Revive stained white socks with this 1 'magic' item - not white vinegar

White socks can quickly become dirty and stained after a few uses. It can sometimes seem impossible to revive their pristine colour as the marks linger.

The good news is that there are tips and tricks to restore socks to their former glory. A member of the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, which has over 550,000 members, asked for advice on how to clean white socks. While many users recommended the usual methods involving white vinegar and baking soda, others suggested a different way.

The group member asked: "Hi what's best way to get white socks clean - normal wash just doesn't do it!"

Uzma Karim commented: "Spray Elbow Grease on them." Viv Bowen agreed: "Spray bottoms/ stains with Elbow Grease. Gets hubbies socks back to white every time."

Elbow Grease is a solvent-free, all-purpose degreasing spray. It is known for being both gentle enough for delicate materials and strong enough for heavy-duty tasks

Meanwhile, on the Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook page, which has around 1.9 million followers, a mother explained how she uses Elbow Grease to clean her son's socks.

Lucy Morrison said: "Another use for Elbow Grease. My sons white socks have been through several washes but wouldn't come up clean. So sprayed with Elbow Grease and put on 60 degree wash.

"Not perfect but a lot better was about to bin them. Might leave them to soak a bit next time to see if makes a difference."

Sandra Thomas added: "It's magic this stuff also gets grease out of clothes even AFTER washing!!!!!!"

Anita Thomas agreed with the method: "Leave them soaking for an hour in the Elbow Grease hour before washing. I did this twice for my daughters white socks and the second wash they were good as new."

Cleaning experts recommend spraying socks with the all-purpose spray before rubbing it in. Then wash the socks in a hot machine wash.

For tougher stains, they advise pre-soaking the socks before washing. The Elbow Grease helps penetrate the stains, needing longer to settle in for the tougher spots.

Elbow Grease can be bought in a number of popular supermarkets, includng B&M, as well as Amazon. It typically sells for around £2 per bottle.