How to maintain a knee brace?

How to maintain a brace for knee osteoarthritis? Can you wash a brace in a washing machine? How often?

Wearing a knee brace relieves knee osteoarthritis while moving or during sports activities. However, this medical device should be properly maintained for a long-lasting efficiency. In this article, you’ll learn everything about the cleaning of an EPITACT® knee brace*!

How to wash a knee brace?

For hygiene reasons and as a precaution, it is recommended to wash your knee brace before wearing it, in a machine, at 30°C. To preserve its good condition, we advise you to place it in a washing net before washing it. You would avoid snags caused by self-gripping strips or zip from other clothes.

How to dry a knee brace?

After washing, leave to dry naturally your EPITACT® knee brace*. Above all, do not put it in the dryer; it could have disastrous consequences on the materials that constitute the brace! If you can’t do without your brace while it dries, enjoy the night to leave it to dry or have a second brace to ensure the shift. Always keep in mind that this type of knee brace should not be worn at rest or during prolonged sitting position but used in motion (walking, stairs, sport, etc.).

Also, banish the iron that would deteriorate the silicone and technical fabrics of your brace. Your knee brace is now ready for use!

How to clean a knee brace?

For regular cleaning, proceed in the same way as for the washing of your knee brace. You can hand wash it with soft soap, then rinse it with clean water and let it dry. Or, put it in a washing machine at 30°C. For optimal holding, clean the silicone parts every two days in addition to machine washing every week.

In the case of big stains (mud for runners or mountain bikers for example), gently rub the knee brace with a soft brush or a rag. Once the dirt is removed, machine or hand wash it like described previously. Adding softener is not recommended. Indeed, it may reduce the “adhesive” effect of the silicone.

Which products to use to wash a knee brace?

To wash the Medical* or Sport* knee brace, household or soft soap are the most appropriate products. They’re soft but remain efficient and adapted to the materials that constitute the brace. If you wash it in the machine, use your classic laundry detergent or disinfectant in case of heavy sweating.

How long to wear a knee brace?

The materials and design guarantee a 6 months lifespan. However, depending on the regularity and intensity of the wearing, this estimation can be revised upwards or downwards. This duration gives you an indication on the optimal duration of use of the brace to assess benefits. With wear and tear and time, and despite their quality, the technical materials may stretch and become less effective.

Do not hesitate to read the downloadable instruction on our website or provided in the package. It will give you information about the use and maintenance of the brace to better relieve your pain.

*These products are class I medical devices that bear the CE marking under this regulation. Carefully read the instructions before use. Manufacturer: Millet Innovation. 02/2022