Many people choose to wear socks again the next day, thinking it is wasteful to wash them after only a short use. However, experts have warned that this habit can significantly harm foot health. Since socks collect not only sweat and dead skin cells from the feet but also various microorganisms from external surfaces, bacteria can multiply rapidly even after just one day of wear. Therefore, it is recommended to change and wash socks immediately after each use.

On December 9 (local time), the British newspaper The Independent cited a column by Dr. Primrose Freestone, a microbiologist at the University of Leicester, reporting that "rewearing socks without washing them can cause a sharp increase in bacteria, raising the risk of foot diseases."

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According to research, socks accumulate not only bacteria and fungi that naturally reside on the feet but also microorganisms from various environments such as floors, gyms, and outdoor surfaces. In a comparative experiment, about 80,000 microorganisms were detected on T-shirt samples, whereas as many as 8 to 9 million were found on socks. Additionally, socks harbored not only normal skin flora but also potential pathogens such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus, which can cause respiratory and intestinal infections.

The feet are an area densely packed with sweat glands, so they are always moist. In particular, places like between the toes, where ventilation is poor and temperatures are higher, provide optimal conditions for bacteria and fungi to grow. During this process, odor-causing substances such as sebum and protein breakdown products are generated, resulting in unpleasant smells from the feet, socks, and shoes.

Bacteria left in socks do not disappear within just a day or two. Research has shown that some bacteria can survive on cotton fabrics for up to 90 days. Dr. Freestone warned, "If you rewear unwashed socks, the remaining bacteria can multiply even faster, leading to greater hygiene issues."

Moreover, microorganisms in socks can transfer to any surface they come into contact with, such as shoes, beds, sofas, and floors. This increases the risk of spreading fungal infections like athlete's foot to surrounding areas. Dr. Freestone advised, "People with athlete's foot should never share socks or shoes, and should avoid walking barefoot or only in socks in shared changing rooms or bathrooms."

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Experts recommend washing your feet twice a day to reduce foot odor and bacterial growth. If necessary, using a foot-specific antiperspirant can also help. Antibacterial socks containing silver or zinc can suppress odor-causing bacteria, and highly breathable products like bamboo socks allow sweat to evaporate quickly, making it harder for bacteria to grow. However, if you wear socks made of regular cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers, it is best to wash them after each use to prevent bacterial growth.

The method of washing socks is also important. If foot odor is not severe, washing with mild detergent in lukewarm water at 30 to 40 degrees Celsius is acceptable. However, Dr. Freestone noted, "Washing at these temperatures may not remove all bacteria and fungi," and recommended, "For complete sterilization, use an enzyme detergent and wash at 60 degrees Celsius."

If only low-temperature washing is possible, using a hot steam iron is another option. Dr. Freestone explained, "Ironing at high temperatures of 180 to 220 degrees Celsius can remove most fungal spores, including those that cause athlete's foot." Drying socks in sunlight is also effective, as ultraviolet rays can destroy bacteria and fungi, providing a natural antibacterial effect.