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20 Tips To Save Money Around The House
By LifeAdviceSite.com
We've figured out some helpful ways to scrimp and save a little around the house with the things we use everyday. Read on!
In the Bathroom:
1. Toilet Paper
Yes it's a weird subject. We don't really want to talk about it either, but toilet paper is expensive and we're committed to helping you save money even if it makes us uncomfortable. OK, here goes...
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Most of us use too much. We wad it up to act as a barrier between hand and nether regions, but we often don't think about how much we're using. Many of us forgo the comfort of a cushy brand and dole out our pennies on the cheap one-ply because we think we're saving money. This is not necessarily the case. We've taken the time to pay attention for a long time and we must admit, although a sturdier, softer two-ply variety is often more money, we are able to use less of it each time thereby resulting in an actual cost savings.
Take the length of two or three squares and fold one on top of another at the perforation line. For number 2 use this way once, fold over to use again and if possible, fold over once more and use a final time. For number 1 use the two (or three) square method again and fold it small enough to enhance absorption without making it difficult for you to....maneuver.... Make sure you take the time to teach the little ones in your family so they don't use half the roll in one sitting. |
| OK, we've had enough, and we hope you get the idea because we don't want to talk about it ever again.
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2. Toothpaste
Always buy toothpaste in a tube. It uses less packaging which is better for the environment, and it allows you to squeeze literally every last drop out of the toothpaste container. When you first begin to use the tube and it's full, squeeze wherever you want. After a couple of weeks, you'll have to go in for the kill and spend a little time applying pressure with a flat object such as your toothbrush handle. Squeeze from the bottom up and make sure every air bubble is flattened and all of the toothpaste is condensed together. From that point on you'll be able to squeeze from the flattened bottom every time and continue to propel the paste upward. Don't let any bubbles form or your hard work will be lost and you'll have to attack it with your toothbrush handle again. |
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3. Facial Cleanser
If you're still using your fingers to lather up your facial cleanser every morning, we have a great tip that will help extend the life of your facial cleaner. Use a disposable facial cleansing pad like Buf Puf. We love these because not only do they gently exfoliate dead skin cells but they help the cleanser last longer by allowing it to foam better so we can use less. In official LifeAdviceSite lab tests, we were able to use an average of half the amount of facial cleanser. |
Now, we know what you're thinking: what about the money spent on the puffs? We're way ahead of you....
4. Facial Exfoliating Sponges
They are thin, lightweight and available in single use multi-packs or as a larger sponge which you can keep using until it wears out. We've tested both. The larger sponge can be somewhat unwieldy, so we cut it up into several smaller pieces and get way may bang for our buck. The single use are terrific, but we never throw them away after one use! We keep using them and they work great for months. Unless you're exfoliating some major dry skin or have some kind of infection, they're safe to reuse. They can be found with cleanser built in which makes them great for short travel. Just bring them home and keep using them with your regular cleanser.
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5. Acne Pads
Whatever brand you like, try cutting them in half to stretch more usage out of the container!
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6. Acne Cream
We all have need for it one time or another. If you have, then you've probably also noticed the high price tag that is attached. Whether it's benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, the main idea is to dry out the area of skin which has suddenly erupted from a clogged pore or two and get oxygen flowing again so the skin can heal. If you don't have the dough to pick up the goods or even if you are away from home and happen to feel something brewing beneath the surface of the skin, a great alternative to use is your little travel pack of hand sanitizer. It's pure alcohol which will do the trick of drying out the skin with the added benefit of killing bacteria and germs. If you have sensitive skin, use caution. FYI if you forget your deodorant one day, hand sanitizer can save you there too! |
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7. Soap
We all hate it when the bar of soap shrinks and shrinks until it becomes that unusable sliver that's too tiny and slippery to do any good. It's a shame to let it melt away down the drain. We always make it a piggyback and slap it right on the new bar of soap. It works best when they are the same type, but we used contrasting colors for the photo. The water makes the two merge in a lovely soap marriage and you don't waste a penny! |
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8. Hand soap
When it comes to liquid hand soap, less is more and more and more... It can be easy to overuse, but take care when pressing that pump. Wet your hands first and apply a dime-sized amount or less. The point of soap is to get it to lather up and rinse all the germs away with the running water. If the dime-sized amount is not enough, try a little more until you get it just right.
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9. Deodorant
If you want to make deodorant really go the distance, consider how much you are applying to your underarm. Creams and gels are great because they allow you to control how much product comes out. Turn the dial gently until it just barely oozes out the top and begin spreading it under your arm. The top of the applicator will naturally spread it out to the entire area. You'll be covered, and the top of the deodorant container will be clean and dry too! |
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In the Laundry Room:
10. Laundry Detergent
Make sure you read the instructions on your laundry detergent. If you fill up the cap and dump it in without checking, you may be using way more detergent than you need.
11. Fabric Softener Sheets
Cut them in half - in most cases they'll still work great on the laundry load, and you'll be buying twice as much for the same money.
12. Stain Pretreater
Stain pre-treater is terrific when you have a tough stain. It can be on the pricey side, however. Before you grab it, try getting at the stain the old-fashioned way with a little soap and water. If you get it before it has time to set and begin to dry, you can often eliminate the stain from your fabric.
13. Cold Water Wash
We're not sure why some people might be afraid of a cold water wash for the laundry. It works fine and saves on energy costs!
In the Kitchen:
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14. Paper Towels
Please stop wasting money on tons of paper towels! Please! Use a kitchen towel. They're environmentally friendly and you can throw them right in with your other laundry. You can even use them to wrap up a sandwich before tucking it in your lunch bag!
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15. Paper Napkins
Make the investment in some linen or cotton napkins you can reuse. Again, they are environmentally friendly, and you can throw them in with the regular wash. Plus, you can pretend you're at a fancy restaurant at home every day!
16. Plastic Containers
A must for every kitchen, but if you look around you may realize you have plenty of containers that can be used for storage without every spending another cent. Take-out containers restaurants and prepared food containers from the grocery store make excellent alternatives.
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| 17. Kitchen Cleanser
Everyone wants a clean kitchen, but there's no need to invest lots of money in fancy cleansers. We like bleach and a basic orange cleaner. The bleach can be diluted with water to kill any bacteria and keep all surfaces clean. The orange cleaner is an excellent de-greaser and adds a nice shine to granite surfaces.
18. Plastic Bags
If you're going to refill it tomorrow with the same snack food, why not bring your ziplock bag home and reuse it? |
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19. Sponges
Rather than regular sponges, try using an SOS pad. With regular cleaning they last longer than sponges, clean just as well and there's none of that nasty smell... Hey, that rhymed!
20. Paper Lunch Bags
Buy a great reusable lunch bag and give the trees a rest! |
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