Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that’s notoriously difficult to treat. Once you have it, it’s easy to spread to other parts of your body, other people, and even your socks!
Unfortunately, socks that harbor fungal spores can become a breeding ground for reinfection. That’s why it’s so important to know how to disinfect socks from toenail fungus.
This article will cover practical methods for disinfecting your socks, including specific washing techniques and preventative measures you can take.
Understanding the fungal threat: Spores and socks
Toenail fungus is caused by fungal spores. When you have a toenail fungal infection, infected nail fragments and skin cells can shed inside your socks, contaminating them with fungal spores.
The problem is that fungal spores are tough. They can survive a normal wash cycle in your washing machine. That means that even after washing, fungal spores can persist in the fabric of your socks, re-infecting your feet or spreading to other items in the laundry.
Because of this, you need specific strategies to disinfect your socks of toenail fungus. Just throwing them in the wash with your other clothes isn’t going to cut it.
Effective washing techniques for disinfecting socks
Here’s how to wash socks to get rid of toenail fungus.
Hot water washing
To kill fungus, you need hot water. The water temperature should be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). Hot water denatures the proteins in the fungus and damages its cell structures.
Choosing the right laundry detergent
Antifungal laundry detergents can help kill fungus. Look for detergents with enzymes or bleach alternatives.
Enzymes can break down fungal cell walls, and bleach alternatives like hydrogen peroxide can oxidize and destroy spores.
Bleach usage (for appropriate socks)
Chlorine bleach works well on white cotton socks. Be sure to use hot water when you use chlorine bleach.
Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored or delicate fabrics! When you use bleach, make sure the room has good air flow.
Drying Methods for Enhanced Disinfection
Don’t underestimate the power of your dryer! High heat is a fantastic way to kill off any lingering fungal spores. After washing, be sure to dry your socks on the highest heat setting recommended for the fabric.
While air drying is generally good for your clothes (and the environment!), it won’t provide the same level of disinfection as high heat. If you prefer to air dry, consider running your socks through the dryer first to zap any remaining fungus.
Preventing cross-contamination and reinfection
Once you’ve gotten rid of the toenail fungus, you’ll want to make sure you don’t give it a chance to come back!
Separating infected laundry
Keep your infected socks away from the rest of your clean clothes. Some people use mesh laundry bags or plastic baskets to keep infected items separate from other laundry.
Disinfecting laundry baskets and machines
Fungus can spread through washing machines, so you need to disinfect them regularly.
Wipe down your laundry baskets with a chlorine bleach solution, and from time to time, run an empty washing machine cycle with hot water and bleach.
Shoe and foot care
Don’t forget about your shoes! They can harbor fungal spores, so you need to disinfect them regularly, too. Consider using a shoe sanitizer for best results.
Shoe dryers can help prevent shoe odor and fungal growth. There are also UV shoe sanitizers you can purchase online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to sterilize socks?
Sterilizing socks goes beyond typical disinfecting. To truly sterilize, you’d need an autoclave, which isn’t practical for home use. For effective disinfection against toenail fungus, focus on the methods mentioned earlier: high-heat washing, using antifungal laundry boosters, or soaking in diluted bleach solutions.
What laundry detergent kills fungus?
While most laundry detergents clean, they don’t necessarily kill fungus. Look for detergents with added enzymes or consider using a laundry booster specifically designed to kill fungal spores. Products containing tea tree oil or other antifungal agents can also be helpful.
What kills bacteria in socks?
Many laundry detergents are effective at killing bacteria. Hot water washing is also a powerful antibacterial method. For extra protection, consider using a laundry sanitizer in addition to your detergent, following the product’s instructions carefully.
What disinfectant kills foot fungus?
Several disinfectants are effective against foot fungus, including diluted bleach solutions (always use caution!), antifungal sprays containing ingredients like clotrimazole or miconazole, and laundry boosters specifically formulated to kill fungal spores. Always follow product instructions carefully.
Should I wear socks to bed if I have foot fungus?
It’s generally recommended to wear clean, breathable cotton socks to bed if you have foot fungus. This helps absorb moisture and prevents the spread of the fungus. Change your socks daily and disinfect them properly to avoid re-infection.
In Closing
Washing your socks in hot water with an antifungal detergent and drying them on high heat can kill toenail fungus. Remember to keep your infected socks separate from other laundry.
Staying consistent with disinfecting socks and practicing good hygiene, including disinfecting your shower, is key for preventing reinfection and keeping the fungus from spreading.
If you keep dealing with toenail fungus, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.