Whether their 'partners' mysteriously disappear during the laundry process or wind up with a dreaded hole, everyone has a few extra unmatched socks lying around the house. Instead of tossing them out, we've found some ways to put them to use. And yes, we're talking about clean socks.
We can think of some better uses for those old socks you have lying around.
Flickr photo by George Eastman House
CELL PHONE CASES
Baby socks are adorable, but are outgrown in a matter of weeks. If you are a sentimental person, you have a valid reason to hang on to them by using them as in-a-pinch cell phone cases. They're small, stretchy and much cheaper then purchasing an official case. And, the stretchy knit does a great job protecting your phone (or even your iPod) from being scratched by your keys, wallet and other stuff you carry around in your pocket or purse.
DOG CHEW TOY
A bunch of old socks can be used to make a great chew toy for your dog. Simply take a sock, fill it with the other socks and then sew the open end shut. This is a great alternative to having to buy those squeaking, stuffed critter toys. The best part is that if your dog plays rough, you won't feel too terrible throwing the toy away when it gets too beat up.
BLIND DUST BUSTER
It's kind of hard get the dust out from your blinds. But, a sock makes this annoying chore much, much easier. Just place the sock over your hand like a glove, then slide it between each slat. When you are done, you can just toss the sock or rewash it so you can use it again. You can also use the sock glove to clean a bunch of other delicate things around the house, like fan blades.
SOCK PUPPETS
Everyone loves sock puppets! You can use stray socks around the house to make puppets with your children. This is a great "rainy day" fun project. Just add some buttons for eyes and some yarn for hair! It's that easy and your kids will love them. (Hey, it's how internet 'celebrities' Socky and Jamie started out.) Or if you are a little more creative, you can make the old favorite, the sock monkey.
SHOE COVERS
There is nothing worse than ruining a pair of shoes by getting paint on them when doing projects around the house. Try slipping old socks over your shoes to create a disposable, protective barrier for your footwear against any stray paint.
Be sure to check out more clever ways to use household items in our slideshow below.
