How to make your white socks white again

Several folded white socks, soiled (left), and the same socks, cleaned (right).

NYT Wirecutter

After a while, white socks tend to develop something like “patina” on the soles: dark discoloration that won’t budge, even after you’ve washed them. Our cleaning expert tested nine stain-removal methods on the grubbiest cotton socks she could find. Ultimately, she found that the best hack is also the easiest — and should freshen up even the grimiest socks in your drawer.

It just takes three items you probably already own→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Give your white tees some love, too

An illustration of a yellow stain on someone's white t-shirt.

Dana Davis/NYT Wirecutter

Nothing ruins the clean, classic look of a white tee quite like yellowing in the pits. The simplest way to avoid these stains in the first place is by wearing an aluminum-free deodorant. But dealing with set-in stains is also easy — with the right setting on your washing machine.

Restore your white tees→

More laundry advice

One of our picks for best stain remover, the Tide To Go Oxi, shown next to a couple of stained pieces of fabric.

The most effective stain removers

Whether you’re dealing with a dark smudge of mascara or a dribble of pizza grease, these treatments will keep your wardrobe stain-free→

A gray Brabantia Foldable Laundry Basket standing up on a bed.

A collapsible laundry basket

So you can tuck it away in between loads→

A split image showing a white Wad-Free tool with pink fabric pulled through four holes

Want to avoid laundry burritos?

We tested a gadget that claims to prevent your bedding from tangling in the machine→

A slice of pizza on top of a Walk of Fame star that says "Lipase" on it.

This buzzy ingredient is having a moment in the laundry world

But will it really make your clothes cleaner?→

Today’s great cleaning deal: A handsome ottoman set for small spaces

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

These ottomans are extremely adaptable: They work as additional storage, a cushy seat, a sturdy serving tray, or even a bedside table. And they’re quite compact, making them perfect for tight apartments.

We found them for 15% off today→

One last thing: The best socks

The lower legs and feet of several people wearing a variety of colorful and patterned socks, including floral, striped, and shimmery gold designs.

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

If your socks are simply beyond repair, might we suggest upgrading to a cotton pair that our expert says “hugs your feet just right”? Or perhaps some dressy, metallic socks for outfits that demand a little more pizazz?

We tested more than 90 pairs. These are the best→

Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for Clean Everything

A weekly nudge to keep everything in your home squeaky clean from Wirecutter's experts.

Get it in your inbox

Thanks for reading.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for Clean Everything from The New York Times.

To stop receiving Clean Everything, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times Get The New York Times app

Connect with us on:

Change Your Email Privacy Policy Contact Us California Notices

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018