10 Ways to Wash White Socks Clean and Beautiful Like New at Home

White socks are a familiar and popular fashion accessory thanks to their sophistication and ease of coordination. However, keeping white socks clean and free of yellow stains is a big challenge for many people. In this article, Shondo will help you learn effective ways to wash white socks to help you maintain the whiteness of your socks. Follow along now!

1. Why do white socks get dirty and yellow easily?

White socks are often loved because they bring a clean, sophisticated look and are easy to combine with many outfits. However, white socks are more prone to dirt and yellowing than other colored socks. This comes from the fact that white easily "catches" all stains, from dust, sweat to grease during use. In addition, foot sweat and humidity are also factors that cause white socks to quickly change color and lose their original bright whiteness.

The reason why white socks are prone to yellowing is also due to the material. Many types of white socks are made from cotton or synthetic fibers that tend to absorb moisture strongly, creating favorable conditions for bacteria to grow, causing the socks to become dirty and stained quickly.

[caption id="attachment_5965" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Foot sweat is the main cause of yellowing socks[/caption]

2. Effective ways to wash white socks

To keep white socks looking new and free of yellow stains, you can use a variety of washing methods, from hand washing, machine washing to using safe cleaning products.

2.1. Hand washing white socks

Washing white socks by hand is a traditional but extremely effective way, especially when you want to preserve the durability of your socks and avoid them tearing or shrinking. To wash white socks by hand, you just need to soak them in warm water with a little soap for about 10-15 minutes. Then, use your hands to gently scrub away stains, paying attention to the heels and toes – where dirt often accumulates the most.

A little trick to whiter socks is to add a little white vinegar or baking soda to the washing water to increase the stain-removing ability. When finished washing, gently wring the socks dry and hang them in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.

[caption id="attachment_5966" align="aligncenter" width="800"] How to wash white socks effectively by hand[/caption]

2.2. How to wash white socks in a washing machine

If you don’t have time to hand wash, a washing machine is also a good option. However, to ensure that your white socks don’t become yellowed or shrunk, choose a gentle cycle and a water temperature that isn’t too hot. Before putting your socks in the washing machine, separate your white socks from other colored clothes to avoid fading.

You can add a little laundry detergent or mild detergent to the wash to enhance the cleaning power. If the socks are heavily soiled, soak them before washing to help remove stains more easily.

[caption id="attachment_5967" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Washing white socks in the washing machine[/caption]

2.3. Use a detergent that is safe for white socks

For stubborn stains on white socks, using detergent is necessary. However, you should choose detergents with safe ingredients, without harsh bleaches such as chlorine to avoid damaging the socks. Baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice are natural and safe detergents that you can use to keep your socks clean without damaging the material.

[caption id="attachment_5968" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Use safe detergent to clean white socks[/caption]

2.4. Wash white socks immediately after use.

A simple but effective way to keep white socks clean is to wash them immediately after use. This helps prevent stains from penetrating deep into the fabric and prevents yellow stains that are difficult to remove. When the socks are new and the stains have not yet set in, they are much easier to clean.

3. Tips to deal with stubborn yellow stains on white socks

During use, sometimes white socks will appear yellow stains that are difficult to handle. Below are some simple but effective tips to help you remove these stains.

3.1. Soak white socks with baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are two powerful natural cleaners that can remove yellow stains from white socks. Just soak the socks in a mixture of warm water, baking soda and vinegar for about 30 minutes before washing. Then, wash the socks with soap as usual, the stains will disappear easily.

[caption id="attachment_5969" align="aligncenter" width="800"] How to wash white socks with baking soda and vinegar[/caption]

3.2. Use hydrogen peroxide to wash white socks

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaner that is safe to use on white fabrics. You can dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and soak your socks in this mixture for about 20 minutes, then rinse with clean water. Hydrogen peroxide not only helps remove yellow stains but also effectively deodorizes.

3.3. Dry white socks properly to avoid discoloration

Drying white socks properly is also important to keep them bright and white. You should dry your socks in a cool place, away from direct sunlight to avoid fading the fabric. If possible, turn your socks inside out before drying to protect the outside of the socks.

3.4. Use toothpaste to clean white socks

Another trick to clean white socks is to use toothpaste. Just apply a little toothpaste to the stain, scrub gently with a toothbrush, and then rinse with water. This is a simple but effective way to clean stains on white socks.

[caption id="attachment_5970" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Use toothpaste to clean white socks[/caption]

4.5. Wash socks with boiling water

Boiling water can help remove stubborn stains from white socks, especially sweat and dirt stains. However, you should only soak your socks in boiling water for a short time to avoid shrinking the fabric.

4.6. Wash white socks with lemon juice

Lemon juice contains natural acids that have effective bleaching properties. You can soak your socks in warm water mixed with lemon juice for 15-20 minutes and then wash them with soap. This will help remove stains and restore the natural whiteness of your socks.

[caption id="attachment_5971" align="aligncenter" width="800"] How to wash white socks with lemon juice[/caption]

5. Important notes when washing white socks

• Separate white socks from colored clothes: To avoid dyeing your socks, you should separate white socks and wash them separately from colored clothes.
• Use mild soaps: Choose soaps that do not contain harsh detergents to protect the fabric and keep the socks durable.
• Don't use too hot water: Washing white socks in water that is too hot can shrink and damage the fabric's structure, so keep the temperature moderate.

>>>See more: Tips for combining sandals with socks beautifully and stylishly for young people.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

6.1. Should white socks be washed in hot water?

You can wash white socks in warm or hot water to remove stains, but avoid using water that is too hot as this can shrink the fabric and damage the socks.

[caption id="attachment_5972" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Socks should not be washed in hot water[/caption]

6.2. How to keep white socks from shrinking after washing?

To avoid shrinkage, wash your socks in medium-temperature water and avoid drying them in direct sunlight. Also, wring them out gently to prevent them from losing their shape.

6.3. How to wash white socks without using strong bleach?

You can use natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to wash your white socks without using harsh bleach. These ingredients are safe for fabric and will help keep your socks bright white without damaging the material.

Keeping white socks clean and free of yellow stains requires attention and proper application of the method. With the effective ways to wash white socks that Shondo has shared in the article, you can completely maintain the whiteness of your socks. Apply these tips to keep your white socks durable, beautiful and clean throughout the use.