Wearing the same socks for several days in a row? The unusual warning from researchers
Many of us put on jeans or a sweater we already wore the day before, and that’s completely acceptable. But when it comes to socks, the story is entirely different. If you knew what accumulates inside them after just one day, you probably wouldn’t even consider wearing them again.
Our feet are an especially rich habitat for microbes. They are essentially a kind of tiny rainforest that contains up to a thousand different types of bacteria and fungi. The skin on the foot, and especially the moist areas between the toes, provides an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi that love heat and moisture. They feed on sweat and dead skin cells, and in the breakdown process they produce substances that create the familiar smell of feet, socks, and shoes. Some bacteria produce compounds that cause an odor reminiscent of rotten onions, others create scents that resemble cheese, and even a smell associated with goats.
The more the foot sweats, the more food the microbes have, and the faster they multiply. Socks trap moisture and thus make conditions perfect for them. Not only that, but bacteria are capable of surviving on fabric for a very long time. Studies have shown that they can remain active on a cotton sock for up to three months. In other words, yesterday’s sock is usually a sock rich in microbes that haven’t even begun to fade.
An article on The Conversation website presented a study that examined the microbial content of clothes worn only once and found that socks are the dirtiest garment of all the items in the wardrobe. While shirts contained on average tens of thousands of bacteria, socks contained eight to nine million. In addition to microbes originating from the foot itself, socks also collect bacteria and fungi from the floor at home, in gyms, and even from the ground outside. Some of the samples also contained species of fungi that may cause respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
The microbes in socks don’t stay there alone. They transfer to every surface the socks touch, including the bed, the sofa, the floor, and of course the shoes. This is also the reason athlete’s foot tends to spread easily. People who suffer from it must avoid walking around the house in socks, not share shoes with others, and be especially careful in public locker rooms or shared showers.
The shoes themselves also become a breeding ground for bacteria over time. Therefore, it is recommended not to wear the same pair two days in a row, to allow the shoe lining to dry completely and to prevent a moist environment that allows microbes to multiply.
They accumulate the largest amount of bacteria
To reduce odor and maintain foot hygiene, it is recommended to wash feet twice a day with soap and warm water. Products that reduce sweating of the feet can be very helpful, as can choosing socks made of breathable materials such as bamboo, which help sweat evaporate. There are now socks that contain materials with antimicrobial properties such as silver or zinc, and they may significantly reduce the amount of microbes that accumulate on them.
Laundry also plays a role. If the feet do not have a strong odor, it is possible to make do with washing at a moderate temperature together with regular detergent. But to truly disinfect and get rid of resistant microbes, it is recommended to wash at a higher temperature together with detergents that contain enzymes that help release microbes from the fabric. In cases where washing at high heat is not possible, the socks can be steamed with a hot iron. The high heat kills bacteria and fungal spores, including the one that causes athlete’s foot. Sun drying adds a layer of natural disinfection thanks to UV radiation.
Although socks seem like a simple and everyday item, they are one of the garments capable of accumulating the largest amount of bacteria and fungi in a very short time. Therefore, it is recommended to change them daily to keep feet clean and healthy, and also to prevent infections and unpleasant odors.
