Never lose a sock again — this expert-approved laundry hack costs nothing and keeps them all in one place

Once you've put your socks in the washing machine, there's a good chance you'll never see one of them again. The missing sock conundrum is a mystery as old as time. Where do they go?

While experts have yet to solve that age-old dilemma, they do have advice on how to save your socks from the perilous journey from your laundry basket to your dryer. And better yet, this hack is totally free.

According to Gail Downie, head of garment technology at M&S, the solution is to put all your socks inside a pillowcase before putting them through the wash. And it's such a simple solution, I'm shocked I never thought of it sooner.

The pillowcase trick

By placing your dirty socks in a pillowcase before putting them through the wash, they'll stand a much better chance of making it out as a pair.

“Washing your socks and tights in a mesh wash bag or pillowcase keeps them together," says Downie.

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Because socks are delicate, they can also become easily damaged when you put them through the machine with more abrasive items, such as bras with underwires, or pants with zippers.

I always find the odd sock stuck in my washing machine seal when I clean it, and it's usually sodden and a little stinky. So keeping them all in one place, will ensure they get the clean they need, without going missing or getting wedged in inconvenient locations.

Protect your delicates

It's not just socks that you can wash in a pillowcase. "Always separate more delicate pieces like satin and silk dresses from heavy clothing such as jeans," says Downie. "Washing them in a mesh bag or pillowcase protects them."

"You can also use this trick for machine washable shoes." That could include sneakers or canvas shoes, but Downie warns "it’s always best to wash footwear separately so that any dirt doesn’t transfer."

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