Yes, underwear and socks can generally be washed together in the washing machine. Both items are typically made from similar fabrics and can withstand similar washing cycles. Washing them together can be convenient and efficient, as it allows you to do a larger load of laundry.
However, there are a few things to consider to ensure proper hygiene and care for your clothes:
Cleanliness: Make sure that both the underwear and socks are relatively clean before putting them in the washing machine. If they are excessively soiled, consider pre-soaking or pre-treating them to remove stains or dirt.
Color separation: To prevent color bleeding, sort your laundry by color. Wash white underwear and socks with other white items, and do the same with colored or dark items. This helps avoid color transfer between garments.
Delicate items: If you have delicate or lingerie-type underwear, it's best to wash them in a mesh laundry bag or separately from heavier items like socks. This will help protect them from potential damage.
Temperature and detergent: Follow the care instructions on the garment tags regarding the appropriate water temperature and detergent type. Generally, using a gentle or normal cycle with a mild detergent is suitable for most underwear and socks.
Hygiene considerations: If anyone in your household has a contagious infection, it's advisable to wash their underwear and socks separately in hot water and consider adding a disinfectant to the wash to prevent the spread of germs.
Remember that reading the care labels on clothing is always a good idea, as they provide specific instructions on how to best care for your garments. If in doubt, separate delicate or special items and wash them in a separate load to ensure their longevity.