Many people often take off their socks and throw them straight into the washing machine to wash, but one internet user was curious, 'Should socks be washed inside out or outside?' The post sparked a debate between two groups. In response, a sock brand ann
A Chinese netizen once shared on social media that she had been doing housework since she was young and discovered that some clothes should be washed inside out, while socks should be washed on a specific side. This led to her curiosity: "When you throw them in the washing machine, do you wash the inside or the outside of your socks?"

The online community was divided into two opposing opinions. Some believed that socks should be washed on the outside since this part comes into contact with the ground and the environments where your feet touch. This argument sounds quite reasonable. However, those on the other side had their own valid reasons: they suggested washing the inside of socks instead, as this side directly contacts the sweat and dead skin cells from your feet, which can serve as a "food source" for bacteria. Therefore, this side should be cleaned more thoroughly.
Taking advantage of the heated discussion, the Taiwanese brand of odor-resistant socks, WARX, shared on its official website that socks should be washed separately from other clothes because they are among the garments that carry the most bacteria. A pair of socks worn for 8 hours can harbor millions of bacteria. Additionally, if worn for long periods, the sebum from your feet can accumulate on the fabric, which affects the socks’ antibacterial and deodorizing properties, preventing them from working effectively.
Industry experts recommend turning socks inside out before washing to prevent them from bunching up, and it’s best to place them in a laundry bag. This will minimize the wear and tear caused by the washing machine, extend the life of the socks, and improve the cleaning results. When drying socks, it’s advisable to clip the opening (drawstring) to prevent them from losing their shape.
Now, you have the full answer!