To date, manufacturers of medical products have developed a large number of different compression hosiery: tights, stockings, knee socks. They are used to treat and prevent diseases of the venous system, relieving leg fatigue, relaxing muscles and relieving pain in diseases of the joints and veins. To achieve this result, even distribution of pressure on the legs helps, which allows the blood flow to completely normalize.
Compression hosiery has replaced elastic bandages, which were originally used in compression therapy and turned out to be impractical to use. Therefore, high-quality compression stockings are currently popular, they not only solve medical problems, but also have an attractive appearance.
Features of care
Compression stockings are a special therapeutic and prophylactic product that requires delicate care.
During wear, underwear tends to accumulate dust and epidermal particles between the fibers. Therefore, washing is an obligatory and necessary ritual that restores the elastic and healing properties of this medical product. About why to wash and how to do it exactly is indicated in the manufacturer's instructions. Knowing how to wash compression garments correctly can significantly extend their service life. You just need to follow the following recommendations:
- to preserve the structure of the fabric, you should avoid synthetic detergents, bleaches and conditioners;
- to avoid deformation of the fibers, the product must not be exposed to thermal effects;
- To protect the frame thread, it is better to refrain from machine and manual squeezing of the fabric.
Note! Dry cleaning and ironing of anti-varicose knitwear is prohibited.
Is it possible?
When worn, compression stockings come into direct contact with the skin, so dead, keratinized particles, as well as dust and small specks, accumulate on them .
They gradually clog and burst the cells between the fibers, they become deformed, and the stretching properties of the knitwear deteriorate.
The lower part is worn on the foot, on which there are a large number of sweat glands and profuse sweating occurs.
To maintain cleanliness and hygiene, stockings can and should be washed periodically. Many manufacturers prohibit machine washing of their products , as indicated on the packaging.
If there is no such data, then machine washing is allowed, but subject to strict adherence to the rules. When washing by hand, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances, which will be discussed in more detail in the article.
Washing frequency
Washing compression underwear is mandatory, but it should not be done daily, as the product will quickly become unusable. Therefore, the ideal option is to have a replaceable pair of stockings. If this is not possible, then three to four washes per week will be enough. This is enough to keep the product fresh and its medicinal properties effective.
Important! Before washing the compression product, the silicone insert must be degreased. A cotton swab soaked in medical alcohol is suitable for this purpose.
Detergent
In order for compression products to serve for a long time, it is necessary to choose the right detergent that does not contain chlorine and other aggressive components.
Many detergents have been developed for gentle, gentle care: gels, shampoos, soaps. You can also use baby powder, but its particles may remain in the fibers. Liquid detergents are gentler and are completely washed out of the fabric, effectively removing accumulated sweat and sebaceous secretions. They do not allow static electricity to accumulate, making the knitwear easier to use. Easy to use - just add 30 ml to water and wash the product. The gel copes well with both light and heavy soiling, without leaving white streaks or stains on washed items. If the prescribed dosage is observed, it is an economical detergent, unlike bulk detergent.
Handwash
Information on how to hand wash compression stockings can be found in the instructions. Most manufacturers of specialized linen recommend careful hand washing:
- You should fill the bath with water, observing the temperature regime (from 30 to 40 degrees).
- Then you need to pour a little detergent into the water, stirring with your hand.
- The product must be soaked for 10 minutes in the solution and rubbed a little to remove dirt.
- The next stage is rinsing, it should be smooth and slow. To do this, use a separate container with cool water.
- Then the stockings are lightly compressed and dried on a horizontal surface with a cloth underneath.
Washing by hand is a great way to return things to their cleanliness and attractive appearance without damaging or ruining anything. At the same time, the effort required is minimal.
Note! It is prohibited to twist, pull, or strongly compress the product. This can lead to its deformation and loss of healing properties.
Cotton version
Stockings are not one of those things that we wear every day. Today they are more perceived as a tool of seduction. Nevertheless, every girl should have such a charm in her wardrobe. This is generally something like nuclear weapons: they are not allowed to use them, but their presence gives additional confidence. Because of this, many ladies have no idea how to wash stockings, but you need to know this, because the thing is delicate and over time may lose its elasticity or even its external effectiveness.
The fibers from which they are made, or rather their structure, are easily destroyed by sweat. This can only be avoided by washing, and done correctly:
- The first thing we do is soak the hosiery in salt water, this will help preserve the color of the material.
- Next, the stockings are rinsed under tap water, after which they can be washed.
