How to Wash a Knee Brace

Knee braces, unlike clothes, do not get washed every time we wear them. As a result, they may develop an odor after days of constant wear. Especially if worn daily. It some cases, there may be a lack of smell, but the brace may harbor the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold. Because of the sweat accumulation over time.  For this reason, you need to learn how to wash a knee brace.

How To Clean A Knee Brace

The key to properly cleaning a knee brace is removing the sweat accumulation while killing bacteria at the same time. You also need to ensure that the water used is not too hot as it may damage the elastic used to create the compression for the knee brace. Always look at the manufacturer’s instructions as washing instructions differ as per the fabric composition and other materials used.

Use lukewarm or room temperature water and mild laundry detergent to wash the brace. Soak it in the water for a few minutes to break down the sweat particles and kill the pathogens then wipe it down with a rag to remove any dirt.

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Proceed to rinse the brace, preferably under running water to remove any soap suds that may wear down the fabric over time. Then pat it dry with a towel to remove the excess water. You can choose to air dry the brace, but you can also use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting to dry it.

Wash the brace every few days to avoid sweat accumulation that may also wear down the elastic used. It will also prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and fungi. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water or baking soda and water to clean the brace. Both solutions are also antiseptic and will kill any pathogens in the brace threads.

Can You Put A Knee Brace In A Washer?

Ideally, it would help if you washed your knee brace by hand using lukewarm water and a mild detergent. That said, some braces may be suited for washing machine wash. Look at the manufacturer’s instructions and only wash them using the washing machine if the instructions allow. But this should only be done on a gentle cycle.

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