Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the toenails. It can cause them to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. It’s not pleasant, and it can be difficult to treat.
Fungal infections like athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) thrive in warm, moist environments, and socks can quickly become a breeding ground for fungal spores. This means your socks can play a role in spreading or maintaining a fungal infection, or even in reinfecting you after you’ve been treated.
So, does washing socks kill toenail fungus and prevent reinfection? Proper laundry practices are essential for eliminating fungal spores and maintaining foot hygiene. Let’s find out whether your washing machine is up to the task.
How socks affect fungal infections
Fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and various Aspergillus species can live in socks. These fungi are major causes of skin and nail infections.
Research shows that many socks worn by people with athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and toenail fungus (onychomycosis) are contaminated with these fungi. In fact, studies show that more than half of sock samples from people with fungal infections contained T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes.
Even after successful treatment of a fungal infection, contaminated socks can cause reinfection. Studies show that 30% of people with athlete’s foot who are treated with creams and ointments will either not get better or will get the infection again.
That’s why it’s important to keep your socks clean if you’re dealing with athlete’s foot or toenail fungus.
Can washing socks get rid of toenail fungus?
Sadly, just tossing your socks in with the rest of the wash may not be enough to say goodbye to toenail fungus.
Temperature matters
If you’re washing your socks in cold or lukewarm water, you might not be getting rid of all the fungal spores. Studies show that washing at low temperatures (like 40ºC or 104ºF) leaves a concerning amount of fungus behind.
But don’t worry, there’s good news! Turning up the heat can make a big difference. Washing your socks at higher temperatures (60ºC or 140°F) is much better at killing those pesky fungal pathogens. In fact, it can effectively eliminate T. rubrum, one of the most common culprits behind toenail fungus.
Detergents and disinfectants to the rescue
Using an antifungal laundry detergent can give you an extra edge in the fight against fungus. These detergents are specially formulated to kill fungal spores, helping to keep your socks (and your feet) fungus-free.
For white cotton socks, chlorine bleach can be a powerful disinfectant when used with hot water. However, for colored clothes and wool, it’s best to stick to non-chlorine disinfectants to avoid damaging the fabric.
Beware of contamination
Even if you’re doing your best to wash away the fungus, there’s still a risk of contamination. When you mix infected socks with other laundry, you could be spreading fungal spores to your other clothes. And even “clean” socks can harbor fungi after a regular wash.
To prevent the spread, it’s important to keep infected laundry separate from clean clothes. Use mesh bags or plastic baskets to keep everything contained.
Best practices for washing socks to kill toenail fungus
While washing socks can help, it’s important to do it the right way. Here’s how to maximize your chances of killing that pesky toenail fungus:
- Use hot water. The water should be at least 140°F (60°C). That’s the key to killing the fungal spores.
- Add an antifungal laundry detergent or disinfectant. Bleach is also an option, but only for white cotton socks.
- Dry on high heat. Use the highest dryer setting recommended for your socks. More heat further reduces the chance of lingering fungus.
- Keep infected laundry separate. Use separate laundry baskets or mesh bags for your socks to prevent the fungus from spreading to other clothes.
- Disinfect. Clean your laundry baskets and washing machine on a regular basis. Wiping down surfaces with a bleach solution is an easy way to keep fungus from growing.
What else can I do?
Washing your socks correctly is a good step in the fight against toenail fungus, but it’s not the only thing you can do.
Antimicrobial socks
Ask your doctor whether socks made with antimicrobial materials, like antifungal copper socks, might help prevent fungal infections or reinfection. Socks made with copper or silver may inhibit fungal growth.
However, more research is needed to know how effective these socks are.
Shoe hygiene
It’s important to disinfect your shoes, too, since they can harbor the same fungus that infects your toenails. Use antifungal sprays or powders to treat your shoes regularly. You can also use a shoe dryer to keep moisture levels down and prevent fungal growth, which can also cut down on shoe odor.
Medical treatment
Remember, washing socks and practicing good hygiene is not a replacement for medical treatment for toenail fungus, and you shouldn’t rely on solutions like clear nail polish as a cure. Talk with your doctor about how to get rid of the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does toenail fungus live on sheets?
Toenail fungus can survive on surfaces like sheets for a considerable amount of time, potentially weeks or even months, especially in moist environments, raising concerns if you’re wondering, “Can I go swimming with a fungal nail infection?” This is why proper hygiene and disinfection are crucial to prevent reinfection or spreading the fungus.
Is toe fungus contagious through socks?
Yes, toenail fungus is definitely contagious through socks, especially if they’re shared. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, making socks an ideal breeding ground. Always wear clean, dry socks and avoid sharing them with others.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
Avoid ignoring toenail fungus! It won’t go away on its own and can worsen over time. Don’t pick at or try to cut the infected nail yourself, as this can lead to further infection. Also, avoid wearing closed-toe shoes for extended periods, as this creates a favorable environment for the fungus to thrive.
What laundry detergent kills fungus?
While standard laundry detergents may remove some fungus, using a detergent with antifungal properties is more effective. Look for detergents containing ingredients like bleach or pine oil. Washing socks in hot water (at least 140°F or 60°C) can also help kill fungus.
What is the sock trick for toenail fungus?
There’s no single “sock trick” that magically cures toenail fungus. However, wearing breathable socks made of moisture-wicking materials (like cotton or wool) can help keep your feet dry and less hospitable to fungal growth. Changing socks frequently, especially after sweating, is also a good practice. These steps are supportive measures, not a cure.
Closing Thoughts
Toenail fungus is a pain, and it’s easy to get it again if you don’t take steps to prevent it. Washing your socks the right way is a big part of that.
Remember to wash your socks in hot water with an antifungal detergent, and dry them on high heat. This will help kill any lingering fungus and reduce the risk of reinfection.
But washing your socks alone won’t cure a toenail fungus infection. It’s important to see a doctor and get proper treatment. You’ll also want to make sure you’re keeping your feet clean and dry, and disinfecting your shoes. Toenail fungus is stubborn, so a comprehensive approach is necessary. Talk to a healthcare professional for the best way to manage your specific situation.