How To Wash & Take Care Of Your Grip Socks

Tired of Buying New Non-Slip Grips Socks Every Month? Here’s How to Wash & Take Care of Them for Much Longer

If you own a pair of grip socks, you already know that they require a slightly different cleaning approach than traditional socks.

Whether you attend a class, or practice yoga and pilates at home, one of the biggest dilemmas most people face regarding their non slip grip socks and clothes that they wear is how and how often to wash them - considering you’d like to preserve the fabric, colour and anti-slip PVC grips for as long as possible!

While even the best grippies can take some beating when used regularly during pilates, yoga, or a workout, knowing how to wash them properly will prolong the life and performance of your yoga and pilates socks.

So, today, we are explaining how to wash non-slip socks the right way, along with a few care tips that, together, will allow you to get the most out of them.

IMPORTANT: Always refer to the wash and care instructions that are provided on the label or packaging of your grip socks before cleaning them.

How to Machine-Wash Non-Slip Grip Socks

You can wash your grip socks by hand, or in a washer; the hand washing ensures a more delicate wash while the machine undoubtedly wins in the convenience factor and, more importantly, offers a much more in-depth clean.

Since these socks are prone to sweat, body oils, dirt, and other contaminants picked up from the floor or yoga mat, machine-washing them is highly recommended.

There are, however, a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and effective clean.

Here are the key instructions to follow when washing your grippy socks in a washer.

1. Protect the Grip Material

The socks’ grips are typically made from silicone, PVC, or even flocking fabric.

The anti-slip material on the bottom of the socks may be durable, but that doesn’t mean that getting spun, tumbled and knocked around won’t do a number on it over time.

So, the first thing you need to do is turn the socks inside out, and then place them into a laundry bag (preferably a small one designed for underwear).

This makes the machine-wash a lot gentler on your sticky socks with the added benefit of preventing sock pilling.

2. Set the Washer to ‘Cold’ & ‘Gentle’

Non-slip grip socks require some TLC when it comes to cleaning; this is why you should only use a gentle cycle when machine-washing them.

Cold water is also highly advised because hot temperatures can not only shrink some fabrics, but be damaging to them as well.

That said, ultimately, the temperature of water will depend on the washing symbols/instructions mentioned on the care tag, so be sure to give that a look before proceeding to wash your grip socks.

3. Air-Dry Once Washed

After machine-washing grip socks, take them out of the drum as soon as possible, and leave them to air-dry on a clothes rack or line.

Do not attempt to dry the socks in your dryer as this can not only cause shrinking due to the heat, but damage the grip material as well.

Air-drying (the good ol’ washing line!), on the other hand, goes a long way in preserving the fabric and anti-slip material.

Quick Tips To Make Your Grippies Last

Here are some quick tips to easily maintain your grip socks and keep up their performance for longer:

• Wash grip socks after every use to rid them of dirt and bacteria. If a machine-wash isn’t possible, hand-wash them in a basin with mild soap and cool water; then air-dry.

• Wash grip socks along with delicates or small items.

• Do not use more than the required amount of laundry detergent (as per the load) even if the socks have developed a foul odour.
  
  When excess detergent is added, it does not rinse off properly, causing fabrics to stiffen. It also leaves soap residue on the socks which can lead to faster bacteria buildup.

• Never iron grip socks as the high heat can permanently damage the anti-slip material.

• After your pilates/yoga session, take off the socks immediately to avoid overusing them - or, have separate pairs for your sessions and for use at home.

Doesn’t take much to care for your grippies. It’s all about the small habits!

Follow the tips above and regardless of the type of material your pairs of grippies are made of, they're sure to have their lifespan extended, keeping your feet firm and your movements precise for sessions and more sessions to come.