Odd socks aren’t the only problem people face in the laundry, as there’s a good chance your white socks are still dirty, even after a spin in the washing machine. White socks are a wardrobe staple, but keeping them looking clean and bright can be a challenge. Many people struggle with stubborn stains, but simple methods can yield impressive results.
If your socks are coming out of the machine stained, it may not be a detergent issue; the problem could be down to how you wash them. Instead of using this energy-guzzling appliance to whiten your socks, sock brand HipSwan recommended an old-school method.
They recommended the boiling method, saying that this is “potent for tough stains and heavy discolouration”.
To start, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the socks and about half a cup of laundry detergent or baking soda for “extra whitening power”.
Allow the socks to boil for about 10 to 15 minutes. They claimed: “This high temperature effectively breaks down stubborn stains.”
After boiling, carefully remove the socks using tongs, as they will be hot. Rinse them with cold water to stop the cleaning process and cool them down. This method is “ideal for restoring heavily stained white socks”.
The experts at The Clothes Line Store also recommend the boiling method, explaining that boiling water helps “loosen deeply-set dirt” and “brightens cottons and white clothing effectively”.
However, they pointed out that this method should only be used for cotton socks. Avoid it for delicate or synthetic materials, as they may shrink or warp.
White socks should be cleaned with this method once a month to prevent them from getting in a bad state or, as needed, when tough stains appear.
