I hope someone can tell me what I can soak my sons cotton socks in. He is a lifeguard and his socks always get wet. I have been getting him to put them in a bucket with water and laundry soaker overnight but when I go to do the washing they still smell awful (like swamp water!) so I still have to wash them separately. I have also tried bleach in the water but it bleaches the color out of the black/blue soles of the white socks. Would something like vinegar help? He alternates between three pairs of shoes so they get to dry out fully between wearing.
Kat from Australia
Just try vinegar in the laundry, about 1 cup. Also, instead of soaking, try spraying with vinegar and let dry then was. You will not get the funny smell when they come out of the dryer. Works for urine smells too. (05/07/2007)
By silkynjoe
Soaking in baking soda and water might help. Also sprinkle baking soda in his shoes after they are dry might help too. Good Luck! (05/08/2007)
By Vi Johnson
Try soaking the socks in very hot water and borax overnight. Launder in a very hot wash, with regular detergent and a cup of baking soda. You could try a cup of vinegar in the rinse water, that may help. Beyond that, I can only think of a very, very old fashioned method of cleaning stinky clothing, and that is to boil the socks in a large stock pot, containing water (obviously!), baking soda and a smidge of detergent.
By lesley
Thank you so much to the lovely people who responded with cures for the smelly socks. I will be trying them out for sure ! It is so heartening to see how caring and helpful people are :) (05/08/2007)
By Kat
I don't know about soaking or boiling, but have you ever tried adding simple borax to the load when washing them? I use this with my towels to eliminate any wet sour smell, and it works fantastic. (05/10/2007)
By Mary
I would recommend washing them in warm water but even if there is not a lot of socks use the 'large load' water setting so the water and detergent can really work. Then I would put vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener. This works with my hubby's socks. (12/04/2008)
By Dorina
Try sudsy ammonia. I washed a great looking shirt from a yard sale and to my dismay it reeked when I ironed it (even after I washed it). Use about one cup of ammonia (or more) to a half load of laundry (do not add any other cleaning additives at this time). I also used this trick when my husband was a heavy equipment mechanic. (12/04/2008)
By roadgypsygranny
Have you tried using Bio Zet laundry detergent? It gets out cat pee smells. I have recently changed back to Radiant though as I have a smelly young man in the house and everyone's laundry sure smells better and fresher now than it has in ages. Maybe a few drops of Nil Odor in the soaking bucket with the socks before they are washed in the machine will help. With my shoe insoles I found that washing them after each wear has helped to reduce the odour to almost nothing now. It is just trial and error. (01/08/2009)
By Julie, Melbourne, Australia
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