How to Wash Wool Socks

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!

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.
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}
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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.
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.
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}
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Are wool socks machine washable?
Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert
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
Green Cleaning Expert
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.
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Warnings

Don’t put your wool socks in hot water or in a dryer since your socks could shrink.
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Avoid using regular detergent since it breaks down natural oils that hold wool together.^{[10]XResearch source}
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