We all do it almost every day: compression wash. Tights, sleeve stockings and even compression sportswear - everything goes into the machine more often than many other items of clothing in your bar. We can make some mistakes in handling the special material that could damage it.
But don't worry, dear ones. Today I am Master Proper, the white giant, the Persil Megaperl and save your supplies from the cruel laundering death. Caroline to the Rescue!
Oh god, did I do so much wrong?
Ok ok that was a little dramatic. But let's be honest, washing compression is not really emotionally upsetting or even exciting. Perhaps this little top 10 will help you avoid a few mistakes and in the end have well-maintained compression garments by your side for longer. So, let's go.
Compression wash:
10 mistakes that can happen while washing compression
- Wrong temperature selected
In general, you should stick to the temperature on the label and do not wash the compression stockings hotter than indicated. Usually the optimal temperature is 40 ° on the delicate program. - Place compression stockings on the heater to dry
Don't do that. Do not dry compresses in direct sunlight or on a heater. But some models are suitable for the tumble dryer on the gentle cycle, for example.
TIP: If you want to go faster, put the supply in a towel, wrap it up and squeeze it out a little (DO NOT wring it). Then hang up as usual. - Fabric softener, optical brightener or stain remover used
This is definitely not a good idea. The pores can be closed by the additives and fibers can be glued together and you are doing your compression a disservice. In the worst case, you will also favor sliding. - Wrong detergent used
Delicates or colored detergents are used for compression washing in the washing machine (Test winner Stiftung Warentest) recommended. Heavy duty and wool detergents contain additives that should be avoided.
TIP: Almost all manufacturers offer special detergents for compression stockings. Next time just ask about it in your medical supply store. Here we have it for you average and here that juzo Detergent tested. - No laundry net used
Bra closures, zippers or Velcro fasteners are potential dangers to the fabric and could cause damage. I use a laundry net to protect my stockings. There are either some directly from the manufacturer in your medical supply store or here on amazon for a narrow thaler. - Washed irregularly
It is highly recommended that compressions be washed daily after use. Be it in the washing machine or by hand, the daily reset for the fibers guarantees you the right fit every day! - Washed on the wrong side
In order to remove residues such as skin flakes, hair or lotions from the adhesive tape with its silicone coatings, you can wash the stockings inside out. If things got particularly dirty, you can pre-clean the silicone a little by hand. - Chemical cleaning
People are naturally creative people and that's why some people might get the idea of having their stockings dry-cleaned. That is not exactly what is meant by gentle care, so please don't do that. That's not a flokati. - Iron
Yes, the direct heat from ironing should also be avoided. Since the compression should lie like a second skin anyway, there shouldn't be any problem with wrinkles. The body heat will smooth everything out by itself. After all, we are hot devices 😉 - Chlorinate
Even if the thought of (ideally) two pairs of stockings in the semester inpuncto germination does not always trigger ecstasy, I can reassure you. You don't have to chlorinate the compression or soak it in vinegar to keep it sterile. Daily laundry is sufficient here and, above all, the high-tech fabric from which our supplies are made. That already ensures that we don't carry bacteria mothership with us for walks and we already know from the swimming pool that chlorine is not the gentlest thing.
Everything has an end
Even our wonderful high-tech super compression has had its day after six months and has done its job. Then it's time to buy a new one (in the best case a second as an alternating supply for hygienic reasons) to apply. Until then, be good to your compressions, take care of them and work around the mistakes. This may save you a little trouble and you can benefit from the quality of your care for longer.
Hello Caroline!
Nice that you wrote this article. I have a very uncomfortable problem. I'm totally embarrassed. Do you know when laundry smells musty? Because of the bacteria. I have that well under control by soaking these things in vinegar water. That doesn't happen to me anymore. But now I have the same problem with the stockings. Then when you're dry, they smell so bad. But not just on the foot section, but everywhere. I can't go out with it. It's really bad. Also now I just put them in vinegar water. The problem is that they don't dry out overnight or they are wet for too long. Today I tried it in the living room. Not dry but at least it doesn't smell. It is not every time either. I do not know what to do. Unfortunately, it can only be put into the machine about once a week. My short program lasts 1 1/2 hours. That is why the stockings only come in when the machine is full. And now the other laundry is beginning to smell partly again…. I hope someone can help me.
Vg
Bommel
Hi .. basically you should first clean your washing machine .. a dishwasher tab every now and then removes a lot of leftovers .. sometimes vinegar .. both directly into the drum and then at 60 degrees or higher. And put in the compression beforehand .. there is a liquid detergent from Perwoll that helps well .. red ?? Just take a look
Hello bobble,
I once heard that the problem with the odor arises in the machine and that is where you should fight it. By always washing at 30/40 degrees, these stinky bacteria form there over the years. You should then clean the machine and wash it through 90 degrees, so the machine not the compress. There is sure to be more advice on this on the internet, I read it on a housewives blog and was always wondering why some people's laundry smells when it comes out of the machine.
Great article Caroline! Only the topic of which detergent is really right will always confuse me. The fear of doing something wrong is simply great.
