How Can I Get a Pair of White Sport Socks Clean?

Make white sport socks white and bright.

Stain removers, detergents and even bleach, it seems nothing takes the stains out of your white sport socks -- until now. With continued use, bleach turns whites yellow and weakens fabric fibers. Bleach can also irritate the skin if not properly rinsed. A natural substitute for bleach is one that you may not expect. Made from distilled alcohol, clear white vinegar makes whites sparkle, returning even the dingiest of sport socks to their preworn status.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot
• 1 cup vinegar
• Stovetop

Instructions

1. Place the white sport socks in a large pot. Fill the pot with just enough water to cover the socks.

2. Pour 1 cup of clear vinegar into the pot. Set the pot on the stovetop and turn on the burner.

3. Bring the pot of water to a raging boil. Turn off the burner and allow the water to cool.

4. Leave the socks to soak in the pot for 24 hours.

5. Remove the socks from the pot and dry them as usual

Tips & Warnings

• Add a cup of white vinegar to your washer's final rinse cycle to remove soap residue from laundry loads.

• Do not overfill the pot with water or it may overflow during boiling. Only add enough to cover the socks.

References

• 1001 Uses for White Distilled Vinegar: Lanudry
• The Vinegar Institute: Uses and Tips

Resources

• Heinz Vinegar: Laundry Room