hand Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Susan Stocker and Hunter Rising
Last Updated: January 7, 2021 References
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This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 27,136 times.
Wool socks help keep you warm when temperatures get colder, but they should be washed after wearing them a few times. Like other wool clothing, socks can shrink and deteriorate unless they’re washed properly. Whether you use a washing machine or wash your socks by hand, you can have a fresh pair to wear!
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Using a Washing Machine
1 Put your socks in a mesh bag to keep them safe during the wash. Putting your socks in a mesh bag reduces the amount of abrasion between your garments. Even if you’re only washing your socks, put all of your socks inside the bag so they don’t move around your machine as much.[1]XResearch source
Mesh bags can be purchased at any big box store or online.
Plan on washing your socks before you go to bed so they can dry overnight.
Tip: If your socks have fun designs, turn them inside out before putting them in your mesh bag. This will help preserve the colors and keep your socks looking new.[2]XResearch source
2 Use a gentle detergent made for wool if you want them to smell clean. Wool socks, especially those made from merino, don’t hold much odor, so you don’t have to use detergent. If you want your socks smelling fresh though, look for a special wool detergent at your local department store. Use the amount of detergent you need for your laundry load, which should be listed on the back of the bottle.
Regular detergents strip oils from the fabric, but wool needs its oils to maintain its form.[3]XResearch source
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3 Set your machine to a cold wool or delicates cycle. Choose the gentlest cycle on your washing machine to reduce any damage it may cause to your socks. Use the coldest water setting on your machine to prevent your socks from shrinking. Once you have the cycle and temperature selected, start your laundry and let it fully complete the cycle.[4]XResearch source
If you’re only washing a few socks, do the smallest load size so you don’t waste water.
4 Lay your socks flat on a drying rack. When your washing machine finishes its cycle, take your socks out of the mesh bag and lay them flat so they don’t lose their shape. Let the socks dry for 5-6 hours.[5]XResearch source Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Washing Wool Socks by Hand
1 Fill a sink with cold water and gentle wool detergent. Use the coldest water you can and mix in 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of the detergent. Make sure the detergent is specifically made for wool clothes, or else it could ruin the integrity of the fabric. Agitate the water with your hand so it gets sudsy.[6]XResearch source
If you don’t have wool detergent, you can use any shampoo in its place.
Make sure your sink is clean prior to washing your socks in it.
2 Put your socks in the sink and let them soak for 10 minutes. Let the soapy water soak into your socks so they’re completely saturated. Mix the socks in the water so the soap starts to bubble. This ensures that the detergent gets deep into the wool fibers. Then let the socks soak in the water for another 10 minutes.[7]XResearch source
3 Drain the sink and rinse your socks in cold water. Pull out the plug so the soapy water drains from your sink. Turn on your cold water and run your socks underneath the stream. Gently squeeze out any of the soapy water from your socks while they’re rinsing.
Try to use the same temperature water that you started with to avoid any shrinkage.
4 Roll your socks in a towel to squeeze out the water. Lay a dry microfiber towel out on a table, and put your socks flat on the towel so they retain their shape. Start tightly rolling the towel from one end so the water squeezes out of your socks. Once the towel is completely rolled up, unroll it again so you can grab your socks.[8]XResearch source
Think of the towel as a sleeping bag you need to tightly roll up so you can store it.
5 Let the socks dry overnight. Take your socks and hang them on a drying rack, hanger, or shower rod. Let them dry for at least a few hours, or overnight if you washed them late. Touch your socks to see if they’re still damp or ready to wear.[9]XResearch source Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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Question Are wool socks machine washable? Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Maybe, but probably not be. Wool is pretty fickle and unpredictable. If the tag says they aren't machine washable and you wash them, they're probably going to shrink dramatically. I've seen wool clothing shrink down to extremely small sizes when it has been mishandled. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
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Warnings
Don’t put your wool socks in hot water or in a dryer since your socks could shrink. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Avoid using regular detergent since it breaks down natural oils that hold wool together.[10]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
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Things You’ll Need
Using a Washing Machine
Washing machine
Mesh bag
Wool detergent
Drying rack
Washing Wool Socks by Hand
Sink
Wool detergent
Microfiber towel
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Co-authored by: Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. This article has been viewed 27,136 times. 12 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4Updated: January 7, 2021 Views: 27,136
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Co-authored by: Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. This article has been viewed 27,136 times. 12 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4 Updated: January 7, 2021 Views: 27,136 
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 
519 
1 Put your socks in a mesh bag to keep them safe during the wash. Putting your socks in a mesh bag reduces the amount of abrasion between your garments. Even if you’re only washing your socks, put all of your socks inside the bag so they don’t move around your machine as much.[1] 
2 Use a gentle detergent made for wool if you want them to smell clean. Wool socks, especially those made from merino, don’t hold much odor, so you don’t have to use detergent. If you want your socks smelling fresh though, look for a special wool detergent at your local department store. Use the amount of detergent you need for your laundry load, which should be listed on the back of the bottle. 
3 Set your machine to a cold wool or delicates cycle. Choose the gentlest cycle on your washing machine to reduce any damage it may cause to your socks. Use the coldest water setting on your machine to prevent your socks from shrinking. Once you have the cycle and temperature selected, start your laundry and let it fully complete the cycle.[4] 
4 Lay your socks flat on a drying rack. When your washing machine finishes its cycle, take your socks out of the mesh bag and lay them flat so they don’t lose their shape. Let the socks dry for 5-6 hours.[5] Advertisement 
1 Fill a sink with cold water and gentle wool detergent. Use the coldest water you can and mix in 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of the detergent. Make sure the detergent is specifically made for wool clothes, or else it could ruin the integrity of the fabric. Agitate the water with your hand so it gets sudsy.[6] 
2 Put your socks in the sink and let them soak for 10 minutes. Let the soapy water soak into your socks so they’re completely saturated. Mix the socks in the water so the soap starts to bubble. This ensures that the detergent gets deep into the wool fibers. Then let the socks soak in the water for another 10 minutes.[7] 
3 Drain the sink and rinse your socks in cold water. Pull out the plug so the soapy water drains from your sink. Turn on your cold water and run your socks underneath the stream. Gently squeeze out any of the soapy water from your socks while they’re rinsing. 
4 Roll your socks in a towel to squeeze out the water. Lay a dry microfiber towel out on a table, and put your socks flat on the towel so they retain their shape. Start tightly rolling the towel from one end so the water squeezes out of your socks. Once the towel is completely rolled up, unroll it again so you can grab your socks.[8] 
5 Let the socks dry overnight. Take your socks and hang them on a drying rack, hanger, or shower rod. Let them dry for at least a few hours, or overnight if you washed them late. Touch your socks to see if they’re still damp or ready to wear.[9] Advertisement 
Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.