Socks, Laundry and Fungal Infections: A Practical Guide
Some people prefer to wash socks separately from other clothing because of concerns about fungal infections.
The concern is usually athlete’s foot: the fungi that cause it can remain on shed skin cells and contaminated fabrics.
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But does washing them together actually increase the risk of infection?
How easily do fungal infections spread?
Athlete’s foot is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But exposure to these fungi does not always lead to infection. Several factors usually need to come together:
- The fungi need to be present
- There needs to be sufficient exposure
- Warm, moist conditions allow them to thrive
- The skin needs to be susceptible to infection
Simply washing different types of clothing together does not necessarily create all of these conditions.
Does washing temperature matter?
Washing reduces microorganisms on clothing, but temperature matters. Research examining socks from patients with athlete’s foot found:
- 40°C:
Fungi were still cultured from 36% of samples.
- 60°C:
This dropped to 6%, with no dermatophytes recovered.
With active athlete’s foot or fungal nail infections, wash socks separately at 60°C when the fabric allows.
Without a fungal infection, there is little evidence that washing socks and underwear together increases infection risk.
When separate washing makes sense
Separate washing is recommended when someone in the household has:
- Active athlete's foot
- Fungal nail infections
- Oozing wounds or other contagious skin infections
What about the washing machine?
Washing helps remove microorganisms physically. They are loosened from fabrics, diluted in the wash water, and carried away through draining and rinsing.
- No extra disinfection is needed after washing socks from someone with athlete's foot.
- Keep the drum dry between washes.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for regular cleaning.
A few practical habits
- Treat athlete's foot properly.
- Change socks daily.
- Dry clothes thoroughly.
- Don't leave damp laundry sitting in the washing machine.
Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. Keeping skin and clothing dry helps reduce the risk of persistent or recurrent infection.
Proper treatment remains the most important part of managing a fungal infection.
References:
- Amichai B, et al.
The effect of domestic laundry processes on fungal contamination of socks.
Int J Dermatol. 2013;52:1392–1394.
