Absorbent socks are necessary for any store to maintain messy spills, liquid messes, and water leaks. These short, sock like tubes look like draft stoppers on top but are actually filled with absorbent substances that will absorb oil, solvent, water, and other chemicals. They come in a variety of colors and can be used as undergarments or as socks. They can be used as preventive measures against messy spills in food service equipment such as hot equipment or grease traps. They can also be helpful when cleaning out hazardous waste in the workplace and when washing clothes after industrial exposure.
There are several things that make absorbent socks different from regular sock material. They are usually made with polypropylene (PP) or vinyl polypropylene (VLP), both of which are made from a synthetic material. These materials are designed to allow the sock to expand when full and to contract back to its original size when empty. When full, they form a sock-like structure that holds liquid and helps absorb a wide range of liquid including oil, cleaning fluids, and other solvents. When empty, these socks form a tight squeezing tube that resembles a sock.
One of the most common materials used in absorbent socks is wool, which has natural wicking properties and absorbs moisture, oil and dirt quickly and easily. Socks made with polypropylene are also available in winning varieties. Wool acts as a natural insulator and helps to keep air inside a room while providing a barrier against moisture. This type of sock also allows some air circulation through the outer layer of the sock and helps provide increased ventilation.