How to Remove Set-In Stains From White Socks
When white socks begin to retain stains and look dingy, the use of pre-treaters and chlorine bleach are employed. Sometimes these efforts are met with successful results and at other times not. There's a common product around most homes that will bring back the white in clothes without weakening or damaging the fabric. This environmentally friendly method of salvaging stained socks saves money and reduces the need for harsh chemicals in the home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Disposable gloves
- 5-qt. boiling pot
- 2-qt. measuring cup
- White vinegar
- Oven mitts
- Bucket
- Stained socks
- Standard laundry detergent
- Metal hanger
Instructions
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1
Measure 2 quarts of water and pour it into a 5-qt. boiling pan. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of white vinegar and heat the pan over the stove.
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2
Bring this mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for 15 minutes and then remove it from the stove to cool. Use oven mitts when handling the hot pan. Let the solution cool for 20 to 30 minutes.
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3
Pour the vinegar and water mix into a large bucket. Add the soiled and stained socks and stir with a metal hanger. Let the socks soak overnight.
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4
Put on a pair of disposable gloves and begin wringing out each sock. Place them in a laundry basket. Dispose of the vinegar water mixture by pouring it down the drain.
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5
Place the socks in a washing machine with a load of white clothes. Wash them as normal using a standard laundry detergent.
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Tips & Warnings
Using bleach alternatives when laundering clothes will help extend the life of the fabric.
Store the soaking items in a well ventilated or outdoor area.
Wear gloves when wringing out the items to avoid the transfer of vinegar odor to the hands.
"Never mix stain removal materials together (bleach and ammonia together form toxic fumes)," states the Ohio State University Information Extension Office. (See Resources)
References
Resources
- Photo Credit socks 5 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
