How to wash tights and hosiery

Tights are totally my jam and over the years I’ve amassed (and DIY’d) quite a collection of terrific tights.

I’ve managed to keep them all in tip top condition with a bit of gentle laundering and careful storage. Here are my helpful hints for how to wash tights and hosiery:

Machine washing thick tights and hosiery:

Always machine wash hosiery inside a lingerie bag to prevent it from getting tangled up, stretched out, snagged or ripped during the wash cycle. (a pillow case or duvet cover are groovy substitutes for a lingerie bag)

Use a mild, colour safe detergent and wash in cold on a gentle cycle.

Never put tights and hosiery in the dryer as the heat will damage and can even melt the delicate fabric. Instead, lay flat on a towel to dry.

Hand washing delicate tights and hosiery:

Flip the hosiery inside out and soak in a mild detergent and cool water mixture for 10 – 15 minutes then gently agitate the tights in the water to provide a gentle cleaning before rinsing with cool water. Gather the tights into a ball shape and carefully squeeze out the excess water then lay flat on a towel to dry. Avoid hanging hosiery to dry as this can cause damage and stretch out the thin material.

Share your helpful hints for keeping your groovy gear in top condition in the comments below. 

Check out all of my thrifty cleaning tips right here!