20 Interesting Household Uses for Old Pantyhose & Stockings

updated May 4, 2019
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(Image credit: ludmilafoto)

If you wear stockings or pantyhose, don’t let runs and snags ruin your day. And definitely don’t throw old nylons away. Because, while they might have fallen short in their promise to keep your legs looking smooth, they have a whole other future existence as versatile household helpers. Turns out nylon is pretty handy, so check out these twenty ways to reuse all your worn out hose:

  1. Locate small objects on the floor by covering your vacuum nozzle with some hose. The object will respond to the suction, but won’t get swallowed up by the belly of the Dyson beast.
  2. Keep posters or wrapping paper rolled up by inserting them in a leg that’s been cut off.
  3. Fill with a desiccant or cat box litter, and prevent musty smells or mildew from overtaking your luggage or other moist spots.
  4. Instead of a cleaning or chamois cloth, reach for stockings to polish and buff your shoes.
  5. Use as replacement stuffing for toys and pillows.
  6. Stuff with mothballs and hang in the closet.
  7. Instead of sponge, wad up some nylons and go to town on your cookware with some soap and water. It’s textured enough to work well for cleaning, but won’t hurt non-stick surfaces.
  8. Instead of a paintbrush, use a section of nylon when applying stain or varnish in the nooks and crannies of wood projects.
  9. Stuff one leg and use it as a draft snake under the door.
  10. Cut off the waistband and use it to secure trash bags to the bin.
  11. You can also use the waistband to tie together bulky items that are too big for regular size rubber bands, like rolled up newspapers and magazine.
  12. Keep some on hand for dusting underneath the fridge or tables. Secure the hose to a dowel a with a rubber band to give you some extra reach.
  13. Make a cat toy with a little catnip knotted in the foot.
  14. They also make great liners for flower pots. Water can seep out, but the soil can’t.
  15. If you aren’t sure if your wood project has been properly sanded, test the surface for snags. The delicate material will let you know pretty quick if it needs more work.
  16. Store and hang onions, garlic and potatoes in the pantry or kitchen.
  17. Use as an impromptu strainer for paint or food.
  18. Pour potpourri inside a cut section, knot it on both sides, wet it, and throw it in the dryer for nice smelling laundry.
  19. If you don’t have rope handy, substitute a section of hose.
  20. Fill with a bar of soap and hang near the faucet or in the shower. If the nylon section is long enough, you can grab each end and use it to wash your back.

Any other uses you can think of to add to the list?