How mismatched socks can still be useful.
It happens all the time. Socks go in the wash together and come out alone. Sometimes they reunite with their mates but sometimes they are destined for a single life—that may sound bleak, but the truth is they can be quite useful on their own around the house and when you go about organising your utility room. Here are six laundry tips you can use those clean but lonely socks to enhance your everyday life.
Sock bun. This cute hairstyle is simple and elegant, and can be achieved with a single sock! Cut the toe off a clean sock and roll up the remaining sock into a doughnut. Pull the tip of a ponytail through the centre and tuck the ends around the sock. Then roll the sock gently up the length of the ponytail, making sure the hair is rolling with it, until you reach the scalp. Spread the rolled-up hair evenly around the sock so that none of the sock shows, and voila! Finish off with a spritz of hair spray.
Storing holiday cheer. Socks make excellent storage for holiday ornaments when you’re ready to take down the decorations at the end of the season. Wrapping those delicate baubles and curios in clean socks provides both padding and dust protection, so your favourite decorations can be just as shiny and festive when you take them out next year.
Pet pals. There are a lot of things you can do with socks for the benefit of your furry friends. Stuff the base of a sock with some catnip and a jingle bell and tie off the top for an instant cat toy, or pop a tennis ball in a sock for a fun dog toy. Additionally, your used socks can provide comfort to pets when they are alone or scared, because they smell like you (especially if they’re not washed!). Put an old sock in a dog crate or cat carrier when heading to the vet or leave one on your pet’s bed when you are out during the day.
Clean machine. Just like old shirts and other types of used fabrics, socks can make great cleaning cloths. Whether it’s dusting, waxing or polishing, a sturdy old sock gets the job done, all while fitting conveniently over your hand like a mitt. When you’re done, throw it in the washing machine and use a strong dirt-busting washing detergent like Ariel Original Washing Powder.
Keep the change. If you had a penny for every penny you rescued from a pocket before throwing clothes in the laundry, you’d have a lot of change! Stash your winnings in a spare sock while you’re doing the laundry to keep them safe. Pin it to the wall or keep it on a shelf. Count it up after a few loads and spend it on a new pair of socks! Or save it up for a rainy day.
Sock puppets. Get the kids involved in this fun, creative way to make use of old or unmatched socks. You can also repurpose other abandoned household items like those buttons and appliques you may have lying around. Using some glue or simple sewing techniques, you can create a cast of characters that will bring down the house!