How Should I Clean My Prosthetic Socks?
To cover this topic with you we need to look at the different sock materials on the market.
1.) Wool
2.) Nylon
3.) Cotton
If you asked a prosthetist in general for a quick answer they might tell you something like this :
You can machine wash prosthetic socks that are made from nylon and cotton, but you should not machine wash wool
socks. On one hand, it is possible to machine wash the wool socks, but the problem is that they will not stay soft or last as long if you put them in a machine to clean them. So, you risk the life cycle of the sock you are using if you through it into a machine washer.
Some of the cotton and nylon manufacturers we work with state that you can clean socks every day in a machine. You can prespot them in water that is more cool, then you can take them and wash them right side out in warm water.
All purpose detergent is recommend on a regular basis but be careful with your skin. You already know this to be true. You know what works and doesn’t work for yourself in this regard. Remember, these prosthetic socks are cotton or nylon in many cases, just like a lot of other garments you wear.
Many prosthetic sock manufacturers would also tell you to rinse them well and to put them in the dryer on a low heat setting after you have pulled them taut.
Other prosthetists will tell you that “when in doubt” hand wash and air dry. And, to use soap that you use to wash yourself and that way, you know you are not allergic to it. This idea may, or may not work for you but it is something to consider.
Now, we do not know the kind of prosthetic socks you have or want to get but these are rules of thumb. Make sure to check in with your prosthetist before going with this information for yourself. Also, when you get the new prosthetic socks and it is time to clean them, you can quickly find the exact directions from the manufacturer on the paper insert that usually is inside the plastic bag that came with the socks.
*We hope this information has helped you. Do check in with your prosthetist prior to moving forward with this information as everyone is different and we do not know the products you are using in particular.
Best of luck.