As soon as the weather warms up, many people opt for breezy white socks to keep cool, but maintaining their pristine appearance is a notorious challenge. White socks are magnets for conspicuous stains and are prone to becoming discoloured, losing their vibrancy over time.

However, Henry Lee, a Monfoot Socks laundry guru, has shared a “secret weapon” for reviving white socks and banishing stubborn stains, likely hiding in your own kitchen cabinet. He said: “Lemon juice, with its natural bleaching properties, can work wonders in whitening your socks when used in boiling water. It’s a simple, natural, and cost-effective method that you'll find surprisingly effective.”

The use of lemon juice in laundering white socks might come as a surprise, but the acid within is effective at eliminating grime that’s embedded into the fabric, causing an unsightly yellow, brown or grey stains.

A common error is reaching for bleach to brighten fabrics; however, its potent formula is overly aggressive for regular use and may impart a yellowish cast to socks instead of reviving them.

Citric acid, present in citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, and lemons, acts as a gentle yet effective natural bleaching agent, diminishing stains and enhancing the overall brightness of fabrics.

For this method, start by placing the white socks in your sink or a container, and fill it halfway with warm water, which will help loosen up any dirt or stains to make the cleaning process more efficient.

Then, pour a hefty quantity of lemon juice into a kettle, add water, and bring it to a boil. Pour the boiling lemony concoction into the basin and let the socks immerse for at least a couple of hours, or even longer if possible.

Henry commented: “The heat combined with lemon juice works to lift the stains and restore the brightness of your socks.”

After, remove the socks from the basin and transfer them to the washing machine for a standard cycle. You may already notice that they’re whiter and the stains have diminished before they hit the wash.

To finish off, hang your socks outside to dry on a bright, sunny day – the sun acts as a natural booster to the lemon-infused whitening solution. This is because when the UV rays from the sun meet the citric acid on the socks, it powers up the stain-busting action in the fibres.

Henry stated: “The sun’s natural bleaching effect will help enhance the whiteness of your socks.”

Once dry, your socks should emerge pristine, white, and completely stain-free – a transformation that Henry assures will leave your feet dazzled, saying: “You’ll be amazed at the transformation: your socks radiate a whiteness rivalling a snowy day.”