Fit is very important, so washing your compression stockings properly is also an important step to having them wear comfortably on your leg.

1) Have you washed your compression stockings?

They need to be washed every time after you wear them to cleanse the material of dirt, sweat, dead skin and bodily oils. When you wear compression stockings that haven’t been washed, the elastic threads are still worn out from the last time you wore them. So wash them and they’ll be good as new.

2) Double check the size

Not every compression stocking will fit every person’s legs perfectly. Sometimes you’ll have to compromise a measurement here or there in order to get the best fitting garment. Double check your measurements and sizing. You might not be wearing the right size and that’s why it’s not fitting well.

3) Gained or lost weight? More or less swelling?

Compression stockings don’t change as much as your body does sometimes so be sure to get your leg remeasured every once in a while to make sure that your compression stocking is still the right size for you. When people first start wearing compression stockings, their legs are swollen. After wearing them for a period of time, their legs reduce in swelling and it’s possible that they fit better into another size.

4) Thigh highs giving you trouble?

The silicone band on thigh high compression stockings needs special care every  1-2 weeks. Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to wipe the silicone beads to remove any residue that might have built up that washing doesn’t get rid of.

5) Skinny thighs? Chubby knees? Don’t worry, everyone has different legs!

Some people have skinny thighs, and thigh high compression stockings often have a hard time staying up. Or for people who have softer skin around their knees, a knee high also has a hard time staying up and could roll. For both of these situations, people find it annoying and sometimes uncomfortable if the compression stockings rolls down.

Try It Stays, a roll on skin adhesive that can be used for both knee high and thigh high compression stockings. It’s easy to apply and washes off with warm water. Just apply a little bit to your skin and stick on the top of the compression stocking to have the sock stay. For best results, use just at the top of the sock or stocking, not the bottom, a little bit at the top is sufficient to hold your compression stockings up.

Washing your compression stockings will cleanse the threads of any dirt, grime, and yucky stuff. Use a specially formulated compression stocking wash instead of regular soap or harsh detergents because it is more gentle on your compression stockings.

Leg Smart Tip: You can always look at the care instructions that comes inside the box. Different manufacturers say different things about how best wash and dry their compression stockings. Some are machine wash friendly.

Step 1) Fill up your sink with warm or cold water

Do not use hot water because the heat might damage the elastic in the compression stocking.

Step 2) Add soap

Add just a small amount of soap into the water. If you are using a compression stocking wash, just add about a quarter size squirt in your palm for each pair of stockings.

Leg Smart Tip: Avoid using softeners on your compression stockings. They damage the elastic threads.

Step 3) Lather gently

Gently lather up your stockings and let them soak for about 5 minutes.

Step 4) Rinse well

Rinse your compression stockings out thoroughly with cold water.

Step 5) Remove excess water

Gently squeeze out the water from your stockings. Pat dry in a towel.

Leg Smart Tip: Do not wring them out, as it may damage the way the compression stocking is woven.

Step 6) Hang up to dry

Hang your compression stockings to dry.

Leg Smart Tip: Do not dry them in direct sunlight or near a heat source. The excess heat may damage the elastic in your compression stockings.

Congratulations!

So fresh, so clean! You are now ready enjoy your clean compression stockings. If you have another pair you need to wash, just “rinse and repeat”. *pun*

Have questions? Don’t like our puns? Email us at support@legsmart.com.