Care
How to wash a tubular bandage
Elastic tubular bandages are made to be washed and reused. How you wash and dry one decides how long it keeps its stretch, which is what the support depends on.
Four steps
Washing a tubular bandage
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Take it off and rinse if soiled
Remove the bandage before washing. Rinse away any visible soiling first so it does not set in the knit.
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Wash it
Machine washable. A warm or cool cycle is kinder to elastic than a hot one.
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Air dry
Hang it to dry rather than tumble drying. Heat is what degrades elastic fibres fastest.
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Check it before reuse
It should return to shape and still feel snug. If it has gone slack or misshapen, replace it.
Hospital care guidance commonly recommends hanging tubular bandage to dry rather than using a dryer.
Questions
Can tubular bandages be washed?
Many elastic tubular support bandages are washable and reusable. Ours are machine washable. Check the care instructions for other brands, because they vary.
Can it go in the washing machine?
Ours can. Some other products recommend hand washing, so follow the instructions on the packaging of whatever you have.
Can I put it in the dryer?
Air drying is gentler. Heat damages elastic fibres, and hospital care guidance commonly recommends hanging tubular bandage to dry rather than using a dryer.
How often should I wash it?
It depends on use, skin condition and the product instructions. Hospital guidance recommends washing regularly, and whenever it is soiled.
Does it lose compression over time?
Elastic materials lose stretch with repeated use and washing. Replace the sleeve when it no longer returns to shape or provides the intended fit.
When should I replace it?
When it is damaged, excessively soiled, or no longer returns to shape. A bandage that slides down after washing has usually lost its elasticity.
What if it gets wet while I am wearing it?
Hospital guidance commonly recommends removing a wet tubular bandage and drying it before reuse.