Why Specialized Washing Solution for Compression Garments

Compression garment longevity and therapeutic efficacy depend fundamentally on proper care using appropriate cleaning products specifically formulated to protect delicate elastic fibers and graduated compression structures from degradation caused by conventional household detergents containing harsh chemicals, enzymes, bleaches, fabric softeners, and aggressive surfactants that systematically destroy medical-grade compression materials. Regular laundry detergents—designed for robust cotton fabrics tolerating chemical aggression—attack the elastane (spandex) and lycra compression yarns essential for maintaining graduated therapeutic pressure, causing microscopic fiber damage accumulating through repeated washing cycles that progressively reduces compression strength, compromises graduated pressure profiles, and ultimately renders expensive medical-grade compression garments therapeutically ineffective months before their expected 3-6 month lifespan. Specialized compression washing solutions like Sigvaris formula protect compression investments by cleaning effectively while preserving elastic integrity, extending garment usable life, maintaining therapeutic compression efficacy, and maximizing return on compression therapy investment.

The organic biodegradable formulation addresses dual concerns—effective cleaning performance removing body oils, perspiration, dead skin cells, and environmental dirt accumulated during 12-16 hour daily therapeutic wear, while protecting delicate compression fibers from chemical damage and maintaining eco-friendly environmental responsibility. Body oils particularly challenge compression garment care—these lipid substances bond tenaciously to elastic fibers, creating sticky residue attracting dirt and promoting bacterial growth that causes odor, skin irritation, and material degradation. Conventional detergents either fail to remove oils effectively (leaving residue reducing compression performance) or employ harsh petrochemical solvents that clean aggressively but simultaneously damage elastic structures. Sigvaris organic formula employs plant-based surfactants providing excellent oil dissolution without elastic fiber attack, maintaining both cleanliness and compression integrity through gentle yet effective cleaning chemistry.

The skin-friendly hypoallergenic formulation proves essential for compression therapy patients frequently experiencing sensitive skin, dermatological conditions, allergies, or compromised skin integrity requiring hypoallergenic products minimizing irritation risk during prolonged direct fabric contact with legs, arms, or body. Compression garments contact skin continuously for 12-16 hours daily—any residual detergent chemicals remaining in fabric after washing create extended exposure to potential irritants directly against vulnerable skin, particularly problematic for patients with eczema, psoriasis, post-radiation skin damage, autoimmune dermatological conditions, or elderly fragile skin. Harsh conventional detergents leave chemical residues causing rashes, itching, burning sensations, or dermatitis that forces patients to discontinue compression therapy despite medical necessity. Sigvaris gentle formula rinses cleanly without residue, maintaining skin health essential for successful long-term compression compliance.

The economic value proposition of specialized washing solution becomes clear through cost-benefit analysis—a $15-25 bottle of Sigvaris washing solution enabling proper care extends 3-6 month compression garment lifespan (stockings typically costing $40-120+ per pair) by preventing premature elastic degradation that forces early replacement. Using conventional detergents might save $20 annually on cleaning products but costs hundreds in premature compression garment replacement due to accelerated elastic breakdown. Additionally, specialized solution maintains therapeutic compression efficacy throughout garment lifespan—poorly maintained compression loses graduated pressure effectiveness even if fabric appears intact, forcing patients to continue wearing therapeutically inadequate compression that fails to manage venous disease, increases ulcer risk, or allows symptom progression. Proper maintenance investment ensures compression garments deliver full therapeutic benefit throughout their intended lifespan.

The convenience factor addresses practical barriers to consistent compression garment care—many patients avoid daily washing (essential for hygiene and compression performance) due to complexity, uncertainty about proper methods, or fear of damaging expensive medical devices through incorrect washing. Specialized solution with clear usage instructions removes guesswork, providing confidence that proper care requires simply using appropriate product according to straightforward directions. The 16 oz size provides 2-3 months supply for single daily compression garment user or 1-2 months for patients wearing multiple compression pieces (bilateral stockings, sleeves, etc.), establishing affordable ongoing care routine rather than requiring constant product repurchase.

Key Features & Benefits

Specially Formulated for Medical Compression

• Chemistry specifically designed for elastic compression fibers
• Protects elastane, lycra, spandex from degradation
• Maintains graduated compression therapeutic pressure
• Prevents premature elastic breakdown
• Extends 3-6 month garment lifespan
• Preserves compression efficacy throughout usable life
• Superior to household detergents for medical devices

Effective Body Oil and Soil Removal

• Plant-based surfactants dissolve body oils effectively
• Removes perspiration, dead skin cells, environmental dirt
• Eliminates odor-causing residue and bacteria
• Cleans thoroughly without aggressive chemical action
• Prevents buildup that reduces compression performance
• Maintains fabric freshness and hygiene
• Essential for daily 12-16 hour wear hygiene

Preserves Fabric Softness and Comfort

• Gentle cleaning maintains original fabric hand
• Prevents stiffening common with harsh detergents
• Keeps compression garments comfortable against skin
• Maintains breathability and moisture-wicking properties
• Particularly important for natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen)
• Preserves premium microfiber softness
• Encourages consistent wear through maintained comfort

