White socks can quickly lose their fresh appearance, with everyday dirt, sweat and regular wear leaving them looking more grey than white. While it can be tempting to throw them away or reach for expensive cleaning products, there could be a much cheaper way to give them a new lease of life.
This simple trick uses an everyday kitchen staple that costs just 23p, making it an easy option to try before spending money on expensive products that might not even work.
How the lemon hack works
Cleaning expert Nigel Bearman from home cleaning company Daily Poppins says a lemon could help brighten tired looking white socks. The expert explains: "White socks can be difficult to keep looking fresh, especially when they’re worn regularly. Lemon is a simple, inexpensive option that can help brighten tired-looking whites without immediately reaching for a strong chemical product."
Nigel explains that lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help loosen everyday dirty marks and brighten fabrics. He adds: "The citric acid in lemon juice can help loosen some everyday marks, so it’s worth trying as a pre-treatment before putting your socks through the wash."
Steps to try the trick
To try the hack, simply fill a bowl or bucket with warm water before squeezing the juice of one lemon into it and mixing well. Place your white socks into the solution and leave them to soak for around one to two hours. If there are particularly dirty areas, gently rub the fabric together before putting them through the washing machine.
Wash the socks as normal, following the instructions on the care label. The expert recommends drying the socks outside on the washing line, as the daylight can help brighten white fabrics.
Other tips and precautions
Nigel also urged people to take care when trying the method for the first time. He explains: "Always check the care label and, if you’re unsure, test the solution on a small area first."
Although the cleaning expert revealed that there are other ways to keep your white socks looking bright and new. He recommends adding a splash of white vinegar in the washing machine when washing the socks. This will help soften the fabric and tackle any unwanted smells. Additionally Nigel explains that it's best to avoid frequently using chlorine bleach in your washing, as this can weaken the fibres of the item over time.
And the lemon trick isn't limited to just socks, as it can also be tried on other white fabrics such as T-shirts and bedsheets, although it is best to test a small area first.
