Experts Share Clever Ways to Repurpose Old Socks
Give your worn-out socks a second life with these creative ideas.
Most people don't spend much time thinking about their socks. You wear them for years, and then one day, you toss them out because they've developed holes or stains (or they've lost their mate!). But experts say there are actually many clever ways to repurpose old socks. Instead of throwing these textiles in the trash, you can use them to clean your home, store your delicate items, and keep things organized.
Upcycling your old socks into a useful home item is far more sustainable than buying something new. It can also save you money — rather than spending $20 to $30 at a big-box store for dusting cloths, a door draft stopper, and a jewelry organizer, you can dig into that pile of old, mismatched socks and get creative.
Below, textiles experts share clever ways to repurpose old socks. If you're looking for more ideas for what to do with the items you're clearing out of your bedroom closet, read up on how to upcycle old t-shirts and give your jeans a second life. If you're ready to tackle the linen closet, we've also got ideas for upcycling pillowcases and old tablecloths.
Dusting Tasks
Dust builds up quickly, so it's key to clean surfaces in your home regularly. Surprisingly, old socks can come in handy when tackling this household chore. "I think old socks could make good dusters, especially for things like blinds, plant leaves, and stair railings," says Carolyn Forté, former executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab.
Handbag Shaper
Don't settle for slouchy handbags. Since some styles don't come stuffed with tissue paper when you purchase them, socks can easily do the trick. Before storing them in your closet, stuff each one with a few rolled-up socks to help contain their shape.
RELATED: Reasons Your Home Is Always Dusty
Whiteboard Eraser
If your kid happens to lose their whiteboard eraser during the school year, and old sock is the next best thing. It's easy to store in their pencil case, too.
Cleaning Cloths
Need to clean up walls, baseboards, or even a tabletop? Simply dampen your old sock with warm, soapy water and put on your hand like a glove to get the job done.
RELATED: Things You Should Clean Every Week, According to Cleaning Pros
Cleaning Fragile Items
"Put a sock on each hand, dampen one lightly, and keep the other dry to wash and dry lightbulbs, crystal chandeliers, or other delicate fixtures," Forté says.
Shoe Deodorizer
From all the practice sessions to after-school games, you're probably in need of an easy way to freshen up your kids' smelly shoes. "You could fill an old sock with baking soda, tie off the top, and use it to slip into shoes and sneakers as a shoe deodorizer," Forté says.
Storing Delicate Items
If you're storing delicate items, like glass ornaments, in a box, you can try wrapping each one with old socks to prevent damage. Forté has another trick as well: "You could use them to store or pack away candlestick holders or anything long and narrow."
Polishing Shoes
There's no need to panic if you can't find your go-to brush for polishing shoes. Grab an old sock, dip it in polish, and start working to make your shoes look new again.
Throw Pillow Filler
DIY throw pillows can turn a drab couch into a stunner. To make your own pillow filler, all you have to do is cut up old socks into shreds or small pieces, says Amanda Constantine of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab. The result? "Not only will you enjoy a loftier fill—you'll have an easier time fluffing your pillows whenever they need a refresh," Constantine says.
Draft Stopper
Here's a great way to fix a drafty door in a pinch. Stuff your worn socks with rice or any old pillow filler and stitch the ends to make your very own draft blockers.
Travel Jewelry Organizer
Whether you never got around to buying a travel jewelry organizer or accidentally left yours behind, old socks can protect your collection when you're on the go.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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