Compared to colored socks, white socks are prone to getting dirty easily, and once they turn yellow or black, they can look particularly gross. Additionally, with each wash, white socks tend to lose their brightness gradually. So, besides using bleach, is there any method to bring back the pristine whiteness to dirty white socks? In response to this issue, experts have provided some answers.
According to a report from the UK’s Daily Poppins cleaning company, the assistant manager and cleaning expert Bellman shared tips on how to remove stains from white socks and keep them clean and bright.
Bellman suggested that the best method is to use lemon juice, as it has powerful stain-removing properties and is very effective in laundry care. He explained, “This is because the acid in lemons has antibacterial and preservative qualities, making it a natural bleach.”
To utilize this method, one should first mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with warm water in a bowl and soak the stained socks in this mixture for about two to three hours. Afterward, remove the socks and wash them in a washing machine as usual to achieve “sparkling clean and bright socks.”
This lemon solution not only brightens white socks but also works as a natural fabric softener. The citric acid in lemon juice helps break down any residues left by detergents or soaps.
For those who opt for using white vinegar or baking soda, Bellman noted that these methods require a longer soaking time for the socks to be effective in the white vinegar or baking soda solution.
In addition, another common kitchen item that can be used to clean dirty white socks is dish soap. By filling a sink with warm water and adding a generous amount of dish soap, soaking the white socks overnight, and then proceeding to wash them as usual, you can achieve clean socks.
Since dish soap lacks any softening properties, adding a cup of white vinegar aids in keeping the socks soft and fluffy.
Apart from cleaning white socks, lemon juice can also be used to remove limescale buildup in kettles. Regularly cleaning kettles is essential for those who often brew tea or use kettles.
Limescale is the white substance found at the bottom of kettles, formed by calcium in water evaporating after heating. While limescale is harmless, it can reduce the heating efficiency and even cause heating elements to malfunction.
The renowned “Queen of Clean” in the UK, cleaning expert and TV personality Lynsey Crombie, shared a method on Instagram using lemon juice to eliminate limescale from kettles.
She suggested, “Don’t throw away your lemons. They have amazing cleaning properties, such as removing limescale from kettles. Simply place half a lemon in half-filled boiling water in the kettle, leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.”
In the dishwasher cleaning aspect, Crombie also shared a method using lemon juice. This method effectively removes stains and food residues from the dishwasher, leaving a fresh scent. Just place half a lemon in the dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle.
While white vinegar, being acidic, can also be used to remove limescale, it may leave a bitter taste and take longer to dissipate fully, thus it is not recommended for use.
Crombie’s tips provide practical and natural solutions for cleaning and maintaining household items like white socks and kettles using the power of lemon juice, a versatile ingredient with numerous cleaning benefits. By incorporating these tips into your cleaning routine, you can keep your items looking pristine and fresh.