Top 5 All Natural Tricks for Clean, Bright Socks

On top of leaving your socks looking like brand new, these all natural ingredients don't use any harsh chemicals that could end up destroying fabric fibers.
Top 5 All Natural Tricks for Clean, Bright Socks

Last update: 30 May, 2022

Below, we’ll show you 5 interesting and natural tricks that you can use the next time you want to get clean, bright socks.

Pay attention!

Socks are one of our most used items, so they’re more likely to get dirty and wear out sooner.

Because they’re constantly in contact with our feet, shoes and the ground, dirt accumulates in the fibers, forming stubborn stains.

And while there are many products out there that have been developed to clean and get bright socks, some people prefer to avoid harsh chemicals and use environmentally friendly alternatives.

Luckily, it’s now easy to find everything you need for these practical and inexpensive tricks that will let you wash your socks without risking your health or the environment.

1. Warm water with salt for clean, bright socks

Warm water with salt for bright socks

A solution of warm water with salt will make it easier to get out sweat stains and dirt that gradually accumulates in the socks’ fabric.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of salt
  • 1 liter of warm water

Directions

  • Add the salt to the warm water and stir until completely dissolved and submerge the socks.
  • If the socks are really dirty, add a little detergent for better results.
  • Avoid using hot water as this can damage the elastic band.

2. Hydrogen peroxide for clean, bright socks

Hydrogen peroxide is really useful when it comes to washing white socks.

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

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide
  • 1 liter of warm water

Directions

  • Dilute the hydrogen peroxide in the liter of water and soak the socks for 40 minutes.
  • When the time is up, squeeze out the excess water and wash them with your usual laundry soap.

3. Lemon juice

Lemon remedy for bright socks

Lemon juice contains natural acids that can help keep your clothes white.

Its antibacterial compounds control odors and leave a fresh scent.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of lemon juice
  • 1 liter of warm water

Directions

  • Add the fresh lemon juice to a bowl of warm water and let the socks soak in the solution for 45 minutes.
  • Then rinse as usual and let air dry.

4. Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, is one of the most environmentally-friendly products you can use to clean your home.

Its astringent and bleaching action is gentle enough for your delicates, including socks.

We recommend combining it with hydrogen peroxide to maximize its cleaning power.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of baking soda
  • ½ lemon

Directions

  • Rub the baking soda into wet socks and let it work for a few minutes before rubbing them with the lemon half.
  • Wait 10 more minutes, then rinse and air dry.

5. White vinegar

White vinegar and baking soda for bright socks

Using white vinegar to wash your clothes is really common in homes that are dedicated to using 100% eco-friendly cleaning methods.

This product contains acids and active compounds that, on top of removing dirt, disinfect and neutralize bad odors.

As if that weren’t enough, it also works as an alternative to fabric softeners. It offers similar results without all the harsh chemicals.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of white vinegar
  • ½ liter of cold water

Directions

  • Prepare a solution with the cold water and vinegar and soak the socks for 30-40 minutes.
  • Scrub gently, add a little bit of soap, then rinse.
  • Air dry for best results.

Remember!

Your results with these tips and tricks may vary depending on the quality of the products used on the fabric.

If one doesn’t work as expected, try another one until you find one that works for you.

And avoid using bleach, because it’s too aggressive and often degrades the fabric.

Make sure to wash your socks after every time you wear them because wearing them several times without washing will cause unpleasant odors and allow more dirt to accumulate.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Abdollahi, M., & Hosseini, A. (2014). Hydrogen Peroxide. In Encyclopedia of Toxicology: Third Edition. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-386454-3.00736-3

  • Goodyear, N., Brouillette, N., Tenaglia, K., Gore, R., & Marshall, J. (2015). The effectiveness of three home products in cleaning and disinfection of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on home environmental surfaces. Journal of Applied Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.12935

  • Rutala, W. A., Barbee, S. L., Aguiar, N. C., Sobsey, M. D., & Weber, D. J. (2012). Antimicrobial Activity of Home Disinfectants and Natural Products Against Potential Human Pathogens. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1086/501694


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.