What To Do With Old Socks To Be Toe-tally Sustainable

Yes and no, because responsibly disposing of old socks isn’t as simple as snapping some pics, hitting “post,” and effortlessly selling used clothes online.

While are from the sexiest sustainable fashion garment, finding good uses for old socks gets a big thumbs-up from our planet. Becuase when we extend the life of a pair of socks by mending them, passing them to another person, repurposing them into something else, or recycling them for their materials, we’re making a difference, one toe at a time.

Let’s unravel the options.

We’ll just come out and say it: No one wants your holey old socks, thrift stores included.

But many times, you can donate used socks without holes, especially if they still have tags. Some thrift stores and local homeless shelters will accept good quality or new socks. Call ahead to inquire whether yours is one of them. If you get the green light, make sure the socks are clean and in a wearable condition.

Or consider giving them to families in need or those with kids since little feet don’t stay little for long. Hand-me-down socks are a great way to save money and keep socks in use for longer.

While donating used socks might be a viable option for those in tip-top condition, most of us have at least one pair of holey socks taking up precious real estate in our top drawer. Fortunately, endless fun, feet-sible ideas for transforming and upcycling socks with holes or their missing partner into into something else.

Fun & Functional Crafts With Old Socks

• Dryer balls: One of the best (and easiest) uses for old wool socks is to turn them into DIY wool dryer balls.
• Shoe protector: If you’re traveling, moving home, decorating, or simply storing shoes, sliding an old pair of socks over them can help prevent damage. Similarly, you can stuff balled socks inside shoes or hats to help retain their shape while in storage.
• Draft stopper: To reduce your carbon footprint at home, how about using old socks? Stuff them under your door to keep the draft out. This will keep you warmer and increase the energy efficiency of your home.
• Cleaning rags: Wondering what to do with old cotton socks? Reuse them as cleaning rags or dusters for your zero waste cleaning rituals. You can put one on the end of a broom to reach high-up cobwebs or use them for polishing.
• Soap scrubbie sock: Keep a bar of soap in an old sock nearby. Wet the soap while in the sock, and use the extra abrasion to remove dirt and grime.
• DIY Dehumidifier: Fill old tube socks with cat litter, tie the tops in a knot, and place them on your windshield. The cat litter will absorb moisture in the air— an easy fix for fog build-up on those cold winter mornings.
• Ballet bun tie: Cut the toe portion out of the sock, then roll it into a donut shape. Roll your ponytail over the sock, and, voila—you have a ballet sock bun,
• Bird feeder: Want to know how to increase biodiversity in your backyard? Take those thinning socks or pantyhose and make a bird feeder by filling it with seed and hanging it from a tree branch.
• Potpourri bundle: Add some potpourri to a clean sock, attach a ribbon or rubber band at the top, and throw it in your underwear drawer, closet, locker, or gym bag for the freshest basics around!
• Aromatherapy pillow: Add rice and a few drops of essential oil to an old sock, fasten the ends, and either heat or cool the pillow before resting on your neck, back, or other sore spots.
• Drink cozy: Cut off the ankle section of the sock to match the size of your coffee cup or beer can. Leave as is for a “no-sew” sleeve or, make it a little fancier through simple sewing.
• Pet toys: Fill a clean sock with either catnip or a few other old socks to make a cushy ball. You can make a cute dog sweater if you’re feeling extra ambitious.
• Leg warmers: Socks can be used as leg warmers by cutting off the foot portion or worn under mittens for an extra layer. Add a thumb hole to turn them into arm warmers. Y
• Kids toys: For a fun what to do with old socks DIY project, get the kids involved and make a cute sock puppet or some no-sew doll clothes.

If your big toe has been gradually peeking out further and further, put those sewing skills to the test.

While there are plenty of uses for old socks with holes, mending them is a quick and easy fix that means they continue being a pair of socks for longer. Darning a sock takes less time than you think and only requires thread, a tennis ball, and a needle. Head here for step-by-step instructions.

Even with sub-par sewing, it will provide a solution that few people will ever see.

The best brands don’t only consider how to make their clothing eco-friendly but also how they can be properly disposed of. Many companies accept old garments to be resold, upcycled into new products, donated, or properly recycled.

While socks aren’t on the list of many (for hygiene reasons), there are a few who specialize in recycling old socks:

• Nice Laundry provides a prepaid shipping label so you can return your old socks in the same packaging your order arrived in. Through their partnership with 2ReWear Inc., the socks are graded and then either donated or recycled.

• Zhano prioritizes past-their-prime socks. Send them your socks (made of any material) from any brand, and they’ll be transformed into carpet padding.

• Smartwool makes merino wool socks for hiking, skiing, and other tough-on-the-toe outdoor pursuits. Their Second Cut™ Project transforms socks of all brands, colors, sizes, and materials into things like dog beds.

• The London Sock Exchange has prevented 100,000 socks from going to landfill since its recycling program started a decade ago. They’re scaling the program for relaunch in 2024.

Aside from brand-sponsored sock recycling programs, you can responsibly recycle socks through various textile recycling organizations.

If you live in a big city, you’ve likely seen one of Planet Aid’s yellow bins around. If you don’t live close to one, you can mail in up to 70 pounds of textiles (including clean socks).

Simple Recycling accepts nearly anything—including damaged or worn socks—to be transformed into new products. Schedule a free home pick-up, and they’ll take care of the rest.

No matter where you live, Terracycle’s Zero Waste Box™ can be used for just about anything—from electronics to pair-less socks. Grab a group of friends, do a clothing swap, pool some money to buy a box, and have everyone bring their old socks and underwear to donate in bulk.

If you have old wool socks, laying around, send those natural materials back into the soil through the magic of composting.

Composting isn’t just a perfect food waste solution, it’s the right answer for responsibly dealing will all kinds of unwanted organic matter—like those old crew socks that don’t stay up anymore. Just be sure they’re made from natural fabrics like organic cotton, hemp fabric, linen, kapok, peace silk, wool, and some bamboo fabric.

Before chucking those old holey socks in, ensure they contain minimal (preferably no) synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or rayon, which reduces degradability and can introduce microplastics and chemicals to your compost. You’ll likely see some elastane, but if that percentage is small (roughly 5% or less), it should still break down.

Remove anything that won’t degrade (like lace or other decorative pieces) and cut the old fabric into smaller pieces to help the process along.