Do you have a hungry washing machine or dryer? Does the sock monster live in your laundry closet? Do you have more single socks than pairs? Here are 10 things that you can do put those lonely songs to a good use. (All are best with clean socks.)

1. Shoe polish rags Lonely socks make great shoe polish rags. They are soft and pliable to get into those strange places on shoes that need polishing. They can be washed numerous times, or you can just throw them away after each use. Just watch out for the holes in the toes... shoe polish is for shoes... not for your hands.

2. Dog chew toys Lonely socks make great dog chew toys... why do you think they steal them so often? In fact, that's probably where the mate went anyway. To make the sock into a chew toy, tie a knot in the middle of the sock, give it to the dog and let them chew away. If you're feeling adventurous, you can play tug-of-war with the dog using the sock.

3. Heating pad Warning: This is best for socks without holes in the toes or heels. Fill the sock with uncooked beans or rice and tie the end. Put the sock in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. This makes a great heating pad for the neck or lower back, and can be used over and over. Be sure to keep the sock from getting wet, or the rice will become sticky.

4. Golf club covers Spare socks also make good golf club covers. Granted... they aren't as pretty as the expensive store bought ones, but if you use name brand socks, then you have name brand covers.

5. Anti-scratch mitts/Bandage covers We've all had the chicken pox or other itchy problems... What better use for a sock than an mitten to keep from scratching? Simply slip the sock over the hand and viola! No more scratching. Well... you can still rub the itchy spot, but it's not as bad without the nails. This is also a good idea for injuries on the hand, especially for children. If the hand is already bandaged, keep the bandage in place by putting a sock over it. If you have a PICC line, you can also use the ribbed part of the sock to keep the lines from flopping around and getting dirty. The sock can be decorated to make it more interesting.

6. Holiday decorations White socks make great ghosts. Put a ping pong or other ball in the toe of the sock (the type of ball depends on the size of the sock), tie a string around the sock underneath the ball, and draw a face. These can be hung from trees, doorways or other creative places to decorate for halloween. The same principle can be used to make a pumpkin, although the sock may need to be dyed orange before using. Place a ball or balloon in the toe of the sock and tie a string around the top of the ball with the open end of the sock facing up. Draw a scary jack-o-lantern face on the sock and color the "stem" brown. Of course, there's the old standby... the stocking. Use a lonely Christmas stock on the mantle for a stocking. These are better used for pets, unless you've been particularly naughty during the year.

7. Faucet covers When it's cold out and you're worried about your pipes freezing use your old socks to insulate them. Use a couple of pairs under the styrofoam cover for the spigot outside, or just put the socks over the faucet, cover with a plastic bag and tie off. If pipes inside are prone to freezing, wrap the socks around the pipe and tie.

8. Erasers/Dusting cloths If you have a chalkboard or dry erase board in your home, or if you are a teacher, spare socks make great erasers. Use them over and over, then wash and reuse. Socks also make great dust cloths. Slide your hand in and use them all over the house. You can also stick a ruler or yardstick in a sock and use it to clean under appliances that are hard to move.

9. Doll clothes Dolls need clothing too! Make clothing for dolls out of the spare socks in your house. The frilly ruffle around a little girl's sock makes a great skirt for a doll. The ribbed part of a really nice mens' sock makes a great sweater vest. Use your imagination (and maybe a sewing machine) and put those socks to use for your kids.

10. Bath scrubbers Do you find yourself with tons of little slivers of soap that like to slide down the tub or sink drain? You can put them to good use! Collect all of those soap slivers, slip them into a sock and tie it off. You now have a pre-loaded scrubbie for the bath. These are great for kids, and if you use an interesting sock, kids will be more interested in washing. The sock can also be filled with a new bar of soap to make it last longer.

There are many, many more uses for solitary socks. Baby socks can be made into coin purses. Sock puppet examples abound. Socks can be used as filler or stuffing for various items, such as dog beds, stuffed animals and other fluffy household items. Be creative and give those lonely socks a new life!

Copyright K. Frost 2009