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Probably everyone knows the phenomenon of the “eaten” sock in the washing machine. But why do so many socks actually disappear when washing – and what can I do about it?

Why do socks disappear in the washing machine?

Sometimes we blame the washing machine even though we misplaced the sock ourselves or it disappeared among the other clothes we were washing. In fact, the machine is often really the culprit. The so-called bellows are responsible for this, i.e. the rubber seal between the laundry drum and the washing machine door. This actually prevents liquids from leaking out during the washing process. When the drum is spun at around 1000 revolutions per minute, high forces are generated. To prevent water, detergent or foam from getting into the housing, there is a rubber ring between the moving drum and the front of the washing machine.

If the washing machine is too full, the laundry cannot move freely when turning and small items of clothing, such as socks, are pushed through the gap between the rubber and the drum. Larger items can also get caught there, but they pull the rest of the laundry back into the drum.

The swallowed sock, on the other hand, now wanders through the inside of the machine. Should she reach the bottom of the case, she will wait there until the washing machine is unscrewed for inspection and the missing items of clothing are collected. But when the sock gets to the heating element, it usually gets caught there and actually dissolves over time. The only strange thing is that usually only one sock is “eaten” by the machine and the corresponding counterpart reappears between the rest of the laundry.

Tip: how to never lose your socks again in the wash

By the way: Old washing machines are more susceptible to the phenomenon than newer models. But you don’t have to buy a new machine straight away. It would be helpful to put a new rubber seal between the door and the drum.

An easy-to-implement trick is to always pay attention to the correct filling quantity when loading in order to avoid the drum being too full. You can also tie the socks together before washing so that you end up with a complete pair.

To be on the safe side, a laundry bag in which you can pack your clothes is ideal. This is also recommended for bras, by the way, to prevent them from getting caught in the machine. Alternatively, there are sock clips or holders that make the tiresome sock drama a thing of the past.

Many people suffer from unpleasant foot odor and wonder what they can do about smelly stockings and socks. The older generations were used to fighting this problem with baking soda. A home remedy that has since been forgotten as a natural remedy for foot and sock odor.

Numerous foot care preparations have pushed this home remedy off the market, although baking soda is much more effective and cheaper. In the following, we reveal how effective and versatile baking soda can be against foot odor, smelly socks, and stockings.

Baking soda works against smelly socks and stockings

Baking soda has a double action to counteract bad foot and sock odor. In this way, baking soda neutralizes the organic acids from foot sweat and the skin’s pH value is given an alkaline environment. Bacteria like to multiply in an acidic environment. Thus, bacterial proliferation is inhibited by the basic environment. This in turn creates less foot odor and socks or stockings no longer smell of sweat. With regular baking soda care, the feet no longer develop foul-smelling sweat or are only much later than usual.

Tips for getting rid of smelly sock odor

  • A housewife tip is to add half a spoonful of fine-grain baking soda before you put your socks on. So that everything is evenly distributed, the socks should be shaken well before putting them on. Feet stay dry while wearing and sweaty feet don’t stand a chance.
  • Another method against sweaty feet is not to sprinkle baking soda on your socks but to powder your feet with baking soda. For this purpose, the feet are simply rubbed with fine baking soda powder. Shoes and socks can then be put on as usual.
  • Alternatively, it is also possible to spray the feet with a sodium bicarbonate solution consisting of 250 mm water and a tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate powder. This mixture is best filled into a spray atomizer. Before you put your socks on, you should definitely let your feet dry in the fresh air so that the baking soda can take full effect.
  • If you also suffer from shoe stench, you can put some baking soda in your shoes after wearing them and shake them out before wearing them. This keeps your feet dry and there is no bad stench in the shoe closet. In addition, when you try on and buy shoes, you should not choose models that are too tight. Because these can promote sweaty feet.

  • If you don’t like baking soda on your feet or in your socks, you can also put the baking soda in the fabric softener compartment when washing because that also helps against strong foot odor
  • If you want to prevent foot odor, you should take a soda bath regularly. To do this, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 250 mm of lukewarm water. The bath should last 10 to 15 minutes. Then dry your feet well to avoid the athlete’s foot.