Any time you’re dealing with the care of clothing, there are two approaches: the ideal and the practical. I’ll outline both so you can choose the care routine that works best for your lifestyle and your Ruby grip socks (also lovingly referred to as Rubies)!
The Ideal Approach
Hand washing is preferred. Gently wash your Ruby grip socks by hand in lukewarm water using a mild detergent, and always avoid using bleach or fabric softeners. Air dry flat, and keep them away from direct heat sources like radiators or heaters, as excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of both the fabric and the silicone grips.
The rationale for this approach is simple: avoiding friction (the agitation of a washing machine or the tumbling of a dryer) helps preserve the softness of the fabric and the integrity of the grip pattern. Avoiding bleach keeps colors bright, while skipping fabric softeners prevents residue from building up on the silicone grips, allowing them to maintain their excellent traction.
But let’s be real—sometimes life gets busy, and hand washing every pair of socks just isn’t happening. Let’s talk about the practical approach instead.
The Practical Approach
For those who are crunched for time (or simply have a long-standing disagreement with laundry), it’s perfectly okay to care for your Ruby grip socks using a washing machine.
Wash your Rubies on a delicate or gentle cycle in cold water, inside out, with like colors. Turning them inside out helps reduce wear on the silicone grips while also protecting the outer fabric. As mentioned before, avoid bleach and fabric softener to keep both the colors and the grips in great condition. (Bonus tip: placing your Rubies in a mesh laundry bag helps minimize friction during the wash, keeping them looking newer for longer.)
Whenever possible, air drying is still the best option. Heat is the enemy of most fabrics—and silicone isn’t particularly fond of it either. Air drying helps preserve the elasticity of the sock and the longevity of the grip pattern. If you need to use a dryer, tumble dry on low heat. And of course, never iron them (although if you’re ironing socks, I have questions... 😂).
Other Things to Consider
Regardless of which care method you choose, here are a few additional tips to help your Rubies live a long and happy life.
FREQUENCY
Wash your Rubies after each use, especially after Pilates, yoga, barre, or workouts where they’ve collected sweat, body oils, or studio dust. Regular washing helps keep them fresh while maintaining the performance of both the fabric and the grips.
ROTATE
Having multiple pairs of Ruby grip socks allows you to rotate between them, which helps extend the life of every pair. This isn’t a sales gimmick—it’s simply the math of laundry. The more pairs you own, the less often each individual pair gets worn, and the longer they’ll all last.
Wins all around!
REPLACE WHEN NECESSARY
Over time, every grip sock will show signs of a life well lived. The fabric will naturally wear, and after countless classes and adventures, the silicone grips may gradually lose some of their traction.
When you notice the grips aren’t providing the same confident footing they once did, it may be time for a fresh pair. Exactly when that happens depends on how often you wear them, how you care for them, and whether you rotate between multiple pairs.
The good news? Even after retirement from studio life, your Rubies still make wonderfully cozy socks around the house.
Conclusion
A little care goes a long way. By washing your Ruby grip socks properly and treating the grips with a bit of kindness, you'll help them stay comfortable, supportive, and ready for every Pilates class, yoga flow, barre workout, or cozy day at home.
