It's a common laundry dilemma that once bright and pristine pair of white socks invariably loses its gleam, turning into yet another off-white or stained item in the drawer.

But fret not as cleaning fans have rushed to social media with their nifty tricks after a plea went out for some solid laundry wisdom to tackle “very dirty” white socks.

Taking to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook group, Leanne Willis reached out: “What’s the best white stain remover for very dirty white socks?”

A large number of suggestions poured in, many backing off-the-shelf products like Vanish and Napisan, whilst others swore by the old trusty soda crystals.

Claire Lowe offered her insight: “Soak overnight with soda crystals, then wash as normal. I do all my whites like this and everyone always comments how white they are.”

Lucy Harris advised: “Wash them out with soda crystals in the sink before washing. It gets them much cleaner than just washing as it lifts the dirt.”

Chiming in, Hazel Kirk shared: “Soaked them in a bowl of cold water to loosen the dirt and then washed with soda crystals.”

Donna Thornley suggested a duo of solutions: "Pink stuff Oxi in the wash or soak them in soda crystals and then wash.”

Meanwhile, Heidi Smith said: “Soda crystals. I’ve tried everything and soda crystals are the only thing that has worked to get my whites pure white again.”

Lastly, Debbie Simmonds recommended a no-nonsense approach: "Soda crystals and on a temperature. I do mine on a 90 and they come up a treat."

For those with socks that have lost their lustre, soda crystals could be the answer. Although they're not a bleaching agent, they're fantastic for removing stains from laundry.

Soda crystals serve as a potent in-wash stain remover and water softener, with a gentle whitening effect. Households can either incorporate it into their regular detergent or use it as a pre-wash.

Using soda crystals in your wash not only cleans and brightens your laundry but also purifies your washing machine.

Soda crystals eradicate grime and cleanse any bacteria from the appliances, ensuring your clothes don't emerge with an unpleasant odour.