1. Soap Holder
A clean old sock can have a new life as a surprisingly good bar soap holder. It’s a smart way to gather the tiny slivers that are too small to handle, especially while wet. Drop the soap scraps in the sock, then tie the end shut. Once wet, it’ll create a sudsy lather, and the coarseness of the sock will exfoliate the skin much like a loofa does.
You can also keep a bar of soap tucked inside an old sock out in the garage, the garden shed, or anywhere else your hands tend to get dirty. Simply wet the sock and wipe off your hands; the fabric will help lift off grime. Just be sure to rinse and dry the sock afterward to prevent mildew from forming.
2. Shoe Deodorizer
Old socks are a helpful tool for deodorizing stinky shoes. Grab a sock — one without big holes to prevent leakage — and pour several tablespoons of baking soda in the open end. Tie the end of the sock shut and place it into any shoe that could use a refresh. The baking soda absorbs odors, leaving your shoes smelling as good as new.
The same logic applies to other smelly spots, like a gym bag. Fill up an old sock with some baking soda, toss it into your bag, and let it work its magic. Keep in mind, though, that the sock itself can start to smell over time, or the baking soda can become less effective, so you should occasionally swap out the old one for a fresh (new-but-old) sock.
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3. Jar Protector
Do you store glass jars full of food in the freezer? Doing so comes with a risk of those jars leaking or cracking. Wrapping each glass jar in an old sock helps protect it and makes potential cleanup easier.
While any sock will do, thicker designs offer additional protection if the jar shatters. If the glass does break, the sock will catch the shards and prevent them from scattering all over the freezer. The sock will also soak up any food that may leak out, so the mess stays (relatively) contained.
