Whiten and remove stains from socks using natural solution - no bleach needed

White socks can quickly become discoloured with notable stains that cannot be removed with a regular wash, but there is a very simple way to get them clean again. 

Nicola Lewis, a cleaning expert who has teamed up with the home appliance manufacturer Hisense, has shared with Express.co.uk that keeping white socks clean can be a challenge as the fabric is more likely to absorb sweat, oils as well as other dirt. 

She said: "White socks show dirt and stains more clearly, so are more difficult to keep clean. Given that socks are in constant contact with the ground and shoes, over time this can cause discolouration."

It may seem obvious to use bleach to whiten and restore socks but it can often do more harm than good as it can lead to the fabric weakening and cause holes in the socks. 

Nicole said: "Natural remedies are better in my opinion than using bleach because it is gentler on fabrics, non-toxic, eco-friendly and does not leave harmful residues. It also prevents discolouration on your clothes."

How to whiten and clean stained socks 

Instead of using bleach or harsh chemicals in your laundry, it is much more effective to use natural remedies. According to Nicole, there are two easy homemade solutions that will work to get socks looking brand new again

Nicole said: "Soaking white socks in a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, or using hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice, can naturally clean and whiten them."

Using hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice 

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent which can break down stains as well as whiten fabric without the harshness of chlorine bleach. It also has antibacterial properties, so it disinfects socks as well as removing stains. 

Lemon juice contains citric acid which helps remove stains while also brightening and whitening the fabric. Simply fill a basin with warm water and mix a quarter of a cup of hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice together to make a homemade whitening solution. 

Place the soaks in the solution and leave them to soak for at least one hour or longer, and once the time is up, put the socks in the washing machine on a regular wash.

After the wash is done the socks will come out looking fresh, clean and white once again. 

Using baking soda and vinegar 

Another solution is to use baking soda as it is mildly abrasive with a high pH which can break down stains while also helping lift dirt that can cause socks to become discoloured or dingy. 

White vinegar is also acidic which works to break down dirt or stains but it is also a natural fabric softener so it will make socks more comfortable to wear. 

All you have to do is mix half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar in a basin of warm water. Then add your white socks to the solution for at least a few hours, but it will work much better if left overnight.  

After the time is up, place the socks in the washing machine and wash them like normal and they should be completely restored. 

Drying white socks

Once the white socks come out of the washing machine it is best to hang them outside to dry as the sun can naturally help whiten socks.

Nicole said: "Hanging socks out to dry in the sun will help whiten your white socks. This is mainly because the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays naturally bleach and disinfect the fabric."

When ultraviolet hits fabric it can break down the chemical bonds in stains and discoloration, which will help to remove them. 

The heat from the sunlight also helps enhance the natural bleaching effects of lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide if you use them, so your socks will look like new without too much effort.