Much like death and taxes, owning a pair of white tube socks is inevitable. Although they’re not the most stylish accessories, they’re surprisingly versatile — perhaps you sport a pair with your Chelsea boots or rely on them for heatless curls.
The one major downside is that white socks, regardless of the style, easily show sweat and dirt and become dingy over time. But there’s no need to throw them out and buy a new pair because we have a hack to help you whiten even the yellowest pair of old socks.
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How To Whiten Your Socks
Place your dirty socks in a large bucket, or any other basin you have on hand. Then add a small squirt of dish soap — “small” being the key word. (Too much will result in excess foam.) Next, cover the socks with boiling water, and add one scoop (or about 2 tablespoons) each of powdered laundry detergent and OxiClean. Stir the mixture together and let it sit for at least an hour, though preferably overnight. The final step is to remove the socks, place them in the washing machine, and launder them as normal. Once the laundry cycle is complete, your socks should look as white and fresh as they did the day you bought them.
What About White Shirts?
While we wouldn’t advise this method for delicates, it can be used for white undershirts that have developed yellowing collars or unsightly pit stains. While it may take a few attempts, it’s the perfect solution for refreshing any durable, white undergarments.
So don’t feel blue just because your clothing has turned yellow. With this helpful hack, you can make your socks and shirts last longer without feeling embarrassed about how dingy they may look.
