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How often should you wash your socks? Hamish & Andy’s gross laundry debate

Are your socks still dirty after washing them?
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Odd socks aren’t the only problem people face in the laundry – there’s a good chance your socks are still dirty, even after a spin in the machine. But it’s not just a detergent issue – it could be a how-often-you-wash-them issue too.

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So, how often should you wash your socks?

A recent segment from the Hamish & Andy podcast has reignited debate around the great laundry question after it was shared on TikTok: how many wears can you get away with before tossing something in the wash?

While the comedy duo agree undies are a “one and done” item, their stance on socks raised eyebrows.

“Socks can go for a day and a half,” they said, adding you can even rewear dirty ones for workouts because “they’re going to get sweatier anyway.”

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Despite what the comedy duo are saying, we think it goes without saying: socks should be washed after each use.

Why do socks still look dirty even after washing?

Even if you are washing your socks regularly, they can still look grubby, especially white ones. That’s often because:

  • You’re not pre-treating stains
  • You’re using too little detergent, or
  • Your detergent simply isn’t strong enough

So, how do you get white socks truly white again?

The miracle TikTok stain remover that actually works

Taking to TikTok, cleanwith_kayleigh shared a video with her 2.1 million followers on how to make filthy socks look new again.

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“Let’s get those filthy socks BRIGHT WHITE again,” she writes in the caption of her video as she grabs a pair of dirty white socks and sprays them with The Pink Stuff Miracle Laundry Oxi Stain Remover for whites and colours. The results are… bright!

white socks

How to make socks white again in four steps

If you’ve ever asked yourself why your socks still look dirty, even after washing them, this is for you. Let us show you how to get dirty socks clean again.

Step 1

Grab your dirty socks.

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Step 2

Spray with The Pink Stuff Miracle Laundry Oxi Stain Remover and let soak in for a few minutes. 

Step 3

Then pop them in the wash with the rest of your white laundry. 

Step 4

For the wash cycle, Kayleigh has used both the Miracle Laundry Detergent and the Miracle Laundry Oxi Powder Stain Remover for whites, and the socks have come out looking a lot cleaner.

Note: This also works on other white clothes!

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laundry with clothes hanging
(Photography: Alicia Taylor)

White stain remover on colours

Kayleigh’s followers loved her video and were keen to try The Pink Stuff for themselves. However, one comment asked if the Oxi powder and spray can be used on colours and whites. 

The Oxi powder and Spray For Colours can be used on colour-fast clothes and fabrics, including whites. However, the powder and spray are formulated with a stronger formula for whites, making them unsuitable for colours.

The stain removal is not suitable for any delicate items of clothing. Dry clean only garments and anything that says do not bleach. 

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colour pattern socks
(Photography: Scott Hawkins)

Why do my socks still look dirty after washing?

If your socks still look dirty, they are likely stained and require a thorough cleaning.

How do you deep wash socks?

Here are some tips to keep your socks clean and give them a good wash.

  • Regular washing: Wash socks frequently to remove dirt, sweat, and odour. Follow the care instructions on the sock label and use a detergent suitable for the fabric and washing temperatures recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Pre-treat stains: Treat stains promptly by rinsing or pre-soaking the affected area before washing. This can help prevent stains from setting in and make it easier to remove them during the wash cycle.
  • Separate socks: Separate socks from heavily soiled items during washing to prevent dirt or stains from transferring onto them.
  • Air out and dry properly: After wearing socks, allow them to air out and fully dry before storing them. This can help prevent odour-causing bacteria from multiplying and extend the freshness of the socks.
  • Invest in quality socks: High-quality socks made from durable materials may resist stains better and maintain their appearance for longer periods.
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