White socks tend to be filthier than anything else in your laundry as the lighter fabric makes dirt stand out more but designed to absorb sweat more easily which can cause stains to set. It may seem obvious to use bleach to brighten your white clothing, but over time, it can weaken the fibres and can actually react to certain stains to cause yellowing. 

Instead, Erum Abbas, a mum and co-founder of Roots and Residence has shared that you can restore “the gleam to your socks” with baking soda. She said: “Baking soda is a true multitasker. Not only does it neutralize odors, but it also has mild bleaching properties that can help brighten up your whites.”

It can seem strange that something as simple as baking soda can clean your socks but it is alkaline which makes it perfect to break down acidic stains like sweat, dirt or food. 

Baking soda is also abrasive which means it will gently scrub any marks from the fibres of your socks to help get them completely clean again.

However, if your socks are looking a bit dull or grey then you can get them white again with lemon juice, which will lighten and brighten fabric without having to use bleach. 

Erum said: “Packed with citric acid, lemons have natural bleaching properties that can help brighten up your whites.”

Both these ingredients are simple household products that are often overlooked despite their natural cleaning abilities to keep your socks looking their best throughout spring and summer. 

How to use baking soda and lemon juice to wash white socks

One way to get white socks clean again is to simply soak them. Fill up a basin with cold water then add 240g of baking soda. 

Then pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice from two lemons (around 120ml). It is better to use fresh lemon juice if you can as it will be more potent. 

Add your white socks to the basin and soak for an hour before placing them in the washing machine like normal. 

However, if you do have the time then you can add baking soda and lemon juice to your washing machine. Just add 120ml of lemon juice and 240g of baking soda alongside your regular laundry detergent.

Place your washing machine on a cold wash (30C to 40C) as it gentler on the fabric and prevents whites from becoming discoloured. 

When the wash is done, hang your socks out in the sun if you can as the citric acid in lemon juice will react to the ultraviolet rays to also help whiten socks. 

Erum said: “When it comes to drying your socks, nothing beats good old-fashioned air drying. The heat from the dryer can weaken fibers over time and cause colors to fade. “

Once your socks are dried then they should be dazzling white and completely clean so you can wear them this spring without worrying about stains.