We Present You With an Incredible Number of Ways to Use Old Socks (Other Than That, Pervert)
Socks can appear in this world as a pair, but they almost always leave this world alone. Luckily, you don’t have to throw away socks that are missing a perfect match, or they are stretched out, or worn out, or full of holes. From cleaning the house to DIY crafts for kids, there are many creative ways to remake old socks. Not only will you get completely new uses from them, but you will also avoid unnecessary textile waste. If your sock drawer has turned into a sock purgatory, here are a ridiculous amount of tips to bring your tired socks back to life.
How to use old socks when cleaning
Sure, hole socks make great rags – take your scissors and cut the sock into a flat rag – but they can be much better. Here are a few more reasons why old socks can be used as cleaning products. (And once you run out of a rag or other sock, check your local textile recycling programs to get rid of it.)
Dust mitt : Put a sock over your hand and use it as a dust mitt to get on all those hard-to-reach surfaces around your home. This is especially useful for cleaning shutters and blinds.
DIY Swiffer : If you have a Swiffer, you can put the sock on where Swiffer pads usually go. If you don’t have a Swiffer, you can measure your sock to clean it under the fridge or sofa.
Dry eraser: If you have chalk or whiteboard, don’t wipe it off with paper towels. Socks are an eco-friendly and efficient way to get to a clean sheet.
How to use old socks to store and protect your belongings
Protect valuables while on the move: Place valuables in old socks to soften them and protect them during transport. Even if something breaks inside the sock, cleaning will be much easier.
Store your shoes: Depending on the size of the sock, you can place them around the shoes to prevent them from scratching each other during transport.
Protect your shoes while painting: If you are repainting a room in your home, do not splash your shoes by wearing a large pair of socks.
Hanging mothballs: Place mothballs or moth crystals in a sock and hang them wherever you store your clothes. If you’re worried about the smell of mothballs, grab another sock and fill it with a potpourri.
Protect the floor when moving furniture: Place socks on the legs of the furniture to prevent them from scratching the floor.
Use socks to do sock-fitting chores.
These ideas for old socks are quite similar to the original design and purpose of your socks on this earth.
Leg warmers: It’s intuitive. Just cut off the sock and you’re done, instant leg warmers.
Second layer of socks for cold days: Even a leaky sock can be used as an extra layer so you can tie your feet in the colder months ahead.
Extra layer of mittens: From a design point of view, there isn’t much difference between socks and mittens. If you don’t mind slackening your thumb a little (or cutting a hole in the sock for your thumb, I suppose), just place your hands in a clean sock for an extra layer of warmth before putting on the mittens. …
Ear warmers: You can sew two long socks together to create a cheap, trendy (no really) ear warmer that you can wrap around your head. Here’s a more detailed guide .
Hand warmers: By now you should have an idea for yourself. Yes, old socks can keep warm in other ways. All you need to do is cut a big toe hole in the heel of the sock and put it on your hand. Here are the step-by-step instructions .
Scarves: Here’s a guide on how to transform your cute patterned socks into a cute patterned scarf.
Knee pads : The next time you’re gardening or working on the floor, wrap your socks around your knees (or fold them underneath them) to protect your clothing and provide a little padding.
Polish Shoes: Old socks are ideal for polishing and polishing shoes. (Be sure to use two different socks for polishing and varnishing.)
Remove Creases in the Dryer: We all accidentally left laundry in the dryer for too long. Instead of pulling out your iron, grab a pair of old socks. Rinse it quickly with a little water to get it damp, toss it in the dryer, and then start loading again for a few minutes until the wrinkles disappear from your clothes.
Other weird ways to use old socks
Old socks are not just new rags. These are old types of socks that you never knew existed, but now you cannot live without them.
Draft Restraints: Place socks under doors and windows to keep drafts under control. You can use a long tube sock, stuffing with an old pillow or sweater, or something small to make the cork heavier (like popcorn kernels or beads). Read the full instructions here .
Wiper covers: You can prevent ice build-up on your wiper blades overnight by covering them with socks. It’s all over Reddit, and you can read more on how to make it work for you here .
Rescue Small Lost Items: Slip a sock over a vacuum hose to summon small items such as jewelry from hard-to-reach places. The vacuum cleaner should suck the object towards you, but the sock will not allow it to suck in completely.
Cover the ice packs : You should always use a cloth between the ice pack and the skin, and an old sock will work best for you. While washcloths may slip or be too simple to let in most of the cold, you can place an ice pack directly in your sock and then apply it securely to the injury.
Microwave Heating Pad: Need Warmth, Not Ice? Stuff the sock with rice and tie it in a knot. Place it in the microwave for 30 seconds, until it gets warm (not too hot).
Shoe Deodorant: Shoes Stink? You’re not alone. Pour two to three tablespoons of baked goods into a sock and tie it in a knot or elastic band. Slip the filled sock into the sock of your shoe and let it sit overnight to absorb unpleasant odors.
Jewelry Suitcase: Use a lone sock to keep all your little things in one place. This works with things like earrings, Christmas decorations, and even board game items to make sure none of them go missing while playing.
Weapons: Another use for old socks that is all over the place on Reddit (and serious, I think): stuffing a sock with hard, heavy objects. Think about coins, nuts and bolts, or a lock. Please turn this bad guy around – but only if you are in serious danger and need to protect yourself, please.
Use old arts and crafts socks.
Decorate your home, keep the kids entertained, and get creative with these sock-based crafts.
Sock Snowman: The holidays are coming. Create a light and light seasonal decor with a sock snowman. You will need a few extra materials in addition to a clean white sock: rice, eyes, pieces of felt, white pom-poms, and three elastic bands or yarn to cut off the snowman. See Full instructions here .
Potpourri Bundles: Socks should not smell like feet. Fill a clean sock with potpourri and secure the end with tape or elastic. Stick it on in the bathroom, closet, or wherever you need to quickly freshen up.
Stress balls: Take plasticine or sand and place it in a sandwich bag. Then place this sandwich bag in your old sock. Once secured, squeeze until all your tensions are gone.
Craft staining : Use old socks to stain when fixing furniture or making crafts. Likewise, old soft socks are great for applying a layer of wax or polish to your car’s trim. However, due to the nature of the stains, do not try to use the same sock to clean other parts of your home afterwards.
Pet toys: You can buy your cat the trendiest toys, but our pets will always return to your old socks (and of course cardboard boxes). For a cat toy, stuff the sock of the sock with some kind of padding (such as polyfill or the inside of an old pillow) and a small pinch of catnip and tie it securely. As a toy for dog toys, tie multiple socks together as tightly as possible (so they can withstand the strong pull of your dog).
Make stuffed animals out of socks : socks aren’t just for your pets; they can become your pets. Do you think I’m out of my mind? Let me suggest some creative ways to transform socks into all kinds of stuffed toys.
And, of course, sock dolls: timeless. Elegant. Fun. Sock puppets are simple to make and easy to personalize. Grab yarn, pipe cleaners, markers, and whatever else in your arts and crafts supplies to transform your sock into a true friend. I left the best here for last, folks.
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