- This procedure is carried out as usual, with soap or powder. If the products are beige or light gray, there is no need to “salt” them.
- Don't forget to rinse, at least a couple of times. First, we remove the remaining foam and powder, the second and third times - to freshen the color and extend the service life. It would be correct to add ammonia or vinegar during the second rinse.
Not only beautiful, but also practical things
Remember what not to do with cotton stockings; if you twist them, you can stretch the fabric or cause unpleasant streaks.
To dry stockings you need a dryer. It should be located as far as possible from heat sources.
Machine washable
There are models of compression garments that can be washed in a washing machine after reading the care instructions. If such information is not available, it is better to wash it by hand. In cases where the machine method is permitted, certain conditions must be met:
- First you need to place the product in a special mesh so as not to damage it.
- The maximum permissible water temperature is 40 degrees.
- The most suitable mode is delicate or hand wash.
- Only mild detergents should be used.
- Any additives containing chlorine, bleaches and other substances hazardous to fabric should be excluded.
Important! Automatic spinning is not allowed; this function should be disabled.
How to wash compression stockings?
For washing, you can use liquid soap, shampoo, gel for baby clothes, chlorine-free gel for delicate fabrics. It is not recommended to use washing powder, since grains not dissolved in water get stuck in the elastic fibers of knitwear and disrupt its structure. There is no need to use laundry soap; it contains a lot of fatty acids that are aggressive to knitted fibers. DO NOT use bleaches, fabric softeners or fabric softeners.
There are special gels for washing compression hosiery, which allow you to preserve the structure of the knitted fibers and the healing effect, while perfectly cleaning the compression underwear in cool water. In our store you can purchase ELIVA Prebiotic Clean Gel for hand washing compression knitwear art. 010701 (volume 250 ml) or art. 010702 (volume 75 ml), as well as OrthoDisept Washing gel with antibacterial effect art. 030201.
Drying rules
It is important to know not only how to care for compression stockings, but also how to dry them properly.
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After all, these are not just clothes, but special supportive underwear, on which the beauty and health of the legs depends:
- It is better to dry it in a well-ventilated area or in the fresh air.
- Avoid direct sunlight and avoid any heating devices.
- You should carefully lay the stockings on a terry towel so that all the moisture is absorbed.
- To speed up the process, you can put another towel on top and periodically replace it with a dry one.
Additional Information! Stockings cannot be hung anywhere. If the wet fabric is stretched, the frame thread will be irreparably damaged and the tightening effect will be lost.
How to dry properly
The effect of wearing medical underwear can be tracked after six months. To prevent it from deteriorating, it is important to properly care for it. Since compression stockings need to be worn every day, they should be washed daily. The main thing is to follow the washing rules in order to preserve the service life. It is also recommended to initially purchase two pairs of stockings, so that while one is in the wash, you can wear the second.
The drying process for compression stockings has some features:
- Do not iron, dry on radiator or under the sun. Direct rays and hot air can damage the frame thread and the product will lose its properties.
- In order to dry the product, it must be blotted with a towel and laid out on a flat surface, for example, on an ironing board or drying rack.
- Let the stockings dry completely.
- You can't hang such laundry. Dry strictly in a horizontal position.
Whether or not to wash new compression garments before use is up to everyone to decide for themselves. But, as a rule, anti-varicose stockings in new packaging are sterile. Therefore, the first wash can be done after the first wear. If you follow all the rules of care, you can preserve the life of your laundry for a long time, no matter how many times you have to wash it.
How to properly wash compression stockings video
Compression knitwear allows you to normalize the functioning of the venous system and muscles. During wear, the elastic fibers adhere tightly to the skin, exerting optimal pressure on the lower limbs. The tension is increased in the ankle area and gradually decreases towards the silicone elastic band.
- facilitating the functioning of blood vessels, eliminating blood stagnation;
- relieving swelling and muscle tension;
- breathable material;
- comfort due to the absence of seams;
- attractive appearance, reminiscent of classic tights;
- the ability to do without anti-varicose elastic bandages.
After removing excess water from the washed stockings using a terry towel, they are laid out on a flat horizontal surface to dry. Place a dry towel underneath to absorb moisture. To speed up the process, periodically replace the damp cloth with another.
Medical products should be dried in a ventilated room, away from heating devices and sunlight. Compression stockings should not be hung on a line. This causes deformation of the threads and loss of therapeutic effect. There is also no need to blow anti-varicose jersey with a hot hairdryer.