LG Billie
Yes, and also think of the detergent drawer at the top (water inlet) and seals between the drum and door, as well as the lint filter at the bottom of the machine, this is where bacteria, limescale and mold often collect, which is then washed into the laundry. Special hygiene cleaners and decalcifying agents are available from Angela
Hello Billie,
thanks for the tip. I already do that regularly…. I do not know either. Sigh. I don't worry too much about the detergent. I also make my own detergent from time to time. Grin. So far the stockings have survived. Will clean the washing machine again.
Vg
Bommel
Thanks for the tips! Question: if the stockings have been discolored by shoes, how do I find out? Is there a tip for that?
Oh, unfortunately not, but we should ask the swarm knowledge 🙂 I'll take care of it.
Best regards,
Caroline
I rub the Kompri on the spot with gall soap and then wash it as usual 🙂
Thanks for these cleaning tips. That was a very good contribution. I always find it difficult to find out what works best.
Thank you for these tips! As a newbie, I have one more question. I got my tights two days ago. After hand washing, I squeezed it out as best I could, wrapped it in a towel and, as read elsewhere, put it in the salad spinner. Nevertheless, it is still damp even with the current temperatures in the morning. Do you have any further tips?
Hello dear Lotte,
mhh, actually that shouldn't happen. Maybe the humidity is too high up to date?
Dear Caroline, thank you for your practical tips! Our first compression garments lived until the first wash, then gone. With proper care, they serve Compression stockings long enough. I find the compiled list of errors very useful for everyone.
Dear Caroline, I wash my compression in the sports program (since this is usually intended for delicate laundry) and spin on 400 or 600 is the right thing, or better not spin and not in the sports program? Lg Angela
Hello Angela,
no, I think you're doing it very right. 🙂
Best regards,
Caroline
Hello Caroline,
I have the following questions: 1. Some detergents say that you shouldn't use a water softener as well. Now I suspected that these were plasticizers, but I couldn't find anything. I now assume that this is something else. Or do you know something else.
2. Can you explain why you shouldn't use wool detergent? I've read that it's like mild detergent that doesn't contain any enzymes. In some cases, no further distinction is made between fine and wool detergents. For example, I have a mild detergent (it says on it) from Coral for wool and silk. (By the way, mine have some merino wool, so I would like to use a wool detergent)
3. Do you know if a long soaking time can lead to shrinking?
Thank you in advance for an answer. I also learned a lot.
By the way, a hint for those for whom the stockings do not dry overnight. You can wrap it in a towel and trample on it again with a second dry towel, that helps. Maybe even more, I haven't tried it yet.
However, I often still have the problem afterwards and have therefore received a second pair of compression stockings as a replacement for hygienic reasons. I know the health insurance companies may be different, but definitely try. Submit the same prescription after a while with the addition "Change supply for hygienic reasons". My lady from the medical supply store said it was good to apply for the replacement supply after about 4 weeks, but the last time I did it very close and it worked.
Hello Ines,
Unfortunately, I don't know enough about that, I always use water softeners in addition.
I believe that there is something nourishing (wax or fat?) In wool detergents for the wool and therefore it is not recommended.
Best regards,
Caroline
I washed my first pair of compression stockings incorrectly and was very annoyed. Thanks for the helpful tips on how to do it right. I often worry a lot about bacteria, but it's good to know that you don't extra chlorine the compression or soak it in vinegar to keep it sterile.
Hi Caroline,
how do you feel about the spin cycle in the delicate wash program, i.e. at 900 revolutions? Or do you always take your stockings out of the washing machine soaking wet and just squeeze them out in a towel?
For me it's about the slipping down of the stockings with silicone top band, which go up to my crotch. Which mild detergent do you use? Really the very expensive ones from the compression manufacturers?
I use circular knit compression class 2, I also tried flat knit, but the stockings also slipped and then cut like hell into the hollows of the knees.
I'm looking for a suitable detergent, I've been spinning the stockings up to now and I'd like to know if I shouldn't do that.
I look forward to an early reply and thank you in advance!
Kind regards
Christina
Hello christina
I really use this one: https://powersprotte.com/collections/selbstmanagement-pflege/products/handwaschmittel-medi-clean
And so that the silicone holds up better, you can try this: https://powersprotte.com/products/befestigungshilfe-medi-fix?pr_prod_strat=copurchase&pr_rec_pid=6764909297869&pr_ref_pid=6764870795469&pr_seq=uniform
Delicate wash program is perfectly fine, they can handle it. My flat knit compression also goes in the dryer. Unfortunately, I don't know about circular knitting.
Best regards,
Caroline
Hello christina
I've had knee socks and capri pants made for me. Nothing slips and cuts in anymore 🙂 which is very pleasant. It's also a lot easier to put on. I was also able to adjust the compression on my stomach with a change of pants - tighter or looser - that's great. as a thought
Hi. Got the tip at the medical supply store
Wash the compression stockings with curd liquid soap. Does anyone have experience?
Best regards,