Organic Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Formula

• Plant-based ingredients from renewable resources
• Biodegradable formulation minimizes environmental impact
• No harsh petrochemicals or synthetic surfactants
• Environmentally responsible compression garment care
• Safe for septic systems and wastewater treatment
• Aligns with eco-conscious consumer values
• Sustainable product for sustainable health management

Hypoallergenic Skin-Friendly

• Gentle formula safe for sensitive skin
• No harsh chemicals, fragrances, or irritants
• Rinses cleanly without residue
• Essential for dermatological conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
• Suitable for post-radiation tender skin
• Safe for elderly fragile skin
• Reduces allergic reaction and irritation risk

Versatile Use for All Compression Products

• Suitable for compression socks, stockings, sleeves
• Works with compression bandages and wraps
• Appropriate for all materials: microfiber, cotton, wool, linen, natural rubber
• Safe for all compression levels: 15-20, 20-30, 30-40 mmHg
• Compatible with all brands and styles
• Single product cares for entire compression wardrobe

Convenient Hand Wash or Machine Wash

• Flexible application methods for user preference
• Hand wash: dilute in water for gentle manual cleaning
• Machine wash: add appropriate dose to gentle cycle
• Clear usage instructions included
• Simple routine care integration
• No complex procedures or specialized equipment

Economical 16 oz Size

• Large bottle provides 2-3 months supply (single user)
• Cost-effective garment life extension
• Prevents hundreds in premature replacement costs
• Investment in compression performance maintenance
• Affordable ongoing care routine
• Better value than frequent small bottle purchase

Sigvaris Quality and Expertise

• Developed by premium compression manufacturer
• Chemistry expertise from Swiss medical device leader
• Specifically formulated for Sigvaris compression garments
• Recommended care product from compression specialists
• Trust brand that manufactures your compression
• Complete compression ecosystem solution

Clinical and Practical Applications

Essential for patients using: ✓ Daily compression therapy requiring consistent garment care ✓ Multiple compression garments (bilateral stockings, sleeves) ✓ Premium compression investments (Sigvaris, quality brands) ✓ Natural fiber compression (cotton, Supima cotton, linen, Merino wool) ✓ Sensitive skin conditions requiring hypoallergenic care ✓ Post-radiation tender skin needing gentle products ✓ Eczema, psoriasis, or dermatological conditions ✓ Elderly fragile skin vulnerable to irritants ✓ Long-term compression therapy (months to years) ✓ Insurance-covered compression maximizing reimbursement value ✓ Expensive 20-30 or 30-40 mmHg therapeutic compression ✓ Fashionable compression requiring appearance maintenance ✓ Patterned compression preserving design colors ✓ Outdoor/athletic compression needing performance maintenance

Important Care Considerations: Proper compression garment washing essential for:

• Hygiene: Removing body oils, sweat, bacteria accumulated during wear
• Therapeutic Efficacy: Maintaining graduated compression pressure
• Longevity: Preventing premature elastic degradation
• Comfort: Preserving soft fabric feel against skin
• Skin Health: Avoiding irritant chemical residues
• Cost Management: Maximizing compression garment investment

Why Daily Washing Matters: Compression garments require washing after every wearing because:

• Body oils and perspiration accumulate during 12-16 hour wear
• Buildup reduces elastic recovery and compression performance
• Bacteria growth causes odors and skin irritation risk
• Daily cleaning maintains therapeutic efficacy
• Proper care extends 3-6 month lifespan

Why Specialized Solution Superior to Household Detergent: Conventional laundry detergents damage compression through:

• Harsh enzymes attacking elastic protein structures
• Bleaches oxidizing and weakening compression fibers
• Fabric softeners coating fibers and reducing compression
• Aggressive surfactants breaking down elastic polymers
• Chemical residues irritating skin during extended contact
• Rapid degradation forcing premature garment replacement

Usage & Application

For Optimal Compression Garment Care: Sigvaris Washing Solution provides specialized cleaning formulated specifically for medical-grade compression materials. Use after every wearing to maintain hygiene, preserve compression efficacy, and extend garment lifespan.

Hand Washing Compression Garments (Preferred Method)

1. Preparation:
   • Fill basin or sink with cool to lukewarm water
   • NEVER use hot water (damages elastic fibers)
   • Water temperature: cool to maximum 30°C (86°F)
   • Use enough water to fully submerge garment
2. Add Sigvaris Washing Solution:
   • Add 1-2 capfuls per basin of water
   • Swirl water to distribute detergent evenly
   • Create gentle suds
3. Wash Compression Garment:
   • Submerge compression garment completely
   • Gently squeeze solution through fabric
   • NEVER wring, twist, or stretch wet compression
   • Pay attention to areas contacting skin directly
   • Wash for 2-3 minutes with gentle squeezing
   • Focus on heel, toe, bands where oils concentrate
4. Rinse Thoroughly:
   • Drain soapy water
   • Refill basin with clean cool water
   • Gently squeeze clean water through garment
   • Repeat rinse until no suds remain
   • Thorough rinsing essential (prevents residue)
   • May require 2-3 rinse cycles
5. Remove Excess Water:
   • Gently squeeze (NEVER wring) to remove water
   • Roll garment in clean dry towel
   • Press towel roll to absorb moisture
   • NEVER twist or wring compression
6. Dry Properly:
   • Lay flat on clean dry towel
   • Shape garment to original form
   • Air dry away from direct heat or sunlight
   • NEVER tumble dry, hang, or use radiator
   • Avoid direct sunlight (fades colors)
   • Typically dries overnight
   • Ensure completely dry before wearing

