Here’s the simplest trick of all: stop using too much detergent. Excessive soap builds up in fibers and traps dirt, making socks look dingy. Instead, use half the recommended amount and add a half cup of baking soda directly into the drum every few washes. It’s like a gentle reset button for your laundry.
Also, turn your socks inside out before washing. This protects the outer fabric and lets the water attack stains from the inside. It’s a small move, but it’s the difference between a sock that lasts and a sock that gives up.