The Ultimate Guide to Washing Socks: Keep Them Fresh and Clean

By following these straightforward steps, you can tackle everything from stubborn stains to preserving the quality of your socks, no matter if they’re white socks or grip socks: 

1. Sort Your Socks for Better Results
   Before you start wondering how to wash socks, make sure to sort them by colour. Dark and light socks should be washed separately to avoid any colour transfer, especially with white socks. Washing white socks with darker garments can lead to unwanted discolouration. 

2. Pre-treat Tough Stains
   If your socks have stubborn stains, whether it’s dirt, sweat, or even food, a quick pre-treatment can make all the difference. How do you wash grip socks when they’re stained? You can pre-treat them just like any other sock!
   For tough stains, apply Vanish Crystal White Liquid directly onto the affected area, then rub gently and leave it for 10 minutes. Do not let the liquid dry on the fabric. This method will help loosen any grime. After 10 minutes, wash your socks as usual. It’s a quick and easy solution for those challenging stains that just won’t budge.
3. Soak for Extra Tough Stains
   Some stains may require more than a pre-treatment. When dealing with really tough stains on your white socks, soaking is a game-changer. Add 100 ml of Vanish Crystal White Liquid to 5 litres of warm water and let them soak. For coloured fabrics, soak for 1 hour, while whites can be soaked for hours for the best results. 
   After soaking, just wash them as you normally would, and you’ll notice how fresh they look. It is the perfect solution for socks with stubborn stains that require some extra time to be fully removed. 
4. Use the Right Amount of Detergent
   The detergent you use for washing your clothes plays a big role. For your usual wash, simply add the right amount of detergent as per your load size, along with 1 cap of Vanish Oxi Action Liquid for everyday stains. This will help your socks remain fresh and bright after every wash.
   For particularly tough stains on your socks, double the quantity of Vanish to 2 caps, ensuring that the stains are properly treated. 
5. Cold or Warm Water? Here’s the Deal
   When it comes to washing socks, the water temperature matters. Generally, it’s best to wash socks in warm water to avoid setting stains. However, always follow the care instructions on your socks' labels. For white socks or those with grip, warm water is ideal as it helps dissolve the detergent and stain remover more effectively.
   Remember that pre-treating or soaking with warm water before the main wash will provide even better results when it comes to tough stains. So, how do you wash grip socks without damaging their texture? Stick to warm water and follow the instructions for soaking or pre-treatment.
6. Drying Your Socks the Right Way
   After washing, drying your socks correctly is essential to maintaining their softness and shape. Avoid drying your socks directly under sunlight or near high-heat sources like radiators, as excessive heat can damage the fabric. Instead, air-dry them in a cool, dry place for the best results.
   For grip socks, air-drying is key, as heat can impact their performance. Always make sure the socks are completely dry before wearing them again, as moisture can lead to odour build-up.
7. Washing Machines for Normal Stains
   Using a washing machine is a hassle-free way to wash socks, especially in large batches. To maintain the quality of your socks, especially when washing multiple pairs at once. Just add 50 ml of Vanish Crystal White Liquid to your detergent (or 100 ml if the stains are tough to remove). This ensures that all socks are thoroughly cleaned without any stains being missed.
   For grip socks, washing them inside out is a good practice, as this helps protect the rubbery parts from excessive wear. As with white socks, using warm water will allow Vanish to work its magic in the wash cycle.