<p><img src="/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/09/04/USAT/75076558007-p-1422174.jpg?crop=1919,1079,x0,y0&width=660&height=371&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="100%" /><p>Socks and shoes are like peanut butter and jelly, they just go together. And, like peanut butter (and its <a href="/videos/money/problem-solved/2023/01/12/peanut-butter-alternatives-and-substitutes/11041444002/">non-nut alternatives</a>) and jelly, socks come in so many varieties that it’s easy to find the ideal pairs for every foot.</p><p>Fabrics like cotton, spandex, polyester blend and merino wool can keep your feet warm or wick moisture away from sweaty feet. Meanwhile, cuts like ankle, <a href="/videos/tech/problemsolved/2021/05/11/how-keep-socks-slipping/5031353001/">no show</a>, knee high and tube socks make it easy to express your style and find the most comfortable combinations <a href="/videos/money/problem-solved/2023/04/07/best-type-sock-material-your-shoes/11623126002/">for your shoes</a>. But there comes a time in every person's journey when a you get a hole in your go-to pair, or worse, it’s a victim of the laundry sock monster. </p><p><a href="/videos/money/problem-solved/2023/07/25/what-do-old-socks-how-repurpose/12286477002/">Watch this video to see how to repurpose mismatched socks.</a></p><h2>What to do with old socks</h2><p>If one of your socks has fallen prey to the laundry sock monster, don’t toss it's mate! Instead, put it to good use. Repurposing old socks is an easy way to practice underconsumption, work towards a zero-waste lifestyle or <a href="/story/money/2024/05/15/what-is-inflation-definition/73704382007/">save money</a> by getting the most out of items you already have.</p><p>Ways to use single socks: </p><ul>As a dusting mitt.As a <a href="/videos/money/problem-solved/2022/09/13/how-keep-your-food-hot-using-your-cooler/10370360002/">heating pad.</a>To clean and detail your car. As a <a href="/story/money/problem-solved/2024/05/30/reusable-floor-cleaning-pads/73792116007/">reusable sweeper pad.</a> To apply stain to wood. To gently wipe <a href="/videos/money/problem-solved/2023/05/09/indoor-plants-guide-beginners/11830867002/">house plants.</a>As a sock puppet or for other kid crafts. To make <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bYXpzZScBk">dog toys.</a>To pack and store glass or other fragile items.To free house-elves.</ul><p>In most cases, you can throw the repurposed lone sock in the wash and use it again and again. </p><p>By the way, old pillowcases are also great cleaning tools, especially for <a href="/videos/tech/problemsolved/2021/08/23/how-clean-ceiling-fan-without-making-mess/8246281002/">cleaning ceiling fans,</a> sans the dusty mess. Store your mismatched socks, along with old pillowcases, old shirts and tattered towels in a bin near your other cleaning supplies. Then, you have a bin full of reusable and washable rags ready to go when it's cleaning time.</p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQHGFfnlBIg"><img width="100%" /></a><h2>Textile recycling</h2><p>If your pile of mismatched socks is far greater than your cleaning needs or they have more holes than fabric, don’t throw them in the trash. Consider donating what you can to second-hand stores or animal shelters instead. Be aware that some items, like socks, bras and underwear, can’t be donated. For items you can't donate or repurpose, look for textile donation locations to recycle these items.</p><p>The easiest way to find where you can donate fabrics and textiles is by doing an online search to find recycling locations in your area. You may be able to find places that offer at-home pickups, textile drop-off bins in parking lots or learn if your city has a textile recycling program. </p><p>Be sure to wash items before donating or recycling them. </p></p>
Socks and shoes are like peanut butter and jelly, they just go together. And, like peanut butter (and its non-nut alternatives) and jelly, socks come in so many varieties that it’s easy to find the ideal pairs for every foot.
Fabrics like cotton, spandex, polyester blend and merino wool can keep your feet warm or wick moisture away from sweaty feet. Meanwhile, cuts like ankle, no show, knee high and tube socks make it easy to express your style and find the most comfortable combinations for your shoes. But there comes a time in every person's journey when a you get a hole in your go-to pair, or worse, it’s a victim of the laundry sock monster.
Watch this video to see how to repurpose mismatched socks.
What to do with old socks
If one of your socks has fallen prey to the laundry sock monster, don’t toss it's mate! Instead, put it to good use. Repurposing old socks is an easy way to practice underconsumption, work towards a zero-waste lifestyle or save money by getting the most out of items you already have.
Ways to use single socks:
In most cases, you can throw the repurposed lone sock in the wash and use it again and again.
By the way, old pillowcases are also great cleaning tools, especially for cleaning ceiling fans, sans the dusty mess. Store your mismatched socks, along with old pillowcases, old shirts and tattered towels in a bin near your other cleaning supplies. Then, you have a bin full of reusable and washable rags ready to go when it's cleaning time.
![]()
Textile recycling
If your pile of mismatched socks is far greater than your cleaning needs or they have more holes than fabric, don’t throw them in the trash. Consider donating what you can to second-hand stores or animal shelters instead. Be aware that some items, like socks, bras and underwear, can’t be donated. For items you can't donate or repurpose, look for textile donation locations to recycle these items.
The easiest way to find where you can donate fabrics and textiles is by doing an online search to find recycling locations in your area. You may be able to find places that offer at-home pickups, textile drop-off bins in parking lots or learn if your city has a textile recycling program.
Be sure to wash items before donating or recycling them.
