Many first aid kits are incomplete without elastic bandages, which offer compression and support for wounds. Maintaining their cleanliness is essential to preserving their efficacy and hygienic conditions, particularly if they are utilized frequently. However, a lot of people are unaware of the safe way to wash elastic bandages.
Whether it’s okay to put them in the washing machine is one frequently asked question. Even though it might seem practical, incorrect washing can cause the bandage to become less elastic or stretch out, which will reduce its effectiveness. But you can clean your elastic bandages in the washing machine without sacrificing their quality if you take the proper precautions.
We’ll walk you through the best ways to machine wash elastic bandages in this post so you can preserve their quality for use down the road.
- Basic principle of care
- How to use the machine?
- Traditional cleaning method
- How to wash out dirt?
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- How to properly wash an elastic bandage
Basic principle of care
A few people use elastic bandages on a daily basis. Venous disorders can be helped by compression tape, which also helps to more evenly distribute pressure on the legs. For sprains as well, the bandage works well. Athletes also greatly value it because it firmly fixes the joints, preventing injuries.
You can use cotton or synthetic elastic bandages.
Bandages made of cotton are better suited for everyday use. Therefore, it makes sense to select such bandages if the physician has advised continuous tape wear for an extended amount of time. Rubber fiber or polyurethane are the basic materials used to make synthetic bandages. The label contains information about the bandage’s composition. Athletes use these tapes the most because they are stronger and less prone to wear.
Long-term use of compression bandages is made possible by their rubber construction. The properties of the tapes can be preserved for several months if you treat them with care. Elastic bandages work best when hand washed, but you can also put them in an automatic washing machine. High temperatures cause compression bandages to deteriorate quickly. Because of this, it’s crucial to wash them on a gentle cycle with the spin cycle turned off and the water heated to no more than 30°C. Putting elastic bands in the iron is strictly prohibited.
How to use the machine?
Make sure to read the product label before placing the bandages in the washing machine. All of the bandage maintenance instructions are on the label. In the event that the maker permits machine washing, then:
- roll the compression bandage into a roll, put the "bundle" in a special mesh bag for washing;
- load a few extra items into the drum. You cannot "run" only one bandage in an empty machine, as this may unbalance the machine;
- select a gentle wash program. Make sure that the water heating temperature does not exceed 30°C;
- turn off the "Spin" option, if provided;
- pour washing gel into the powder receptacle. The liquid composition will not spoil the structure of the bandage and will rinse out better from the fabric fibers;
- start the cycle.
Make sure to roll up your elastic bandages into a "roll" because you cannot load them into the washing machine drum in a "straightened" manner.
In order to prevent harm to the compression bandage’s structure, the spin cycle needs to be stopped. High speeds can be used to "spin" the bandage inside the drum, causing the fibers to rupture and distort.
Traditional cleaning method
It is recommended to hand wash the elastic bandage, as was previously mentioned. By doing this, you can make sure the product is cleaned more thoroughly and gently. However, how do you do it correctly? There are various subtleties:
- you need to pre-soak the bandage in soapy water for 15-20 minutes. Due to this, the dirt will soak and "come off" faster;
- be sure to fill the basin or machine with cool water – not hotter than 30 °C;
- do not use conditioners-rinses;
- it is advisable to use liquid detergents;
- do not rub the elastic bandage with force with your hands – this can spoil the structure of the material;
- do not twist the compression bandage when rinsing and spinning, so that it does not lose its shape.
Hand washing an elastic bandage is not difficult at all. It is sufficient to put liquid gel in a basin of lukewarm water, let the tape soak for 20 minutes. After that, you must rinse the product and use gentle kneading motions to remove any remaining dirt from the bandage. The bandage cannot be twisted, so you must clamp it between two terry towels to drain any excess moisture. After that, the product is dried horizontally in a room with good ventilation.
How to wash out dirt?
The choice of cleaning supplies needs to be given careful thought. It is important to use only liquid detergents (gels or balms) when washing elastic bandages. You should stop using dry cleaning powder for several reasons:
- some of the granules will still "get stuck" in the fibers of the fabric, since the washing temperature is low;
- usually they contain aggressive components that have a negative effect on rubber.
Compression bandages may become less elastic when using regular powders.
Gels for delicate fabrics should therefore be poured into the machine. Laundry or baby soap can be used in addition to liquid products when cleaning by hand. It is preferable to soak the bandage in cold water for a few hours after washing if you are prone to allergies to common household chemicals. In this manner, the product residue will be totally extracted from the fibers and won’t irritate the skin.
| Aspect | Details |
| Water Temperature | Use cold or lukewarm water (up to 30°C) to prevent the elastic bandage from losing its stretch. |
| Detergent Type | Use mild, non-aggressive detergent without bleach or fabric softeners to protect the elasticity. |
| Washing Cycle | Select a delicate or hand-wash cycle to avoid damaging the fabric and elasticity. |
| Drying Method | Air dry by laying flat; avoid wringing, tumble drying, or direct sunlight to maintain elasticity. |
Although it may be convenient, handling an elastic bandage carefully is necessary to prevent material damage. Its lifespan can be prolonged while retaining its elasticity by adhering to gentle settings, using mild detergent, and securing the bandage in a mesh laundry bag.
If you want to avoid stretching or weakening the fabric, always think about air drying rather than machine drying. Tension is what gives elastic bandages their support, so keeping it intact is essential to their continued effectiveness.
You can maintain the effectiveness of your elastic bandages for repeated use without sacrificing their stretch or support by following these precautions.
Although it is safe to wash an elastic bandage in a washing machine, careful handling is necessary to preserve its stretch and efficacy. To keep the bandage from tangling, always use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a mesh laundry bag. Bleach and fabric softeners should never be used on delicate materials like cloth, as they can cause deterioration. It is important to let the bandage dry naturally; heat can weaken its elasticity. Do not use a dryer or wring out the bandage. You can maintain the supportive qualities of your elastic bandage while keeping it clean with proper care.
