How to Wash White Socks?

Washing white socks and keeping them bright can be a challenge, but here's a simple and effective method:

Soaking with Baking Soda

Prepare the Soak: Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a generous amount of baking soda. A "liberal sprinkling" would translate to roughly 1/4 to 1/2 cup, depending on how many socks you're washing. Baking soda acts as a natural brightener and deodorizer.
Soak the Socks: Submerge your white socks in the baking soda solution and let them soak for several hours, or even overnight for heavily soiled socks. This allows the baking soda to loosen dirt and stains.
Wring Out the Socks: After soaking, wring out the excess water from the socks.

Load the Washing Machine: Place the pre-soaked socks in your washing machine along with other white items (if desired).
Add Baking Soda: Add another 150-200 ml (approximately 2/3 to 3/4 cup) of baking soda directly to the detergent drawer of your washing machine. This boosts the cleaning power of your regular detergent.
Add Detergent: Add your normal laundry detergent (powder or liquid) to the detergent drawer as you usually would.
Select Washing Cycle: Select a hot water cycle for washing white socks. Hot water is generally more effective at removing stains and brightening white fabrics.
Dry the Socks: Tumble dry on low heat or air dry the socks to prevent shrinking. Air drying can also help further brighten whites.

Use Bleach (Carefully): If the socks are heavily stained, you can add a small amount of chlorine bleach to the wash cycle (following the bleach manufacturer's instructions and fabric care label instructions). However, be cautious, as bleach can weaken fibers over time. Oxygen bleach is a gentler alternative.
Consider Borax: Adding 1/2 cup of Borax to the washing machine can also help boost cleaning power and whiten socks.
Wash Separately: Washing white socks separately from colored items prevents color bleeding, which can dull the white fabric.
Pre-treat Stains: Before soaking, pre-treat any particularly stubborn stains with a stain remover.

By following these steps, you can effectively wash your white socks and keep them looking their best!