It never fails. You gather all the dirty clothes and put them in the washing machine. When the cycle is complete, you transfer the clothes to the dryer. As you sort and fold the laundry, you discover that at least one sock is without its mate. Every. Single. Time.
The lost sock phenomenon affects approximately 10 out of 10 households. This isn’t official data, but anecdotal evidence gleaned from our laundry rooms suggests a near-100% accuracy rate. Granted, socks are small and easy to misplace — especially baby and toddler socks — so it makes sense that they might go missing from time to time. To avoid the frustration of constantly replacing socks, try this simple hack that will save you time and money.
A Trick To Keep Socks Together
Sure, you can tie rubber bands around pairs of socks or clip them together, but those methods aren’t foolproof. The best way to prevent socks from disappearing into the abyss of the washer or dryer is to launder them in mesh garment bags.
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Mesh laundry bags come in a variety of sizes. The smallest size works best for one to three pairs of socks, while medium and large bags are great for washing a bunch of pairs together. Since they are made of mesh, water and detergent can flow through freely for a thorough cleaning. A well-designed zippered closure, often with a tuck-away tab, ensures the bag stays closed during the cycle and prevents clothes from getting tangled or snagged.
While most mesh laundry bags are safe to use in the dryer, it’s important to check for plastic or rubber components that could melt in high heat. You can find high-quality mesh laundry bags with tons of five-star reviews for under $10 (a few of our favorites are linked above).
Mesh laundry bags can be used for much more than just socks. They’re great for organizing and protecting delicates, undergarments, hosiery, swimsuits, sneakers, pet collars and leashes, hair accessories, microfiber cloths, stuffed animals, and more.
If you can’t convince your family members to place both socks in the hamper together (instead of scattering them all over the house), well, you’re going to need another hack for that.
