Millions of women use nylon pantyhose every day around the world and nearly as many pairs end up in the garbage as soon as they rip (which happens fairly quickly), adding to the waste we accumulate. However, there are many (perhaps not 1001 but quite a few) ways nylon can be recycled and here are some tips for reusing this oh-so-common material:
1. Put potpourri in the nylon stocking or a cut-off pantyhose leg, tie it and put in the dryer for a great smelling load of laundry.
2. Put some kitty litter or baking soda in the stocking, tie it off and use for a shoe deodorant and odor killer.
3. Rolling the nylon into a ball can serve as a gentle cleaning sponge for tubs and sinks.
4. If you have an itchy wool sweater, you can line the inside of the sleeves with the legs of the pantyhose; it will prevent the irritating effect of the wool on your skin.
5. Use nylon for straining lumpy paint or other liquids.
6. Nylon can be used as a vegetable or fruit net or for tying plants to a stake.
7. Putting leftover pieces of soap into a stocking or a cut-off leg of pantyhose will get you some more use of the soap.
8. Use a stocking as a scent packet for your draws, closets or bathrooms by filling it with your favorite potpourri, cinnamon or lavender.
9. Stuffing a part of the pantyhose leg and tying it off makes a great toy for your kids or pets.
10. Nylon is also great for polishing floors, shoes or furniture.
11. You can use nylon pieces instead of cotton balls to remove nail polish.
12. To keep your hair brush clean, place a piece of nylon over the bristles and push down. Use as normal and when the rush gets dirty, remove the nylon layer and replace with a new one.
There are many more uses for nylon stockings and ripped pantyhose and your own creativity is the limit here. So next time you have some nylon you would otherwise throw away, think about other ways you can use it.
