Your grip socks work hard during Reformer Pilates, barre and studio workouts—but washing them incorrectly can gradually weaken the non-slip sole.
Heat, fabric softener and harsh wash cycles can affect the grip, stretch the fabric and shorten the life of your socks. The good news is that a little extra care can keep your Jellylegz feeling secure, comfortable and seriously grippy for longer.
The best way to wash Pilates grip socks
For the best results:
- Turn your grip socks inside out.
- Wash them on a cool, gentle cycle.
- Use a small amount of mild detergent.
- Avoid fabric softener and bleach.
- Allow them to air-dry naturally.
- Never iron the silicone grip.
Always check the care instructions on your individual pair before washing.
Why should grip socks be washed inside out?
Turning your socks inside out helps protect the silicone grip from rubbing against clothes, zips and the inside of the washing machine.
It also allows water and detergent to reach the inside of the sock, where sweat and natural oils tend to collect. This helps keep your Pilates socks fresh without subjecting the grip to unnecessary friction.
What temperature should you wash grip socks at?
Grip socks should usually be washed on a cool, gentle setting. Excessive heat can affect the silicone grip, weaken the fibres and alter the shape of the sock.
A cooler wash is kinder to the fabric, better for darker and brighter colourways, and generally uses less energy too.
Can you use fabric softener on grip socks?
Avoid fabric softener when washing Pilates grip socks.
Fabric softeners work by coating the fibres of your clothing. That coating can transfer onto the silicone sole and make the grip feel less sticky or effective during your workout.
A mild laundry detergent is all you need.
Can grip socks go in the tumble dryer?
Air-drying is the safest choice for grip socks.
The high temperatures inside a tumble dryer can gradually damage the silicone grip, affect elasticity and cause the socks to lose their original fit. After washing, reshape your socks gently and leave them to dry naturally away from direct heat.
Avoid placing them on a hot radiator.
Should you wash grip socks after every Pilates class?
If your socks become damp or sweaty during a class, particularly during hot or infrared Pilates, wash them before wearing them again.
Regular washing helps remove sweat, oils and product residue that can collect on the fabric and grip. However, washing them carefully is more important than using an intensive or high-temperature cycle.
Owning several pairs means you can rotate your grip socks between classes without needing to repeatedly wash and dry the same pair.
How to hand-wash grip socks
Hand-washing is a gentle option if you want to give your favourite pair some extra care.
- Fill a bowl with cool or lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Gently move the socks through the water.
- Avoid aggressively scrubbing or twisting the grip.
- Rinse thoroughly in clean water.
- Press out excess water without wringing.
- Reshape and leave to air-dry.
Can you put grip socks in a laundry bag?
Yes. A mesh laundry bag can provide additional protection inside the washing machine.
Turn your socks inside out first, place them inside the bag and select a gentle cycle. Keep them away from clothing with exposed zips, Velcro or rough fastenings that could catch the fabric.
How can you make grip socks last longer?
A few simple habits can help extend the life of your Pilates socks:
- Wear them only inside the studio or at home.
- Avoid walking outside in them.
- Keep them away from rough flooring.
- Wash them inside out.
- Never use fabric softener or bleach.
- Air-dry them instead of tumble-drying.
- Rotate several pairs throughout the week.
- Store them flat or loosely folded once completely dry.
Why do grip socks sometimes become less sticky?
Grip can become less effective when the silicone sole is covered by dust, body oils, moisturiser or fabric-softener residue.
Washing the socks according to their care instructions may help remove this surface build-up. Make sure they are completely dry before your next class, as damp grip socks may not feel as secure.
Avoid applying foot cream immediately before wearing your socks, as the product can transfer onto the fabric and grip.
When should grip socks be replaced?
There is no fixed replacement schedule because it depends on how frequently they are worn and washed.
Consider replacing your grip socks when:
- The silicone has visibly worn away.
- The sole no longer provides reliable traction.
- The fabric has become thin.
- The sock slips or twists around your foot.
- The elastic no longer holds the sock securely in place.
Grip socks are designed to support stability and control, so they should always feel comfortably secure during movement.
Care for your grip and it will care for your movement
The simplest way to protect your Pilates grip socks is to remember four things:
Wash cool. Turn inside out. Skip the softener. Air-dry naturally.
With the right care, your Jellylegz can continue supporting you through lunges, planks, side splits and every shake in between.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash grip socks with normal clothes?
Yes, but turn them inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag. Avoid washing them with items featuring exposed zips or Velcro.
Does fabric softener ruin grip socks?
It can leave a coating on the silicone sole, reducing how grippy it feels. It is best avoided.
Can I tumble-dry Pilates socks on low heat?
Air-drying is recommended because repeated heat may affect the silicone and elasticity.
Can I wash grip socks after every class?
Yes, especially if they are sweaty or have been worn during a heated workout. Use a cool, gentle wash.
Why are my grip socks no longer sticky?
The sole may have accumulated dust, oils, moisturiser or laundry-product residue. Wash them gently without fabric softener and allow them to dry completely.