Socks are cleaner and last much longer if you do a 5-second task before washing them

Autumn is the cosiest season and many of us have a favourite pair of warm fuzzy socks to wear as the nights get colder, but it is important to wash your footwear properly. Socks can quickly become dingy, especially white cotton ones, but many naturally assume they should set their washing machines to 60C or even 90C to get them clean again.

However, one expert from Pants and Socks has shared washing socks on a high temperature is a common laundry mistake that is actually damaging your socks. They said: "We'd recommend washing your socks at temperatures of no more than 30 degrees. If you wash your socks at temperatures that are too high, you will damage the material fibres - including the elastic - and will significantly shorten their effective lifespan."

Socks are usually made from elastic fibres, which are very delicate and can easily shrink or become saggy over time if exposed to very hot temperatures.

Washing socks on a hot wash will wear out the material, making them more likely to stretch and develop holes.

Repeatedly exposing socks to hot water can also cause their colour to fade, so they may quickly look old and worn, even if you bought them recently.

It is fine to occasionally wash socks at a high temperature, especially for deep cleaning, but doing it every time increases the chances they will degrade and need to be thrown away.

Instead, if you want to make sure your favourite pair of socks stay intact but are cleaned, simply turn them inside out before putting them in the washing machine.

The expert said: "To ensure you give your dirty socks the total clean that they deserve, turn them inside-out for maximum exposure.

"Time to get rid of that dead skin on the inside... yep, gross isn't it? But don't worry - all that gross, dead skin will soon be gone!"

The inside of socks is where the most dead skin, sweat and bacteria accumulate, so turning them inside out makes the dirtiest area become more exposed to the laundry detergent.

This means the socks will be cleaned more thoroughly and can make a big difference in keeping them fresh and germ-free for longer.

Taking a few seconds to turn your socks inside out before putting them in the washing machine can significantly extend their lifespan, helping you keep your cosy socks looking their best throughout the colder months.