Rachy, I have two dresser drawers filled with socks - I didn't want to admit it earlier, but the Pilates socks, running socks, and socks I wear when I snow shoe, ski and hike take up a lot of real estate! I'm not even going to talk about sock Landry habits. I never thought about how complicated my sock collection was before now and I'm sorry you pointed this out to me. I think there should be a separate blog for socks, just like there are for shoes, lingerie, jewelry, fashion, etc. Why should socks be left in the dark?!
An almost true story about sock laundry and obsessiveness of a sort: My neighbor owns the local running store. I purchased socks from him. He carefully reviewed the washing and drying instructions for each pair. He was certain to describe in great detail the care he takes to hang dry his socks so they don't get ruined in the dryer. Clearly, his dog, who's name is Socks (no kidding) doesn't snack on fiber and thread like Farley. Hanging socks are like holding up a piece of spaghetti. Have you ever watched a dog jump for that? The exorbitant price of gear socks Is motivation to take care of them so they last. So what would you do? Would it make any difference if this neighbors house looks right into your laundry room! You can wave at him as you are throwing socks into the dryer or hanging them up to dry! :-). Now, what would you do?! Maybe buy curtains and blinds - and then toss those socks right into the dryer! Let me add that good fences make good neighbors.
That's my mostly true sock story. You can guess the true parts if you want.
Hint: I'm not that creative a writer.
I actually have a fairly simple method of dealing with wool, bamboo, and delicate socks. I wash them in whatever cold water wash I have going. I do tons of laundry so there is always something with which to wash socks.. I'm not particular. I am not upset if my socks mix with my undies, my tops or my pajamas, etc.. Poly gear socks go in a load without fabric softener, because it can ruin them, as it can any type of poly technical gear etc. Then I hang them on a drying rack. I don't do separate loads of socks. Sometimes I throw socks in a mesh bag to make them easier to fish out of the laundry drum, and so they don't get stuck inside some other garment while in the machine. I hang dry most of my clothes so hanging socks isn't a major deal. If I'm feeling lazy, I suspend the mesh bag and let the contents dry. I toss it around periodically to make sure everything gets exposed to air. I don't mind wrinkled socks! In fact, I don't think my socks get wrinkled, and they dry quickly. Oh, I gave away part of the answer! Oh well!