Any time you’re dealing with the care of clothing, there are two approaches: the ideal and the practical. I will outline both so you can choose what care regimen works best for your lifestyle and your Ruby compression socks (also lovingly referred to as Rubies)!
The Ideal Approach
Hand washing is preferred. Gently wash your Ruby compression socks by hand in lukewarm water using a mild detergent, and always avoid using bleach or fabric softeners. Air dry flat; always avoid hanging them by their tops as this can stretch them out, and always avoid hanging them on a source of heat (like a radiator) as the excessive heat can damage the elastic fibers.
The rationale for this approach is simple: avoiding friction (ie- the agitation of clothing in a wash cycle or as they tumble dry in a dryer) and heat will increase the longevity of any article of clothing. Avoiding bleach will keep colors bright. Avoiding fabric softeners prevent residue that can reduce the breathability and performance of your Rubies.
But let’s be real- sometimes the demands of life make the practicality of the ideal approach unfeasible! Let’s review a more practical approach:
The Practical Approach
For those who are crunched for time (or just hate laundry and won’t wash anything by hand even if their life depended on it), it’s okay to forgo the ideal approach and use the practical approach to care for your Ruby compression socks instead:
Always wash your Rubies on a delicate or gentle cycle in cold water, inside out, with like colors. As has been discussed before, don’t use bleach or fabric softener; this will help keep the colors of your compression socks bright and true! (Bonus tip: put your Rubies in a mesh bag to avoid excessive agitation, thus keeping them in better shape for longer.)
Even if you need to use a washing machine, please still consider air drying your Ruby compression socks if you have the time. As mentioned before, heat is the enemy of fabric, and you will notice that your socks will stay newer longer by air drying. That said, I know that sometimes you are in a rush and need things (especially laundry) done faster. If you choose to tumble dry your Rubies, make sure the heat setting is on low to maintain the high-quality integrity of the fabric. And, of course, never iron (who irons socks anyway?)!!!
Other things to consider
Regardless of which approach you choose to use to care for your Ruby compression socks, there are a few other factors to consider when caring for them:
FREQUENCY
Make sure to wash your Rubies after each use. It is important to remove oils, sweat, and skin particles that can reduce their elasticity and effectiveness! …BUT (pause for emphasis on “but”)… I have received several messages from nurses saying that they *secretly* wore a pair of their Ruby compression socks twice in a row without washing (out of desperation), and their feet didn’t stink! Special thanks to the permanent antimicrobial technology woven into Ruby’s cutting-edge fabric for that small yet purposeful miracle haha.
ROTATE
Having multiple pairs of Ruby compression socks is important to allow for rotation, which can extend the lifespan of Rubies. This isn’t a sales gimmick on my part, it’s just fact- the more pairs you have, the less frequently each pair gets worn, and the longer each pair will last. Wins all around!
REPLACE WHEN NECESSARY
Compression socks lose elasticity and effectiveness over time, and it is recommended that they be replaced every 3 to 6 months depending on how often you wear them. The great thing about Ruby compression socks, however, is even if they lose the compression they still look great! So keep them around to wear when compression may not be priority one. If compression is always your main priority, however, consider replacing them throughout the year. (Note: Also not a sales gimmick, it’s just the way these things work…)
Conclusion
Taking care of your Ruby compression socks helps maintain their compression levels and overall quality, ensuring they continue to provide the support and benefits you need!