Machine Washing Compression Garments (Alternative Method)

1. Preparation:
   • Place compression garment in mesh laundry bag
   • Bag protects from agitation damage and snagging
   • Never wash with Velcro items (snags fabric)
2. Machine Settings:
   • Select gentle/delicate cycle
   • Cool water temperature setting
   • NEVER use hot water or warm wash
   • Minimize agitation duration
3. Add Washing Solution:
   • Add 1-2 capfuls Sigvaris Washing Solution
   • Place detergent in machine dispenser or directly in drum
   • Do NOT use additional detergents or fabric softeners
4. Wash Cycle:
   • Run gentle cycle
   • Allow machine to complete cycle
   • Remove compression immediately after cycle completes
5. Dry Properly:
   • Remove from mesh bag
   • Follow hand washing drying instructions above
   • Lay flat to air dry
   • NEVER tumble dry

Important Washing Guidelines

• Frequency: Wash after EVERY wearing
• Water Temperature: Cool to lukewarm ONLY (never hot)
• Avoid: Bleach, fabric softeners, additional detergents
• Protection: Use mesh bag for machine washing
• Drying: Air dry flat ONLY (no heat, hanging, or direct sun)
• Timing: Wash in evening, dry overnight for next-day use

Dosage Guidelines

• Hand Wash Basin: 1-2 capfuls per basin
• Machine Wash: 1-2 capfuls per load
• Multiple Garments: Increase proportionally (2-3 capfuls for multiple items)
• Heavily Soiled: May increase to 2 capfuls for initial wash

Rotation System for Compression Care

• Have MINIMUM 2 pairs compression garments
• Wash one while wearing the other
• Allows proper drying time between wearings
• Extends overall lifespan of both pairs
• Ensures compression available daily
• Plan rotation with washing solution supply

Storage After Washing

• Store dried compression in cool, dry place
• Avoid direct sunlight during storage
• Keep away from heat sources
• Never store damp (promotes mildew)
• Flat storage preferred over folding (reduces stress lines)

Product Care and Storage

• Store Sigvaris Washing Solution at room temperature
• Keep bottle tightly capped when not in use
• Keep away from children
• 16 oz bottle lasts 2-3 months for single user
• Purchase replacement before running out (maintain care routine)

Troubleshooting

1. Compression Feels Stiff After Washing:
   • May indicate harsh detergent used previously
   • Switch exclusively to Sigvaris solution
   • May require several washes to restore softness
   • Ensure thorough rinsing (residue causes stiffness)
2. Odor Remains After Washing:
   • May need increased solution concentration
   • Ensure washing after every wearing
   • Check that garment dried completely between uses
   • Consider garment reaching end of lifespan (replace)
3. Skin Irritation After Washing:
   • Ensure thorough rinsing (removes all detergent)
   • Never mix with other detergents or softeners
   • Verify using Sigvaris solution only
   • Consult healthcare provider if irritation persists

Product Specifications

Product Details

• Size: 16 oz (473 ml) bottle
• Type: Liquid washing solution/detergent
• Formulation: Organic, biodegradable, plant-based
• Intended Use: Compression garments (socks, stockings, sleeves, bandages)
• pH: Skin-friendly neutral pH
• Fragrance: Mild or fragrance-free

Ingredient Profile

• Surfactants: Plant-based, biodegradable
• Solvents: Organic, gentle on fabrics
• Free From: Harsh chemicals, bleaches, enzymes, synthetic fragrances
• Hypoallergenic: Safe for sensitive skin
• Environmental: Biodegradable, eco-friendly

Compatibility

• Materials: All compression fabrics (microfiber, cotton, wool, linen, natural rubber)
• Compression Levels: All (15-20, 20-30, 30-40 mmHg)
• Garment Types: Socks, stockings, sleeves, bandages, wraps
• Brands: Sigvaris and all other compression brands
• Colors/Patterns: Safe for all colors and patterned compression

Usage Capacity

• Duration: 2-3 months for single daily garment user
• Washes: Approximately 30-45 hand wash basins
• Machine Loads: Approximately 30-45 gentle cycle loads
• Multiple Garments: 1-2 months for bilateral compression users

Storage and Handling

• Storage: Room temperature
• Shelf Life: Check bottle for expiration date
• Safety: Keep away from children
• Disposal: Biodegradable, environmentally safe disposal

Quality and Manufacturing

• Brand: Sigvaris
• Manufacturer: Premium compression garment specialist
• Quality Standards: Swiss precision formulation
• Expertise: Developed by compression technology leader
• Purpose-Built: Specifically for medical compression care