There is nothing comfier than slipping on a pair of your favourite fresh and crisp white socks, but it can be frustrating when they begin to become a dingy grey colour. 

White socks can quickly become discoloured as dirt, sweat and other stains are more visible on lighter fabric compared to darker-coloured socks. 

However, rather than turning to bleach or commercial whitening agents there is a simple and natural cleaning method to whiten socks again which you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard. 

Olivia, a laundry expert from Clothes Lyne has shared that the best way to restore white socks to get them looking clean and brand new again is with lemon juice. 

She said: “Lemon juice isn’t just for making refreshing summer drinks or adding a tangy kick to your meals. 

“It’s a hidden laundry champion with many benefits that can tackle these common laundry woes. From stain removal to brightening whites, lemon juice has got you covered.”

It may seem unusual but lemon juice contains citric acid which acts as a natural bleaching agent to lighten fabric and help break down stains to make them easier to wash out. 

Olivia said: “Lemon juice is renowned for its stain-removing properties. Whether it’s tomato sauce, ink, or red wine, a splash of lemon juice can work wonders for stain removal.”

She added: “Lemon juice is remarkably effective for brightening white clothes. It’s not as harsh as bleach — which can weaken fabrics over time — making it an ideal choice for delicate whites.”

How to restore white socks and get rid of stains using lemon juice

All you need to do is fill a basin or bucket with hot water, then fully submerge your dingy discoloured white socks.

Squeeze the lemon juice into the mixture and then leave the socks to soak in the lemon water solution for at least one to two hours, but for best results leave them overnight. 

After soaking the socks, place them in the washing machine on a warm hot wash wash cycle and wash them with your normal laundry detergent. 

If possible, hang the white socks up to dry in the sun after the wash is done as sunlight helps enhance the natural bleaching effect of lemon juice. 

When the citric acid in lemon juice is exposed to the ultraviolet in sunlight it will react to the organic compounds which causes stains, which helps dissolve them while also whitening fabric. 

 After a couple of hours, your white socks will have brightened up and look brand new again simply by using lemon juice as a cheap but effective stain remover