Brighten dull white socks in 1 hour with simple ingredient-not baking soda

White socks tend to dull over time due to a combination of factors, including sweat and body oils, dirt and stains from outdoor use, and a buildup of detergent residue. All of this can contribute to socks turning yellow or grey over time, with stains sticking even after washing them. This can also happen with towels and bedding.

While many people may turn to vinegar or baking soda to bring them back to life, another ingredient works well. A stain removal expert at the home cleaning company Daily Poppins has shared an easy, natural, and cheap way to get rid of them, and it involves using lemons.

Nigel Bearman said: "Lemon juice contains natural citric acid, which acts as a gentle bleach and stain remover. It brightens fabric and helps eliminate bacteria, all while being safe for most whites and kinder to the environment than chemical alternatives."

To bring your socks back to life, squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon into a bucket of hot water and soak your socks in it for one hour.

For stubborn stains, the expert recommended sprinkling some salt on the damp fabric and gently rubbing the stains before soaking.

After soaking, put the socks in the washing machine and wash them as you usually would.

If you dry your socks outside in the sun, the UV rays will naturally enhance their whitening.

Nigel said: "This method is low-cost, eco-friendly and easy to do regularly. The combination of lemon and sunlight is a perfect natural whitening duo."

Lemon juice works on other white fabrics, too, such as T-shirts and bedding. However, it is recommended to test the fruit juice on a small area first to be safe.

If you find that you're struggling with any odours, add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove them as well as soften them.