Bored with your old underwear and don’t know what to do with it? Like with anything and with the passing of time, underwear’s function decreases, and what once was a pair of tight socks or your favorite color camisole, is now just a stretched piece of fabric. When that time comes you are left to face the question, what to do with old underwear? If you can relate, today we’ll be sharing with you exactly what you can do with old underwear.
Once you come home excited about your new underwear findings, you need to make a plan for all those old pairs. While is not uncommon for old underwear to end up in the trash, more people are becoming conscious of more eco-friendly solutions. After all, though it might be the easiest route, did you know that fabrics can take decades to break down?
However, we have good news, you’ll be glad to know that there is the possibility you won’t have to get rid of your old underwear, entirely, just give them a new purpose. Before you decide to throw away your old underwear in the trash; consider possible reuses around your house. You may be surprised at what you can do with old underwear. Below you’ll find different ideas regarding what to do with old underwear.
What to do with Old Underwear FAQs
Why is it important to know what to do with old underwear?
If the first thing you think of when you wonder what to do with old socks and underwear is to throw them out, you’re not alone. But did you know that 85% of textiles, like clothing, end up in a landfill, but 95% of them could be recycled? And that old clothing and underwear can last up to 200 years in a landfill?
You can help to reduce the waste and break the cycle. Do your part for the environment by donating, recycling, or reusing.
How to make underwear last?
- When you’re buying new underwear, make sure to buy them from eco-friendly brands that use long-lasting, sustainable materials. Going for a durable fabric like hemp will ensure that they stand up to a lot of washing and stay soft and comfy, while also being eco-friendly from the get-go.
- Take care of your underwear by treating it gently to increase its longevity.
- If your underwear gets a little hole or two, grab your needle and thread and do some mending.
How to hand wash underwear?
- Choose a sink that plugs, usually a laundry or bathroom sink, and give it a quick wash. You definitely don’t want to do that lingerie washing in a dirty sink.
- Since we’re trying to be kinder to your underwear and the planet, a natural, sustainable laundry detergent is the way to go. Washing like colors together always works better. And make sure to double-check the labels to make sure they aren’t dry clean only.
- Plug your clean sink, fill it with lukewarm water, and several tablespoons of detergent. Lukewarm water is key here, as too-hot water can damage your delicates.
- After you place all of your underwear in the sink, swirl them around vigorously, turn them inside out and repeat. Give the gusset a little extra (gentle) scrub, then leave to soak for less than an hour.
- When you’re satisfied your undies are nice and clean, unplug the sink and rinse each pair with cold water as the sink drains. Repeat if necessary. Gently squeeze out any excess water and hang to dry.
What is the lifespan of underwear?
Nearly all outlets and experts agree that you should replace your old underwear with new underwear once every 6-12 months. If you’re the kind of guy who has an entire drawer full of boxers and briefs and therefore maintains a fairly broad rotation, you can probably hold on to each pair for a full year.
Should you throw away underwear?
Now that you know how often to buy new underwear, you need to know what to do with those old pairs in the back of your drawer. Tossing them into the trash is the easiest solution, but it’s not eco-friendly. In fact, textiles can take up to 30 years to completely break down in a landfill.
Where should I throw away my underwear?
USAgain has drop-off boxes nationwide for consumers to dump their old clothing (undies included). While some clothes are resold, others (such as worn underwear) are either recycled for insulation material or upcycled for rags.
Can underwear be recycled?
When you’re having a clear-out, don’t forget that even your undies can be recycled. Clean knickers (with labels on them) and new or gently worn bras are especially valuable to women around the world who are vulnerable without the basic protections that underwear provides.
What to do with Old Underwear Ideas
#1 Compost
100 percent cotton underwear can become one with your garden via compost. Simply cut off the elastic waistband and any tags or embellishments, then cut the cotton into strips or squares and put it in your compost bin! Remember, synthetic materials such as Lycra won’t compost: stick to natural fibers only.
#2 Take them to a textile recycling center
While old undies may not make a great gift, they can be processed for reuse in furniture, insulation, and for other purposes. Contact your local council or recycling center to enquire whether textile recycling is available in your area.
#3 Repurpose them into rags
Old underwear can become your new cleaning rag, as the soft fabric is perfect for polishing wood, cleaning mirrors, and wiping up spills. Rags are super useful to keep on hand: you never know when you’ll need to stop a leak, draft, or line a box for keeping an injured animal-safe.
#4 Donate them
While not all items should be donated (especially ones with stains, rips, and loose elastic), a pair that you’ve worn once, didn’t like and washed can be donated to local charities, or to homeless shelters, where they can help someone in need.
#5 Patches
Use the scraps of your old underwear as patches for holes in clothes you want to keep wearing, or to liven up an old piece. Make sure your old underwear is thoroughly washed, and avoid patching the parts with stains. Then grab your needle and thread and make some old things cute and/or wearable again.
#6 Plant Holders
Those skinny thongs, snappy g-strings, or pieces of elastic in the bands can make great garden ties, to keep things upright that need to stay upright! Just take your clean, done-zo thongs, or cut out elastic, and tie it around a stake and the droopy plant.
#7 Pillow Stuffing
Use the scraps from your old underwear, the clean, non-stained parts; as pillow stuffing. Just cut it into small pieces and stuff it away. You can also use the scraps on the outside of the pillow if you have some super cute fabric you just don’t want to hide away.
#8 Make a new Toy for Fido
Cut your old underwear into long strips, then braid and knot into a tight rope, and you have a handy toy for your furry BFF.
#9 Doll Clothing
IF you have kids who play with dolls you can use your old underwear as scrap fabric for doll clothes, you can be as creative as you want and come up with little dresses, shirts, skirts, even tiny little doll underwear, and diapers. Adorable. Just make sure the old stuff is clean.
#10 Potpourri Sachet
Grab a needle and thread and sew your underwear scraps into little sachets. Sew the scraps of your old underwear into little satchels, then fill with dried lavender or potpourri of your choice, and place in your underwear drawer. Old underwear never smelled so good and your new ones will smell extra nice, it’s a win-win.
