Very white socks: the trick to whitening them (even the dirtiest ones) is not to use bleach!

Socks  are one of the clothes we use the most and, therefore, they are the ones that  tend to get dirty and wear out over time.  Being in continuous contact with your feet, it is common for dirt to adhere to your socks and stains that are difficult to remove form, especially if you walk around the house barefoot.

Although many cleaning products have been developed, there are those who are looking for ecological alternatives to avoid the use of harsh chemicals. These, according to this   research   carried out   by the Mutual de Seguridad Clinical Hospital of Chile, can be very harmful to our health if we do not use them correctly.  Fortunately, now it is very easy to use all those practical and economical tricks that allow us  to whiten these clothes without affecting our health or the environment.  Next, we want to share with you the  5 most effective tricks to whiten socks without using bleach.

1. Salt water

The warm salt water solution  helps to more easily remove dirt stains  that accumulate on socks.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of salt (20 g)
• 1 liter of warm water

How to use

• Pour the two tablespoons of salt into a liter of water, stir so that the salt dissolves and immerse the socks.
• If the socks are very dirty, add a little detergent for better results.
• Avoid using very hot water, as it can damage the elasticity of the garments.

2. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly known as hydrogen peroxide, is  a very useful product for washing white socks.  Its properties eliminate bad odors caused by sweat and eliminate even the most difficult stains.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide (60 mL)
• 1 liter of warm water

How to use

• Dilute the hydrogen peroxide in a liter of warm water and soak the socks for 40 minutes.
• After this time, remove excess water and wash them with regular soap.

3. Lemon juice

Lemon juice contains natural acids that  help preserve the whiteness of all types of clothing, according to   a study  carried out by the Leiden University Medical Center (Netherlands).  Its antibacterial compounds control bad odors and leave a fresh aroma.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup lemon juice (250 ml)
• 1 liter of warm water

How to use

• Add fresh lemon juice to a bowl of warm water, then dip your socks in and let them soak for 45 minutes.
• Then rinse them as usual and let them dry in the sun.

4. Baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most used ecological products when cleaning dirty clothes and the house. Its  astringent and whitening action is used to care for delicate garments  , including socks. It is recommended  to combine it with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide  to enhance its cleaning effects.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons baking soda (20 g)
• ½ lemon

How to use

• Rub the two tablespoons of baking soda into the damp socks, let them sit for a few minutes, and then rub them with half a lemon.
• To finish, wait another 10 minutes, rinse them and dry them in the sun.

5. White vinegar

Using white vinegar to wash clothes is a very common practice, especially among people who have opted for 100% ecological cleaning methods. This is stated in this research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (United States). This product contains acids and active compounds that, in addition to removing dirt,   disinfect and neutralize bad odors.  In addition,   it serves as an alternative to softening products,   since it has similar effects, but without containing aggressive chemicals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white vinegar (250 ml)
• ½ liter of cold water

How to use

• Make a solution of white vinegar with water and soak the socks for 30-40 minutes.
• Scrub them thoroughly, add some liquid soap and rinse.
• Finally, dry them in the sun for best results.

The results of these homemade tricks   may vary depending on the quality of the products used  and the type of fabric of the socks. So if you don’t get the results you want, try another one on the list until you find the one that works best for you. Also, avoid using chemical bleach, as it is too aggressive a product and  tends to affect the quality of the fabrics.