11 Genius Uses For Orphan Socks
Don't say good-bye to that close-knit friend just because it doesn't have a mate, put it to good use with these clever ideas.
It seems like after every load of laundry, there’s always one sock that’s lost its “sole” mate, never to be seen again. In fact, you might even have a pile of orphan socks somewhere. What are you going to do with them? No need to say goodbye to those close-knit friends—put them to use with these clever ideas:
11 Genius Uses For Orphan Socks
- Windshield wiper covers – If the weather will be turning frightful (winter), slip a sock over each of your wiper blades to protect the rubber and prevent them from sticking to the windshield.
- Winter pals – Tuck a couple orphan socks in your car’s glove compartment. Then if you need to get out and shovel, or if you step into a puddle, you’ll have dry socks to change into. You can even put them over your shoes for extra traction if you need it.
- DIY reusable coffee sleeve – Who needs cardboard sleeves for hot coffee, which contribute to trash? Just snip off the foot of a (clean) sock, at the ankle, and use the band to keep your hands safe from your morning cup of Joe.
- Cobweb catcher – Place a sock at the end of a broom handle to get rid of those nasty cobwebs lurking in the corners.
- Tent freshener – Before packing your tent up for the season, put some clean kitty litter in a sock and tie it in a knot. Put it in the tent. This will help keep mold and mustiness away.
- Dusters – Grab a couple of mismatched socks, put them over your hands, and use them to dust around the house. The socks will trap dirt, hair, and dust on appliances, tables, blinds, and TV screens. Then just toss them in the wash.
- Quick heating pad – Fill a clean cotton sock halfway with some uncooked, dry white rice (not instant), tie it closed, and microwave for 60 seconds. Great for sore muscles or to treat migraines. Sock can be reheated but don’t reuse the rice for cooking!
- Club protector – Slip a sock over your golf clubs to protect them.
- Odor eater – Fill a sock with baking soda, tie it closed, and keep it in your car’s backseat to combat stinky pet smells.
- Skin protector – Slip a single sock over a reusable cold pack before applying.
- DIY wet or dry mop – Use a single cotton or chenille sock over a Swiffer-type mop head and use it to dry or wet mop tile, stone, or hardwood floors. Just toss the dirty sock into the washing machine.
Do you have any great ideas for orphan socks? Share with us in the comments section, below.
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
Start a new trend? Wear mismatching socks. Or buy all black…or white? lol
Tie the sock and let the cat or dog use as a toy.
Great idea!
Eyeglass case, phone case, change purse, toothbrush and paste travel kit, makeup…
Great ideas, Sharon!
Oh those are some great ideas! Thanks for sharing.
I recently saw a pic showing socks slid over the split toilet seat. They used a pair but I doubt if 2 strays would really matter. I believed it was called ‘seat warmer’!!!
Great for tying up tomato stalks to a support stick. Doesn’t bruise te plant nor cause burning of stalk as meta ties would. The only drawback is they can rot or loosen as the weather changes. Been doing this for decades, just thought everyone knew this trick.
That’s a great tip!
I fill orpan so is with catnip then sew up. My cats are crazy about them
This is a great idea, thanks for sharing. Driving alone, we all need something handy to help ward off trouble.
Cut top off sock and use it as a bandage holder over a cut on wrist or arm, no tape needed.
What a great idea. Nice to see us finding use for these “lonely” socks.
Thank you so very much Patrick Travers for taking care of my login problem. It works great now…… Thanks again
Hi Sterling, I passed the comment on to Patrick, he says “you’re welcome, any time!” Glad it worked out.
Use spares for hot pan handles. I’ve tied several together at the ends to make a long “rope” to tie up a large leaning plant. It worked wonders. When we were kids our mom would put socks on our hands under our gloves to play in the snow.
I put small rocks (nickel size or so)…tie knot them…and put in my vehicle….why? for protection from thieves (etc)….they can leave a hurting on you for sure…..my daddy taught me this….can use washers/nuts/bolts……