How to Clean and Care for Ribbed Tube Socks

Quick Answer

To keep your baby's ribbed tube socks soft and stretchy, wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air dry flat. Avoid high heat and bleach to preserve the cotton blend and ribbed texture.

How to Clean Ribbed Tube Socks

1. Turn Inside Out: Turn each sock inside out before washing. This protects the outer ribbed surface from friction and helps remove lint and dirt trapped inside. Common mistake: washing right-side out can cause pilling on the visible ribbing.
2. Wash on Gentle Cycle in Cold Water: Place socks in a mesh laundry bag and wash with like colors using a mild detergent. Cold water prevents shrinkage and preserves the spandex elasticity. Checkpoint: never use bleach or fabric softener — they break down cotton fibers and spandex.
3. Air Dry Flat: Lay socks flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid wringing or hanging by the cuff, which can stretch the ribbing unevenly. Common mistake: machine drying on high heat causes shrinkage and weakens the ribbed structure.
4. Store Folded, Not Stretched: Fold socks together and store them in a drawer or bin. Avoid stretching them over a hanger or balling them tightly, which can distort the ribbing over time. Checkpoint: storing stretched can lead to loose elastic and a poor fit.

Product Facts

• Weathered Brown Ribbed Tube Sock: 78% cotton, 19% polyester, 3% spandex blend This blend makes the socks soft and stretchy, but the cotton can shrink and the spandex can break down with high heat, so cold water and low drying temperatures are essential.