Washing socks seems to be very simple, but in some cases, they still remain smelly even after washing them in the washing machine. Not so surprising in the end when you know that they are in direct and constant contact with the skin and therefore with the perspiration of the feet. Sometimes, we even trample the floor of the house with them, which exposes them more to dirt. So let’s see how to effectively eliminate the odors emanating from it with this trick.

Socks trapped in our shoes all day  absorb dirt and bad odors . If in addition, the scents have not left after machine washing, it may also be due to the nature of their fabric. Whatever the case and whatever the factors involved, you will no longer have to deal with this problem thanks to a simple solution that will make you enjoy a good smell at the same time.

A simple and effective remedy for bad sock odors

While you despair over your stubbornly smelling socks freshly washed in the washing machine, we suggest a remedy that will save you from trouble. A method that is not only effective but will also allow you  to obtain pleasantly scented socks.

The technique in question is simply to place your socks in a large container that you fill with a generous amount of hot water so that your items are well soaked.  Then pour ½ glass of white vinegar into your basin  and let your items rest for 1 hour.

Thereafter, remove your socks from the container, empty it of its vinegar water then fill it again with hot water in which you will this time dissolve  2 tablespoons of baking soda . Put the items back in, stir well then add a few drops of essential oil.

soda socks

Baking soda – Source: spm

In essential oils, you have of course a wide choice. We think for example of lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus or even mint. For the last step, you will let the socks soak for 30 to 40 minutes before emptying the basin. You can also replace the essential oil  with lemon juice at the rate of 2 tablespoons.

 

Alternative method for washing smelly socks: Boiling water + lemon

The high temperature of the water as well as  the whitening capacity of the lemon juice  is a method not to be neglected, especially since it is rather quick to execute. Bring water and lemon juice to the boil, then after turning off the heat, soak the socks in the mixture and leave to act for 30 minutes. Thereafter, all you have to do is carry out the usual washing.

If your items are very dirty, you can directly apply  a mixture of lukewarm water and lemon juice with dishwashing liquid. You will then let it sit overnight before washing.

Do not hesitate to consult the ecological cleaning methods that are suitable for you  in order to whiten dirty and damaged socks.

Some useful tips for washing socks

Effective washing of socks also involves certain reflexes to adopt:

Flip your socks

If you don’t want your socks to end up losing their elasticity and overall shape,  turn them inside out, put them in a laundry mesh bag before putting them in the washing machine. This simple process is enough to prevent them from mixing with clothing and stretching.

Hang your socks up and let them dry

Once washed and rinsed, arrange to fix your  socks individually on the drying rack  then expose them to the sun. The UV rays will allow the odors to be released.

drying socks

Air dry – Source: spm

If you want to use a dryer, you need to make sure your pairs of socks  are free of moisture  and lumps of detergent or baking soda. Keep in mind, however, that air drying is always best, especially for silk and wool socks which are prone to shrinking in a dryer. Indeed, their material does not support high temperatures.

As we can see, some problems can easily be solved without using chemicals. Same thing for  the technique that allows you to deodorize shoes.