Cleaning Pros’ 5 Ways to Use Old Socks for Chores

Use old socks to dust, wipe, and cover mop heads.
Attach socks to broom handles or use long socks to clean ceiling fans and cobwebs.
Keep floors clean by wiping dogs’ paws with socks.
You probably have more single socks than you think. Even with your best efforts, socks seem to separate in the washing machine. Even your favorite socks eventually wear out and have holes and stains.

Before throwing stray or torn socks in the garbage, consider the various ways you may reuse them when cleaning. Two professional cleaners share five simple ways to repurpose socks for dusting, mopping, and more.

Socks for dusting

You can dust without a specific tool by using old socks you already have.

Two Maids operations manager Kathy Cohoon says athletic socks may be used as dusting mitts. Socks are perfect for dusting baseboards, blinds, lamps, bookcases, and other hard-to-reach spots, according to Cohoon.

Real and artificial plants often acquire dust, so Cohoon wipes them down with socks.

Mop Cover with Socks
Cohoon proposes using a sock instead of a mop cover. After mopping, simply throw the sock in the wash and it’ll be ready to use again.

Willatt thinks this hack is wonderful, especially because mop covers are pricey. To his surprise, socks work exactly as well—if not better!

Use Socks on Ceilings and Fans
If you have ceiling cobwebs and don’t know how to remove them, try this Cohoon hack. Use a broom with a sock over the handle to easily clean high places.

Willatt recommends cleaning your ceiling fan using a sock. Longer socks, such tube socks, are useful in these situations. Wrap a sock around each fan blade and carefully remove it with the fan off.