The 5 Best Ecological Tricks To Leave Your Socks Impeccable

Socks are one of the garments that we use the most and, therefore, they are the ones that tend to get dirty and wear out as the days go by.

Since they are in constant contact with the feet, shoes and the ground, it is common for dirt to adhere to their fabrics and form stains that are difficult to remove.

Although many cleaning products have been developed, there are those who are looking for ecological alternatives to avoid the use of harsh chemicals. These, according to this research carried out by the Clinical Hospital of the Mutual de Seguridad de Chile, can become highly harmful to our health if we do not use them correctly.

Luckily, it is now very easy to access all those practical and inexpensive tricks that allow us to whiten these garments without affecting our health or the environment.

Next, we want to share the 5 most interesting tricks so that you do not stop putting them into practice the next time you have to wash them.

Take note!

5 ecological tricks to leave your socks impeccable

1. Warm salt water

The lukewarm salt water solution makes it easier for us to remove sweat and dirt stains that gradually become trapped in the fabric of the socks.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of salt (20 g)
• 1 liter of lukewarm water

 What should you do?

• Pour the two tablespoons of salt into a liter of water, stir it so that it integrates well and submerge the socks.
• If there is too much grime, add a little detergent for best results.
• Avoid using very hot water, as this can damage the elasticity of the garment.

2. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly known as hydrogen peroxide, is a very useful product when washing white socks.

Its properties eliminate bad odors caused by sweat and remove even the most difficult stains.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide (62 ml)
• 1 liter of lukewarm water

What should you do?

• Dilute the hydrogen peroxide in a liter of warm water and soak the socks for 40 minutes.
• After this time drain the excess water and wash them with the usual soap.

3. Lemon juice

Natural lemon juice contains natural acids that help preserve the whiteness of all types of garments, as suggested by this study by the Leiden University Medical Center (Netherlands).

Its antibacterial compounds control bad odors and leave a fresh scent.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of lemon juice (250 ml)
• 1 liter of lukewarm water

What should you do?

• Add the fresh lemon juice to a bowl of warm water, then submerge the socks and let them soak for 45 minutes.
• Then rinse them as usual and dry them in the sun.

4. Baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most widely used ecological products when it comes to cleaning the home.

Its astringent and whitening action is used to care for delicate garments, including socks.

It is advisable to combine with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to enhance its cleaning effects.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of baking soda (20 g)
• ½ lemon

What should you do?

• Rub the two tablespoons of baking soda on the wet socks, let them sit for a few minutes, then rub in half a lemon.
• To finish, wait another 10 minutes, rinse and dry them in the sunlight.

5. White vinegar

The use of white vinegar for washing clothes is very common in those homes that have opted for 100% ecological cleaning methods. This is stated by this research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (United States).

This product contains acids and active compounds that, in addition to removing dirt, disinfect and neutralize bad odors.

As if that were not enough, it serves as an alternative to softening products, since it has similar effects, but without containing harsh chemicals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of white vinegar (250 ml)
• ½ liter of cold water

What should you do?

• Make a solution of white vinegar with water and soak the socks for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Rub them gently, add a little liquid soap, and rinse.
• Lastly, dry them in the sun for best results.

To keep in mind:

The results of these homemade tricks can vary depending on the quality of the products used and the type of fabric of the sock.

So if you don’t get the desired results, try another until you find the most effective one.

Also, avoid the use of chemical bleaches, as they are too aggressive and tend to affect the quality of the fabrics.

Make sure to wash them after each use, as if you decide to wear them several times, you will accumulate more dirt and unpleasant odors.