How to Wash Hosiery

Proper washing extends the life of your stockings and pantyhose dramatically. Most hosiery damage happens in the laundry—learn the right techniques and your favorite pairs will last much longer.

How Often to Wash

Hosiery should be washed after every wear:

• Body oils: Break down fiber over time
• Sweat: Can cause odor and degradation
• Dirt: Abrasives in dust wear fabric
• Stretching: Washing helps restore shape

Don't skip washing even if they seem clean.

Hand Washing (Best Method)

Hand washing is gentlest and extends hosiery life most:

What You'll Need

• Basin or sink
• Lukewarm water
• Gentle detergent (lingerie wash or baby shampoo)
• Clean towel

Steps

1. Fill basin: Lukewarm water (not hot)
2. Add detergent: Small amount—less is more
3. Submerge hosiery: Gently push under water
4. Swish gently: Don't rub, scrub, or twist
5. Soak briefly: 5-10 minutes maximum
6. Rinse thoroughly: Until water runs clear
7. Remove excess water: Press gently, never wring

Drying After Hand Wash

1. Lay hosiery flat on clean towel
2. Roll towel with hosiery inside
3. Press gently to absorb water
4. Unroll and lay flat to air dry
5. Or hang from waistband/welt (never from toes)

Machine Washing

If you must machine wash:

Essential: Use a Mesh Bag

• Mesh lingerie bag: Protects from other garments
• Close all fasteners: Zippers, hooks catch hosiery
• One pair per bag: Or separate colors

Machine Settings

• Cycle: Delicate/gentle only
• Water temp: Cold water only
• Spin: Low or no spin if possible
• Load: Wash with similar delicates

Never Machine Dry

Heat destroys hosiery:

• Heat damage: Melts/weakens nylon fibers
• Shrinkage: Can permanently distort shape
• Static: Causes clinging and damage
• Always air dry: No exceptions

Detergent Guide

Best Options

• Lingerie wash: Specifically formulated for delicates
• Baby shampoo: Gentle, pH-balanced, cheap
• Mild hand soap: In a pinch
• Woolite: Classic delicate wash

Avoid

• Regular detergent: Too harsh
• Bleach: Destroys fibers
• Fabric softener: Damages elasticity
• Optical brighteners: Can discolor

Water Temperature

Temperature matters:

• Best: Lukewarm (70-85°F / 20-30°C)
• Acceptable: Cool/cold water
• Never: Hot water (damages fibers)

If in doubt, colder is safer.

Drying Properly

Air Drying Options

• Flat on towel: Best for delicate stockings
• Hanging: From waistband or welt, never toes
• Drying rack: Lay flat across bars

Drying Location

• Indoors: Away from direct heat
• Away from sunlight: UV degrades nylon
• Well-ventilated: Prevents mildew
• Not on radiator: Heat damages

Special Care Situations

Seamed Stockings

Seamed stockings need extra care:

• Hand wash only recommended
• Don't twist—can distort seams
• Lay flat to maintain shape

Compression Hosiery

Compression stockings have specific needs:

• Follow manufacturer instructions
• Wash daily to maintain compression
• Replace when compression weakens

Vintage/Collectible Hosiery

• Hand wash only
• Test for colorfastness first
• Extremely gentle handling
• May be too fragile to wash at all

Removing Stains

General Approach

• Treat stains promptly
• Spot treat before washing
• Never use bleach
• Test any product on hidden area first

Common Stains

• Makeup: Gentle makeup remover, then wash
• Food/drink: Cold water soak, gentle wash
• Blood: Cold water immediately (hot sets it)
• Deodorant: White vinegar solution

Storage After Washing

Proper storage protects clean hosiery:

• Ensure fully dry: Never store damp
• Fold carefully: Don't ball up
• Dedicated drawer: Away from rough items
• Avoid contact with: Velcro, zippers, hooks

See our complete storage guide.

Travel Tips

• Hand wash in hotel: Use shampoo if needed
• Hang overnight: Dries by morning
• Pack in lingerie bag: Protects in luggage
• Bring extras: In case washing isn't possible