It's a good idea to follow a few rules when it comes to washing your socks. This way they will come out near as immaculate as the day you bought them.
Wash socks in cold water and only use mild detergent to keep odours at bay. Avoid bleach, since too much can cause color runs or staining.
Pre-soak your socks before laundering with cold water to remove any dirt or bacteria. It also helps to prevent a build-up of stains in the first place.
Do not wring your socks dry, since it will stretch the fabric in ways that it's not meant to be stretched. Instead, hang your socks on a drying rack or lay them flat to dry and they'll stay in great condition longer.
Socks made from natural soft fibers such as merino wool or cashmere are the best to invest in because they're more likely to stay in great shape. They cost more than cotton or synthetic socks, but they are worth it for their luxurious feel and quality.
When buying cotton socks, make sure they're made from long staple cotton ply yarns – these are the best for keeping your socks looking and feeling good for years to come.
To help prevent the felting of wool socks, check the care label. Some wools are treated with anti-felt treatments – this will stop the wool from felting and keeps your socks from getting a fuzzy look after a few washes.