White socks can lose their bright appearance quickly, even after just a day of wear. Dirt, sweat, and everyday use can leave them looking grey rather than pearly white. Instead of turning to bleach or expensive specialist products, a cheaper option may already be in the home.
Cheap alternative to bleach
Cleaning expert Nigel Bearman from home cleaning company Daily Poppins recommends using lemon juice for cleaning white socks. At most supermarkets, a lemon costs about 37p at shops like Tesco and Sainsbury's. The citric acid in the juice can help loosen some stains and brighten fabrics, making it a useful addition to a laundry routine.
Bearman said: "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."
How to use lemon juice
He added: "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." Bearman also noted it is important to check the care label of clothes before adding anything new to a laundry routine.
To use the method, fill a bowl or bucket with water and squeeze the juice of one lemon into it. Place the white socks in the water and leave them to soak for an hour or two, gently rubbing any particularly dirty areas before washing. Then wash the socks as normal, following the care label. If suitable, dry them outside in daylight, which can also help brighten white fabrics.
