12 Ways To Reuse Tights Around Your Home

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While tights have been a staple in fashion since the early 1900s, the fragile nature of these accessories makes them susceptible to damage. Small runs or snags in tights can often be fixed with a creative solution like clear nail polish, but this often leaves them destined for the trash can. However, many of the materials that are made from, like nylon, are synthetic and can take decades to break down in a landfill. Instead of throwing away every old pair of tights you replace, you can find incredibly helpful uses for them around your home. Some of these practical uses include keeping paint brushes clean, building a DIY draft stopper, and making odor sachets for all around the house.

One of the biggest perks of finding ways to repurpose old tights is that many of these hacks require little to no extra materials or tools to complete. A pair of sharp crafting scissors, like the LIVINGO Premium Tailor Scissors, are perfect for cutting through the different types of materials tights are often made from. In addition to scissors, it may be helpful to have items like rubber bands or nail polish on hand to help the tights stay in place or prevent runs from worsening.

If you're looking for simple tips to keep your houseplants healthy, start by evaluating your setup. It can be easy to just pour some water into the plants and be on your way to other garden chores, but maintaining a garden isn't always so straightforward. Potted plants, specifically, are susceptible to water and soil running out of the drainage holes rather than absorbing into the soil. You can place the bottom of your plant into a loose, tight leg as a way to help the soil stay in place and take in the water.

Tired of trying to find practical storage solutions for your onions and garlic? You could toss them into an old grocery bag at the bottom of your pantry, but this just adds to the clutter and takes up valuable space. Try hanging your onions in a pair of old tights to help minimize mess from peels falling off and keep them fresh by repelling moisture. One way to do this is to tie a knot to section each onion off, that way you can just cut them out as needed.

Does your garbage bag keep slipping down into the can every time you need to throw something away? You can prevent having to reach into the trash to pull the bag out by using an old pair of tights as a grip for the bag. Use scissors to cut a narrow section of the tights and slide it over the trash can opening. Tie a knot, if needed, to make sure it fits snug. Now the bag will stay in place through use and function properly.

Painting is naturally a messy job. Stirring the paint, pouring it out into a pan, and trying to use a brush or roller without dripping onto the floor; these are just some of the risks that come with changing up a room color. You can minimize the risks of dripping paint from a brush by tying the tights around the can so the material lies across the top opening. This method allows you to wipe excess paint from your brush directly back into the can, or you can even position it to strain the paint if needed.

If you find yourself stuck in a situation where you have no hair ties but instead, a pair of tights to spare, you can DIY them to keep hair out of your face. This is a simple hack you can complete with a pair of scissors. Start by cutting out a strip of the tights from the narrow end and then stretch the material just slightly to help it take shape. You can even prepare some of these homemade hair ties beforehand and keep them in your bathroom or pool area for easy access.

It's no secret that delicate clothing like bras and clothes made of silk and lace require a bit more care than standard items. These items are often labeled as hand wash or delicate cycle, but what do you do if you don't have a mesh bag on hand? Dig that pair of old tights out of the back of your drawer and use them as a delicates laundry bag. One method is to slide your hand into the tight leg before grabbing onto your piece of clothing and turning it inside out with the item ending up inside. Tie a secure knot before tossing into the wash.

We've all been there: you drop a tiny item down into the couch or between your car seats and believe it's gone forever. You can try to cram your hand down to feel for it, only leading to even more frustration. One simple lost and found hack is to slide your tights over the vacuum hose and secure it with a rubber band. Use the vacuum throughout the whole area until it's able to pick up the lost item without sucking it into the machine. This is perfect for lost earrings and items you'd struggle to find otherwise.

One practical way to repurpose old tights is to create a draft stopper to keep out cold air during those chilly months. Draft stoppers can also help to keep your home cool during summer by keeping heat from getting inside. There are several ways you can approach this DIY project, including using a pool noodle inside the tights or even something like rice. Add your filler of choice, secure the ends, and place your new draft stopper anywhere you need to regulate the temperature.

Are you tired of fighting with pet hair building up all over your furniture and home surfaces? Instead of having to pull out the vacuum every day to keep things clean, why not make your own lint roller that can simplify the process? This is a great last-minute hack when you need to spruce up your furniture for guests but don't have time to run out for a lint roller. Just pop the tights over your hand to remove lint and pet hair without a roller by gently rubbing the surface you want to clean.

Bars of soap are a great eco-friendly choice over other varieties that come with more packaging, but what do you do with the leftover scraps from each purchase? You can let them build up in the soap dish and struggle to pick up the slippery pieces, or you can get creative and find ways to use every last bit of the product. If you don't mind mixing scents, pop all of your soap scraps into the fabric you've cut from your tights and secure with a knot. Now you can lather up without losing your grip.

Home odors can pop up for a variety of reasons, whether that be from bacterial buildup or even excess dampness. You can fight these odors by making your very own sachets, made from old tights, that are filled with essential oils and a base material like Epsom salt. Not sure of the best scents to use in your DIY projects to remove home odors? Citrus-based scents are great for those who like clean fragrances, while cinnamon is ideal for the holiday season.

Hair brushes are one of those everyday items that seem to always be hanging around the bathroom, whether left out on the counter or collecting dust in a drawer. However, the frequent use of these care items can lead to hair and product buildup on the bristles themselves. Luckily, you can easily prevent the hair from accumulating on your brush in the first place. Just slide a tight leg over the brush and press the bristles through the material. After you're done brushing your hair, simply pull the tights off to remove the debris.