How the kitchen item can get dirty and stained perfectly clean white socks

White socks are a classic and versatile choice for many, but keeping them spotless is no easy task due to their tendency to attract dirt, stains and yellowing. They show dirt and stains more easily than colored socks, with factors such as foot sweat, shoe friction and contact with different surfaces leading to quick soiling.

Moreover, the bright white color of the socks can fade over time with regular washing. A cleaning expert and Daily Poppins director has revealed tips on how to get your white socks looking bright again without resorting to bleach.

A top recommendation from Nigel is using lemon juice, which he says has “powerful stain-removal properties” that are effective in taking care of laundry, the Express reports. He elaborated: “This is because the acid found in lemon is antibacterial, antiseptic and acts as a natural bleach.”

READ MORE

How to use lemon juice to restore white socks

To apply this method, soak your stained socks in a bowl of warm water mixed with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon for about two to three hours. Then take them out and wash them as usual in the washing machine for ‘shiny clean socks’.

Lemon juice not only whitens the fabric but also softens it naturally. This is attributed to the citric acid in the lemon juice, which dissolves detergent or soap residue.

Other Kitchen Remedies for Stained White Socks

For those considering white vinegar or baking soda, note that these alternatives may take longer to see results. For the vinegar remedy, start with one liter of boiled water, add 250ml of white vinegar and let it boil overnight. The next day, run them through a medium spin cycle to remove any lingering vinegar smell and they’ll be set.

For the baking soda solution, soak your socks in a sink filled with warm water and a little baking soda for a few hours. Wring them dry, then throw them into the washing machine with 150 to 200ml of baking soda in the detergent compartment along with your regular laundry detergent.

Alternatively, Nigel suggests that another common household item can also do the job – dish soap. Start by filling the sink with warm water and adding a generous amount of dish soap.

Let it soak overnight and wash as usual.

Since washing up liquid has no softening properties, add a cup of white vinegar to “help keep your socks soft and fluffy.”