Brighten white socks with cheap household item that 'works wonders'

Laundry woes are common, particularly when it comes to keeping white socks pristine. Over time, they can become stained, looking old despite being freshly laundered.

Even specialised detergents with whitening agents often fail to tackle the tough stains that plague socks. Before you consider tossing them out for a new pair, there might be a simple solution worth trying.

Amy Chu sought advice on the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook page, asking fellow cleaning enthusiasts: "Does anyone know how to get dirty marks out of white socks? My daughter's socks are horrendous and I feel like I've tried everything."

Traditional methods like baking soda and white vinegar are known for their whitening effects on laundry items such as socks and bed sheets, but members of the group suggested an even more natural alternative: soda crystals. Gemma Phillips advised: "Soak in soda crystals for half an hour before popping on a hot white wash. Miracle worker! " Lorraine Warner recommended: "Soda crystals and a scoop of detergent soak in hot water and then put amongst wash."

Keelee Wren added: "Soak with soda crystals for 30 minutes then put in the washing machine. They'll come out dazzling," reports the Express.

Rachel Wortley also endorsed the method, saying: "Leave to soak in soda crystals. Then add them to a white wash and add a big scoop of soda crystals. All natural and work wonders."

Catherine Bishop suggested: "Soda crystals in a saucepan is game-changing. Just boil it on the cooker like they used to years ago. It works."

Julia Mansfield added her own method: "Big saucepan with soda crystals and boiling water then just let them have a simmer for about half an hour and then put them on a white wash. Always works for me."

Despite not being a bleaching agent, soda crystals can effectively remove stains from laundry. You can purchase a 1kg bag of soda crystals online at Big Green Smile for £3.50 or Amazon for £3.99.

For those who find that soda crystals do not quite do the trick, Napisan is a recommended laundry whitener available at Asda for £4.50 or Sainsbury's for £5.