5 surprising but brilliant ways to clean with old socks – from perfectly buffing stainless steel to deterring pests naturally and more

When a favorite pair of socks develops a hole or loses its partner to the invisible sock monster, it might seem destined for the trash. And considering how socks are often associated with being smelly, it’s easy to overlook their hidden cleaning potential.

But with a little creativity, these everyday essentials can become some of the most useful cleaning tools in your home – helping to dust, mop, polish, and freshen up your space.

So gather up those loose socks and use these top cleaning tips to spruce your home in style.

How to re-purpose old socks for cleaning at home

1. Dusting hard-to-reach surfaces

Old socks are perfect for dusting tricky spots that are often overlooked.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Simply slip a sock over your hand and use it as a microfiber mitt to dust blinds, baseboards, vents and any other hard-to-reach spots. The texture of the fabric grabs and holds dust, preventing airborne particles from spreading. Chandeliers and ceiling fans are also amongst the overlooked spots people forget to dust.

'For extra cleaning power, lightly dampen the sock with water or a vinegar solution before wiping. You can also use an anti-static dusting spray, such as Endust Anti-Static Cleaning & Dusting Pump Spray from Walmart, which helps trap dust and reduce buildup.'

After dusting, it's usually wise to give the room a good vacuum. The Loheer Handheld Cordless Vacuum from Walmart is lightweight yet powerful and has all the brushes and nozzles you need to handle tricky corners.

2. Polishing stainless steel

Though there are many ways to clean stainless steel, the soft texture of a worn-in sock makes it ideal for polishing shiny surfaces without leaving scratches or streaks, which stainless steel is a sucker for.

Vanessa Bossart, founder of GreenTerra Cleaning Service, says, 'Take a dry, clean sock, add a few drops of olive oil or a dedicated polish, and buff stainless steel appliances, faucets or even shoes in circular motions. Flip the sock inside out for a final buffing pass. The result is a streak-free, fingerprint-free shine.'

3. Mopping up spills

Thick, absorbent socks are excellent for quickly soaking up small spills. Whether you've knocked over a drink or need to blot up water around the sink, a sock can easily be used in place of paper towels.

Muffetta Krueger, founder of Muffetta's Housekeeping, says, 'Keep a stash of old socks under the sink for quick spill emergencies. For carpets, press a damp sock over the stain, then blot with a dry sock to absorb moisture. On hardwood or tile, dampen a sock with warm soapy water to wipe up messes.'

After using it, simply toss the sock in the washing machine to reuse next time. It’s an eco-friendly way to reduce waste while keeping your surfaces spotless.

4. Cleaning windows

Old socks are surprisingly effective for cleaning windows and other glass surfaces prone to marks and scuffs.

Slip one over your hand and dip it in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. The sock's soft texture ensures you won’t scratch the glass while wiping away smudges, fingerprints, and dust.

This Windex Glass Cleaner Trigger Bottle from Target has been specially formulated to include vinegar for that extra shine.

For best results, use a dry sock afterward to buff the glass to a streak-free shine. Since socks fit snugly over your hand, you’ll have greater control in corners and edges compared to traditional cloths. Plus, they can be washed and reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective addition to your cleaning routine.

Our light-filled sunroom ideas that bring the outdoors in all rely on clean windows. Regularly wiping down both the interior and exterior glass ensures maximum light flow and a crystal-clear view.

If cleaning the windows' exterior, Toner recommends 30 Seconds Outdoor Window & Screen Concentrated Cleaner for Glass, which is available from Amazon. It's safe for use around plants, so you can use it on your exterior glass with peace of mind.

5. For DIY fragrance sachets

It might seem ironic, but socks – often known for harboring unpleasant odors – can actually help freshen up your home.

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'You might not think of socks and fresh smells as going together, but you can actually use old socks as sachets to keep herbs and petals and place them inside closets, drawers, pantry cabinets and any other cool, dry area that needs some deodorizing.

'Old socks are slightly worn out, which means that some of the fragrance will seep through the fabric, typically lasting for a good couple of weeks. I like rosemary and lavender, but you can mix any herbs you prefer.'

Not only is this a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought deodorizers, but it's also a great way to give your socks a useful second life while banishing unwanted odors and naturally deterring pests.

Meet the experts

Karina Toner

With extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, professional cleaner Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning. She is operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, which brings the traditional, hard-working maid service into the 21st Century.

Muffetta Krueger

With more than 15 years of operational management experience in the industry, Muffetta Krueger is a driving force in the domestic service business, She is the founder of Muffetta’s Housekeeping, which proudly brings order and cleanliness to busy families and individuals.

Steve Evans

With over a decade of experience in the house cleaning business, Steve Evans is the owner of Memphis Maids. The award-winning cleaning service – based in Memphis, Tennessee – prides itself on high standards, with only 2% of applicants successfully joining the team.

FAQs

Can I wash old socks after using them for cleaning?

Yes, most old socks can be machine washed after use, especially if they're cotton or a durable blend. Wash them separately from delicate fabrics to prevent lint transfer and ensure they're fully clean before reusing.

Do I need special cleaning solutions when using old socks to clean?

No special solutions are required. A simple mix of water and white vinegar works well for windows, while a damp sock with a little dish soap can clean steel surfaces effectively. Always dry the surface afterward with a clean, dry sock to prevent streaks.

What type of socks work best for cleaning tasks?

Thicker cotton socks generally perform best as they are absorbent and durable. Avoid socks with synthetic or slippery materials, as they may not trap dust or polish surfaces as effectively.

So there you have it – five surprising but brilliant ways to use old socks to clean your home. Instead of discarding worn-out socks, consider how these humble items can double as powerful cleaning tools.

This is the perfect time for learning the things people with nice-smelling sunrooms always do.