Laundry quickly gathers stains that seem impossible to remove, especially when it comes to white socks.

What’s more, over time, they start to pill, making them appear heavily worn even after a thorough wash. 

Unfortunately, even specialised laundry detergents with whitening properties often fail to remove tough stains on socks.

If you notice that your socks are starting to look worn and are considering buying new ones, it might be worth giving one item a go.

After listing a range of laundry whitening products that failed to do the job, Amy Chu took to the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook page for advice.

She asked: “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.”

While baking soda and white vinegar can do a good job of whitening laundry like socks and bed sheets, group members recommended an alternative natural item – soda crystals.

Gemma Phillips wrote: “Soak in soda crystals for half an hour before popping on a hot white wash. Miracle worker!”

Lorraine Warner said: “Soda crystals and a scoop of detergent soak in hot water and then put amongst wash.”

Keelee Wren replied: “Soak with soda crystals for 30 minutes then put in the washing machine. They’ll come out dazzling.”

Rachel Wortley said: “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 wrote: “Soda crystals in a saucepan is game-changing. Just boil it on the cooker like they used to years ago. It works.”

Julia Mansfield instructed: “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.”