There is one upside to having chronically cold feet: I don’t have a problem with bad odor. However, wearing electric socks throughout the winter does still leave a mark.
If your wear your electric socks constantly, you will need to wash them properly and often. But, washing them every day can also affect their longevity.
Fortunately there are a few easy tips and tricks to bid farewell to unpleasant sock smells and avoid having to wash your electric socks too often.
Here’s what you can do:
Choose moisture-wicking fabrics
Opt for socks made from moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic blends. These fabrics help keep your feet dry by drawing moisture away, preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Rotate your socks
Give each pair of socks a break by rotating them regularly. Allowing socks to air out between wears helps prevent the buildup of moisture and odor.
Wash your feet thoroughly
Proper foot hygiene is crucial. Wash your feet daily, paying attention to the spaces between your toes, where bacteria thrive. Use an antibacterial soap to keep things fresh.
Choose breathable shoes
Ensure your shoes provide proper ventilation. Breathable footwear allows air circulation, reducing moisture buildup that contributes to smelly socks.
Use antifungal foot powder
Apply antifungal foot powder before putting on your socks. This helps control moisture, fights bacteria, and keeps your feet feeling fresh throughout the day.
Soak socks in vinegar
A vinegar soak can help neutralize odors. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, soak your socks for a few hours, then wash them as usual. The vinegar will combat bacteria and eliminate smells.
Sun-dry your socks
After washing, let your socks air dry in the sun. Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties that can help eliminate odors. However, avoid leaving socks in sunlight for a very long time. Furthermore, never put batteries in the sunlight.
Spray with odor neutralizer
Invest in an odor-neutralizing spray designed for shoes and socks. A quick spritz can help keep your socks smelling fresh between washes.
Insert dryer sheets
Place dryer sheets inside your shoes when you’re not wearing them. This not only helps absorb moisture, but also imparts a pleasant scent to your footwear.
All of these tips work just as well for regular socks as they do for electric ones. None of these methods will damage the wiring or electrical components in your heated socks. So, you can safely use them to extend their durability and get rid of bad sock smell.
Another common trick we frequently tell our customers is to use thin regular socks underneath electric ones. These normal socks will absorb most of the moisture, bacteria and smell, ensuring your electric socks can be used for longer without having to wash them as often.
Sometimes the wires in your heated socks are (or eventually become) too exposed and can be in direct contact with your skin. This can cause some discomfort while wearing, or in extreme cases even skin burn. Because of all this, it’s always a good idea to have thin second layer of regular socks underneath heated electric socks.
These easy and practical tips can help you get rid of bad sock smell. By incorporating at least some of these habits into your sock-care routine, you can enjoy consistently fresh-smelling feet and footwear.