Do you remember your fresh-looking white socks that disappeared over time? They are likely still somewhere in your sock drawer but go unnoticed because they don’t look white anymore. Washing white socks frequently makes their whiteness fade into yellow or grey.
In this article, we will tell you how to whiten socks by revealing our secret ingredients. Your white socks will brighten up and look brand new again by simply using these ingredients in your regular wash.
BAKING SODA
Washing your faded white socks with baking soda will result in snow-white socks only after a single wash. To whiten your socks with baking soda, soak your dirty socks in a tub of warm water mixed with baking soda. Leave them for a few hours before washing them in the laundry with your regular detergent mixed with a little more baking soda. Remember that the baking soda will harden the fabric, so add a cup of white vinegar to keep your socks soft while rinsing.
VINEGAR
The acetic acid in vinegar is a strong substance that can cut down sticky debris and break the dinge from any fabric. Simply heat one litre of water (up to 40 degrees Celsius for best results), and add one teaspoon of vinegar for one pair of socks. Soak your socks in it for 30 minutes, and then wash with laundry detergent.
DISHWASH SOAP
Apart from washing dishes, dishwasher soaps do a great job of whitening your socks. Fill a tub with warm water, mix a sufficient amount of dishwasher soap, and let your socks soak in the mixture overnight. Wash them with detergent the next day. The dishwasher does not contain any softening ingredients, so add a cup of white vinegar to keep your socks from hardening.
LAUNDRY SOAP
Basic laundry soaps are efficient enough to remove stains and freshen up your sock color. However, it is vital to use the soap properly for the best results.
- Rinse your socks with warm water and rub them in soap.
- Leave them overnight after draining the water or seal them in a plastic bag.
- Rinse them with water with a quick wash in the washing machine.
LEMON JUICE
The acid in lemon juice has the quality of sharply cutting down the baked residue into your socks that have turned them yellow. You can take the toughest stains out by soaking your socks into a mixture of water and fresh lemon juice for two to three hours. If yellowness doesn’t fade away completely, rub the affected areas with lemon juice and detergent and wash gently after 15 minutes.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND AMMONIA
You can get hydrogen peroxide and ammonia from your nearest store and make a homemade mixture to whiten your socks. Use both the ingredients in 1/3rd quantity and soak the socks for half an hour. After washing, hang the socks outside to get rid of the odour caused by ammonia, or rinse them with a perfumed fabric softener.
Connor Doughty