How to Recycle and Reuse Old, Holey, and Mismatched Socks

We've all had it happen. You put two socks in the washing machine and then move them to the dryer and only one comes out. You search frantically in the dryer to no avail. You reach your arm up pant legs and down sleeves, certain it must be stuck in your clothes. Your next step is to peek in the washing machine. You run your hand around the rim, making sure one didn't get jammed up there by mistake. You've probably even checked the lint trap of your dryer - you know, just to be sure.

Whatever has happened to your extra sock, and even if you need to get rid of socks just because they are old, worn, or have holes in them, there are ways that you can reuse and recycle old socks instead of just tossing them into the trash.

If you are handy with a needle, you can darn your socks and make them new again. Darning is not difficult once you get the hang of it. Old socks can last years longer with just a little tender loving care. To make darning your socks easier, slip an old light bulb inside the sock and darn over the bulb. It will also keep you from having to use a thimble.

Socks are great to use at Christmas when it's time to put the ornaments away after the holidays are over. Save up all of your old and holey socks and use them to keep your glass ornaments safe. All you need to do is slip the ornament inside the sock. Several ornaments can be packed safely into a box this way. Long socks can hold more than one ornament if you cut them in half across the middle. You can also use them to store light bulbs.

Socks make wonderful pet toys. If you can't sew, simply tie your sock into a knot and give it to your dog. If you are able to sew, you may want to make something a little more interesting for your furry friend. Stuff batting, old pillow fluff, sewing scraps, or other old socks inside of a sock and sew the end closed. Your pal will have a blast chewing, shaking, and tossing it around.

Old socks can be used to make all kinds of toys. There are several patterns online for different versions of sock monkeys, sock dolls, and sock stuffed animals. You can also use old socks as stuffing for handmade plush toys. As long as they are clean, kids will never know.

Baby socks can be used on babies' hands to keep them from sucking their thumb long after their feet have grown out of them. Babies will try to take the socks off during the day, but placing them over their fists at night will help to keep them from thumb-sucking while they are asleep.

Socks make great cleaning rags, especially for silver and brass polishing. You can push your hand inside the sock while you are rubbing and you'll be able to keep a firm grip on it. Socks are also great to use as dusters. Just slip your hand inside, dampen the sock, and run it along the cracks between your shelves and the wall and other hard-to-reach areas.

Several cat toys can be made from just one sock. Cut the sock along its width into pieces about 2-3 inches wide. Sew up one end, fill the sock toy with catnip, and sew up the other side.

Old socks make great gardening mittens. If you have to do weed-pulling or trimming your bushes, slip a pair of old socks over your hands to protect them from small cuts and scratches.

If you live in an area where it snows, you can save up your old socks and use them around your pipes each winter to keep them from freezing. Just keep them in a box in the garage during the rest of the year when you are not using them along with some old rags and towels.

You can make a great hot/cold pad for your back using an old sock. Make sure you sew up any holes in the sock first. Fill the sock with plain dry white rice. You can put it in the freezer and use it cold or heat in the microwave for a couple of minutes to make it hot.