How to Get White Socks White Again & Keep Them Bright

Dirty soles of white socks on a child's feet, lying on a striped bedspread.

Discover the best way to get white socks white again using bleach. Follow our simple tips to remove stains, brighten fabric and restore your socks!

More from Clorox experts

White socks are notorious for losing their brightness over time, no matter how careful you are. Everyday dirt, sweat and body oils build up quickly, and washing them improperly can leave socks looking gray, yellowed or dingy. Understanding why white socks lose their crisp color is the first step toward keeping them clean, bright and fresh for longer.

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What you need

Steps to whiten socks with bleach

  1. Pre-soak before washing

    Pre-soak cotton or polyester socks for 5 minutes in a solution of ¼ cup Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach diluted in 1 gallon of cool water before washing. If your socks contain spandex, use Clorox 2™ for Colors Stain Remover and Laundry Additive instead of regular bleach and soak up to an hour.

  2. Machine wash

    Wash your socks in hot water using 1/3 cup of Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach per load.

  3. Keep your socks clean

    As recommended for cleaning white towels and bedsheets, you should add Clorox Bleach every time you wash your socks.

How to clean socks by hand

Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the socks and gently agitate them with your hands, focusing on areas like the heel and toe. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, squeeze out excess moisture and lay flat to dry.

How to whiten socks without bleach

Clorox™ 2 for Colors is a bleach-free laundry additive that removes tough stains and brightens colors and whites (with pretreat). To whiten socks, fill cap to line A for HE machines or line B for standard machines. If your machine has a detergent tray, add to tray or pour in drum directly. Wash with detergent.

How to keep socks white

To keep socks white, always wash them separately from colored items to prevent dye transfer. Use hot water and a heavy-duty detergent to effectively remove dirt and stains. Consider using Clorox™ laundry products to help maintain their brightness and freshness.

Tips to whiten socks with bleach

  • Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy chart.
  • Use freshly mixed solutions — bleach degrades over time when diluted.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or any other cleaner — it can create dangerous fumes.
  • Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bleach socks with a logo?

Bleaching socks with a logo can be risky. If the logo is printed or embroidered with colored thread, bleach may cause fading or discoloration. Always check the care label first. If using chlorine bleach, apply it only to the white areas and avoid direct contact with the logo.

How long do you soak socks in bleach?

Soak white socks in a diluted bleach solution for 5 to 10 minutes. This is enough time to whiten the fabric and remove stains without damaging the material. Avoid soaking longer, as extended exposure to bleach can weaken fibers or cause yellowing. Always rinse thoroughly and wash as usual after soaking.

Why are my white socks still dirty after washing?

White socks can stay dirty after washing due to deep-set stains, sweat or detergent buildup. Washing in cold water or using too little detergent can also leave socks looking dingy. To restore brightness, soak them in a diluted bleach solution before washing. For stubborn stains, pretreat with stain remover or use a whitening booster.

Can you wash white socks with colors?

It’s best not to wash white socks with colored clothing, especially if you want to keep your socks bright white. Colored fabrics can bleed dye during the wash cycle, causing white socks to become dingy or gray. To keep white socks truly white, wash them separately in hot water with a whitening detergent or a diluted bleach solution if the care label allows. Always separate your laundry into whites, lights, and darks to protect the brightness of your socks.

What is the best way to whiten socks?

The best way to whiten socks is to use diluted bleach during the wash to lift deep stains and restore brightness quickly. If you prefer an alternative method, soaking socks in warm water mixed with baking soda, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide before washing can also help whiten and refresh them. Always follow up by washing on a hot, heavy-duty cycle for the best results.