Since most people's feet sweat a lot, anti-varicose stockings and knee socks get dirty quite quickly. But it is not recommended to wash them every day like regular socks; the products will quickly lose their healing properties. The optimal frequency is 2-4 washes per week, which will be enough to maintain freshness.
Anti-varicose stockings get dirty quickly and need to be washed at least 2 times a week
For varicose veins, a tendency to edema and other indications, it is best to buy 2-3 pairs of compression stockings at once. You will need to wear them every day, and replaceable socks will allow you not to subject the stockings to too frequent washing, but also not to re-wear dirty clothes.
Therapeutic and prophylactic elastic underwear places strict demands not only on washing, but also on drying. To prevent products from changing shape, stretching or shrinking, you must follow important rules:
- Elastic knitwear is dried exclusively under natural conditions, at room temperature, in a dry room with good ventilation. Using a hairdryer or heater, or hanging stockings on a radiator is strictly prohibited - a sudden change in temperature will negatively affect the compression properties of the underwear.
- For the same reason, products should not be hung to dry in the sun - ultraviolet radiation and thermal effects have a detrimental effect on the properties of the fabric.
- In principle, it is not recommended to hang anti-varicose underwear and sportswear on a rope, on a dryer bar, and especially not to secure them with clothespins. Elastic fabric is very sensitive; in a few hours the material can change its characteristics, stretching under its own weight.
Compression knitwear is dried on a horizontal dryer, in diffused lighting and without the use of heaters.
It is best to dry the products by placing them on a special drying rack. To absorb excess moisture, you can put a thick towel under elastic underwear for a while. It is necessary to put on stockings or put them in the closet only after they are completely dry. If the fabric remains even a little damp, it is necessary to finish drying.
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Caring for the silicone insert
Today you can often find models with a silicone insert; they are comfortable, but require some attention. The fact is that upon contact with a soap solution, silicone is destroyed. It loses elasticity and becomes stiff. Only rubbing alcohol can clean it safely. To do this, you need to moisten a cotton swab with it and wipe the rubber strip. You can do this 2-3 times a week.
To keep the fixing inserts in their original form and not lose their elasticity, you should pull the stocking up with an elastic band or cord. Then carefully wash the product, trying to prevent soapy water from getting on the silicone insert.
Types of compressions
Knitwear for hospitalization
This special medical underwear is used only during operations or childbirth. It must be removed immediately upon completion. Prescribed only by a doctor and not recommended for daily use. Compression hosiery is needed to prevent varicose veins. There are several types that are divided into levels.
Recommendations
To extend service life, experts provide the following recommendations:
- Lingerie can only be purchased in special stores or salons, so as not to stumble upon a fake.
- When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the packaging; the compression class should be indicated there. Some people confuse it with the DEN number.
- When choosing compression garments, it is better to trust well-known brands. They produce high-quality and comfortable products.
- Caution should be exercised when shopping online. The size and compression class may be selected incorrectly.
- It is better to consult a doctor before use. He must familiarize himself with the list of all contraindications and possible complications.
- You can buy two or three pairs of stockings. This will significantly increase the service life of each of them and protect against unforeseen situations.
- The product should be stored in a dry and dark place, then the therapeutic effect will be preserved.
Compression hosiery is a medical product that meets certain quality standards. Its healing properties are important: it normalizes blood flow in the legs, improves tissue nutrition, and relieves swelling. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to the care of this product.
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Practical advice
A summary of the most important tips for washing such items:
- Before you start washing tights or stockings made of any materials by hand, remove all bracelets and rings that you have on your hands.
- Before loading stockings or tights into the drum of the machine, put them in a special bag or box, so the stockings will better retain their elasticity.
- There should be no bleaches in powders, soaps or gels.
- It's best not to load light and dark colored stockings into the machine at the same time.
- If you are afraid of twisting, you can simply wrap the stockings in a towel, preferably a dry one.
Stockings and tights ready to dry
- To remove stains that suddenly appear on stockings, look for products that do not contain chlorine, and choose the composition that is as gentle as possible.
- Of course, you should never iron such things, with the exception of cotton stockings: the temperature will simply kill the thinnest fabric. Cotton items can be ironed with extreme caution at the lowest temperature.
In fact, caring for stockings is not particularly difficult. The most important thing here is to choose the right product and washing mode.
We hope that our valuable advice, collected from many housewives, will help you determine the necessary conditions for washing and caring for your stockings.
Useful article on a similar topic: How to wash socks.
