Out of Dish Soap? Try This, and Other Money-Saving Hacks

Want to know how to make things last longer? Check out these money-saving tips that use products you have around the home.

At Farmers’ Almanac, we like to share with you our best money-saving tips, whether it’s repurposing or recycling an item, or finding multiple uses for everyday household products. Now more than ever we need to stretch our dollars. Here are 10 ways you can cut costs and “make do” using products you have around the home!

10 Money-Saving Hacks for Everyday Household Items

1.Make colorful garden planters out of gently chipped mugs or cups.

2. Don’t fret over a lost leather glove. Turn the remaining one into a small tool carrier. Cut off the fingers at mid-length. Make two vertical slits in the back and run a belt through them. Then, load up the fingers with lightweight tools.

3. Remove mildew stains with a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Moisten stained spots with the mixture. Spread the item in the sun for bleaching. Rinse and dry, then launder as usual.

4. Don’t spend money on paint remover, rug deodorizer, or stain remover. Take off old paint from metal screws and nails with nail polish remover. Sprinkle dried chamomile or lavender blossoms onto carpets before vacuuming for a fresh, clean scent. Use a damp rag dipped in baking soda to scrub unwelcome crayon marks.

5. No drain cleaner? Pour 1 cup baking soda down the drain. Add 1 cup of white vinegar. Flush the drain with hot water when bubbling stops. 

6. No napkin rings? Use metal cookie cutters as unique napkin holders for family dinners. If you want, spray paint them to match your décor or decorating theme.

7. To prevent rust on steel wool scrubbing pads, place them in a plastic bag and store them in the freezer.

8. Hang brooms and brushes to make them last longer. Once fibers and bristles are bent out of shape, these tools no longer function well.

9. Remove burned food on pots and pans with a mixture of half water and half vinegar. Soak overnight. Burned food comes off easily with a light scouring.

10. Out of dishwashing liquid? Use baking soda! Baking soda does a multitude of tasks so of course it will clean dishes! Simply mix baking soda with a little bit of water in a bowl to form a paste. Dip your sponge in the paste and use it as “soap” to clean dishes, pots and pans. 

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This article was published by the staff at Farmers' Almanac. Do you have a question or an idea for an article? Contact us!

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