In this article we will tell you how to wash white socks from different types of fabrics and list the most effective life hacks.
At first glance, it seems that putting soiled things in order is as easy as shelling pears, because there are a lot of laundry products on store shelves. But even this process has its own nuances.
Tips for proper care of white clothes and socks
- White items require much more attention and care than black or colored ones. And it is important to take proper care of them so that they last as long as possible and do not lose their appearance.
- Wash white clothes and socks separately from colored ones, otherwise they will quickly turn yellow or gray.
- Place white clothes in the washing machine after they have been worn 1-2 times. This will make it easier to keep it snow-white.
- Do not wash white items made from different types of fabrics together: be sure to separate synthetics, wool, cotton items, etc.
- Choose an average temperature for washing: in too hot water the product may become deformed, and in too cold it simply cannot be washed.
- Before washing, pay attention to the labels on your clothes. Most often, the manufacturer indicates the appropriate temperature and mode.
Effective solutions for washing very dirty white socks
Snow-white socks easily become dirty after the first wear. And if you wear them under black shoes, they may leave such marks that it will be very difficult to wash them off. And dark marks remain on the soles of socks from inscriptions and drawings on the insoles of sneakers and sneakers.
Below are the top products that will help get rid of different types of stains. They can be tried individually or together to achieve the desired effect. All these products are available in pharmacies or hardware stores, and their prices are very low.
Backing soda
- pour warm water into a basin;
- pour soda into the water (100 g of soda is needed per 1 liter of water);
- dissolve the substance in the liquid;
- soak white socks in a soda solution for several hours, or better yet overnight;
- put the socks in the washing machine;
- pour 5-6 tablespoons of soda into the washing powder compartment;
- set your normal wash to 30°C.
Vinegar
For this method, 9% vinegar is best. This method is used for cotton and woolen items.
- Pour 1 liter of cool water into a basin;
- add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar;
- soak white socks in the resulting solution for several hours (you can leave it overnight);
- pour vinegar water from the basin and pour in regular warm water; there is no need to add vinegar a second time;
- add a little washing powder or washing gel;
- wash your socks by hand in water and detergent.
Hydrogen peroxide
Sold in pharmacies at a low price. Can also be used in conjunction with ammonia or toothpaste.
- Pour 80 ml of hydrogen peroxide into a bowl or glass;
- add 1 tablespoon of toothpaste and stir until smooth;
- apply the resulting mixture to contaminated areas and stains, leave for at least 30 minutes, or overnight;
- rinse under cool water and then wash the item by hand or in the washing machine with laundry detergent or gel.
Bleach
There are many options sold in stores. The main thing is to choose the product that is suitable for a particular fabric. There are chlorine- and oxygen-containing bleaches, as well as products with organic dyes.
Be sure to read the information on the packaging. Manufacturers indicate for which fabrics this or that bleach is suitable, and also write instructions for use. Some formulations can be added to laundry detergents, while others should be applied directly to stains.
Laundry soap
This method will help if the stains are not too strong, and the socks only need to be slightly refreshed.
- Place the sock on your hand;
- moisten the stains with warm water;
- soap dirty places with laundry soap;
- remove the sock from your hand, turn it inside out and lather the dirt again;
- leave in this form for 2-3 hours;
- wash by hand or in the washing machine with powder or gel.
Citric acid
Citric acid powder is sold in hardware stores or grocery departments near the confectionery items.
If the stain is small, mix a little citric acid and washing gel, apply to the stain and leave for a couple of hours. If white socks are very dirty, then dissolve a bag of lemon juice in a liter of water, soak the socks for several hours, and then wash as usual.
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid tablets can either be dissolved in water and soak contaminated items in them, or added to the drum of the washing machine.
For soaking you will need 1 liter of warm water and 2-3 aspirin tablets, which need to be crushed. After this, soak the socks for a couple of hours and wash as usual.
But for machine washing you will need 5-6 whole tablets, because this method uses more water. You need to place crushed tablets in the powder compartment, but you can put whole tablets in the drum.
How to wash white socks depending on the washing method
We figured out how to wash socks. In this section, we recall traditional washing methods and one rather original one.
Manually
You can wash white socks by hand either with washing powder or gel, or with the products described in the previous paragraphs. Remember that for the manual method the water should not be too hot, 30-40 °C is suitable.
- Prepare a solution for soaking (with citric acid, ammonia, etc.);
- if the stains and dirt are very strong, then they can be washed with powder or laundry soap;
- if necessary, use a stain remover or add it to the water;
- soak contaminated items in water for a couple of hours or overnight if the stains are very serious;
- after a while, drain the dirty water;
- take clean water, add washing powder or gel and wash;
- rinse your socks;
- squeeze the socks out of the water by squeezing them in your fist – no need to twist the item, otherwise the socks may stretch or even tear;
- it is advisable to dry socks in the fresh air, but in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, otherwise the fabric may quickly turn yellow or dry out.
In the washing machine
Before machine washing, you can soak your socks with any of the products listed in the first 12 steps. If the contamination is strong, then it is not forbidden to use several methods in turn. We will describe the steps that should be followed, even if you have not soaked your socks before.
- Remove debris and sand from socks;
- set the desired program (for example, express, optimized or delicate wash);
- set the temperature: for woolen products – 30 °C, for cotton and synthetics – 40-60 °C;
- add washing powder or gel to the drum or special compartment;
- you can put special washing balls in the drum, which create a friction effect, so the socks are washed better;
- place the dirty socks in the drum and turn on the washing machine;
- afterwards, dry your socks well in the fresh air.