It can be frustrating when white socks become dinghy and discoloured, but there is an easy laundry method to get them sparkling clean again.

White socks are difficult to wash as they are more likely to absorb stains due to the lighter fabric, and the acid in dirt or body oils will build up the fibres to turn socks a dingy grey colour. 

Mark Walker, a laundry expert from Denver Wash and Fold has shared that the best way to restore white socks is to not use harsh chemicals but rather add baking soda to your washing machine. 

He said: “If you’re not a bleach person, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to get white socks white again without harsh chemicals.

“Baking soda is one great DIY option.” 

How does it work?

Baking soda is alkaline and can neutralise acidic stains made from body oils, bacteria or dirt help break them down and make them much easier to clean. 

It also naturally has a gritty texture which helps physically scrub the stains from fabric while in the washing machine to help restore white socks. 

Adding baking soda to the washing machine also helps soften the water and will enhance the laundry detergent you use so it will be much more effective than usual which will result in brighter socks. 

How to naturally clean socks and get them white again 

To begin, all you have to do is fill a clean sink with warm water, then pour in a large amount of baking soda. 

Add your dirty white socks to the water and allow them to sit for three to four hours

Wring the socks out, place them in the washing machine and add one cup of baking soda mixed with your regular detergent in the washing machine drawer. 

If you wish, you can add white vinegar to where you would normally add fabric softener as it will naturally relax the fibres to soften socks. 

Once the socks have been washed hang them outside to dry in the sun as the ultraviolet in sunlight is a natural bleaching agent which will lighten white fabric and help kill bacteria to disinfect them.

If you cannot hang socks outside place them in a dryer on a gentle low setting or hang them on a drying rack indoors in a well-ventilated room near an open window. 

After the socks have dried they should be fully restored and as white as the day you bought them.