How to Make White Socks White Again: 3 Hacks With Kitchen Ingredients

Disclosure: Upstyle may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.
White socks are a wardrobe staple, but they can easily become stained and dingy over time.
Instead of tossing them out or resorting to harsh chemicals, try these three effective DIY hacks to restore them to their former brightness using household items.
Here’s how to make white socks white again.
1. Baking soda and vinegar soak
Baking soda and vinegar are a powerhouse combination for whitening fabrics. Here’s how to use them:
What you need:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup white vinegar
- Hot water
What to do:
Fill a bucket or sink with hot water and add the baking soda and vinegar, allowing the mixture to fizz as it helps break down stains.
Let your socks soak for 30–60 minutes to loosen dirt and discoloration.
After soaking, wash them as usual with detergent for a refreshed and brightened look.
ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Made in USA
2. Lemon juice brightening method
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help brighten your white socks.
What you need:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 gallon of hot water
What to do:
Fill a bucket with hot water and add the lemon juice, allowing its natural bleaching properties to work on the fabric.
Soak the socks for 1–2 hours to help lift stains and restore brightness. After soaking, wash them as usual, preferably drying in direct sunlight for an extra whitening boost.
3. Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap treatment
Hydrogen peroxide works as a mild bleach, and dish soap helps lift dirt.
What you need:
- ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- Warm water
What to do:
Mix the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap in a bowl of warm water, creating a powerful stain-fighting solution.
Scrub the socks thoroughly, focusing on stained areas to help lift dirt and discoloration.
Let them soak for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing as usual for a refreshed, bright look.
3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Bonus tips for maintaining white socks:
- Wash white socks separately from colored items.
- Always use warm or hot water for washing.
- Add a small amount of baking soda to your detergent for regular whitening.
- Dry socks in the sun whenever possible for natural bleaching.
ACCFOD Women's Crew Socks
How to make white socks white again
With these simple and budget-friendly hacks, you can keep your white socks looking fresh and bright for longer! Which of these tricks will you be trying first? Comment down below.
Enjoyed the project?
The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.
Comments
Join the conversation
Since vinegar dissolves rubber, i'd be cautious about using it in elastic.
Nice hacks