- Fabric Softener--I have found that vinegar works fine.
- Plastic dish scrubbers--instead, I use the mesh bags that oranges come in, which are made of the same stuff.
- Boxed mixes--mixing my own ingredients for things like pancakes and hamburger helper doesn't take me very long, I like the taste better, and I know exactly what is in the item.
- Extra facial concoctions--I have to come to believe that a basic cleanser and moisturizer are all I need. Exfoliation and toning are nice once in a while, but not really a necessity, especially if you use good basic products (I use Mary Kay and make it last FOREVER).
- Haircuts--We cut each other's hair and are happy with the results. Seth also colors my hair.
Here is a list of things I would am hoping not to buy in the future:
- Laundry detergent--I will be making my own as soon as my box of Gain is gone.
- Floor Cleaner--I have heard vinegar and water work fine. Thoughts?
- All-Purpose Cleaner--I would like to make my own.
- Scouring Powder--I will make my own and keep it in a Parmesan Cheese container.
- Cooking Spray--I have heard that vegetable oil in a spray bottle works fine, but I haven't tried this yet. Does anyone do this?
- Swiffer Wipes--I need to buckle down and just use my mop and bucket. It really wouldn't take that much longer and would be so much cheaper!
- Disinfectant Wipes--As much as I love these to quick-clean the bathroom vanity, I could just use a cloth and some all-purpose cleaner. This could be a toughie to give up.
- Dishwasher rinse aid--I will use vinegar.
"Extreme" things I am considering trying not just to save money, but also for health and the "sport" of frugality:
- Deodorant Substitute--I have heard that some women use a baking soda mixture applied with a cotton ball under the arms. The chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants can be harmful to your health.
- No-poo method of cleaning hair--I read about this on a blog. It gets rave reviews by lots of women.
- The Keeper--a substitute for tampons. I know this sounds weird, but I really think I'm going to try it. If you want more info, you can look up the company on the internet. In the interest of modesty, I won't elaborate here. Imagine never buying tampons again!
- Cloth Napkins--Especially while it's just my husband and I, this would not be a big deal and I could just throw them in the wash.
That's all I can think of for now. What do you have to add?
6 comments:
i have heard that vinegar does mot work well as dishwasher rinse aid...a couple friends tried and all ended up going back to regular store bought rinse.
i have also heard all kinds of reviews on the no poo hair but i hear more bad then good honestly. and for me i use such a small amount of shampoo that a bottle last 6 months and its $1.98 a bottle so i didnt try no poo.
I cant review the keeper..i never wear tampons cause too many health risk and causes painful periods. but i have heard good about the keeper.
We actually don't use rinse aid at all right now and haven't for a while, so I figured vinegar might work for once in a while. Glad you let me know what you've heard about the no poo method.
no prob..and my all purpose cleaner is 1/4 spray bottle vinegar and the rest of water. sometimes i add some lemon essential oil for scent. i use it all the time.
on my tub just straight baking soda scrubbed into it then spray with the all purpose spray and rinse
Great ideas. Vinegar and water is the only thing I use on my floors and it works great. I also stick to the good ole bucket and rag and hand mop all of my floors. I sometimes use my hubby's old white t-shirts (cut into small rags) attached to the swiffer duster to mop with and then I just toss it in the washing machine and reuse it the next time. I have a friend that uses homemade "mamma pads" as she calls them, but I only have that time of the month a few times a year, so I just stick to the free products that I can score at cvs (eventhough, it isn't the best for the environment, it works for me).
As for cooking spray, I have a friend who went to culinary school and found this food spray bottle called "the misto". They sell it at bed bath and beyond. You fill it with whatever oil you like (I do olive oil to be healthier, but you'd probably want regular veggie oil for a cake). It is built so you can pump up pressure and it comes out as well as the spray you buy at the store. You just have to keep it clean. I think I got mine for about $8. It works far better than a regular spray bottle and I'll never have to buy spray from the store again. Also it doesn't have any harmful propellants that would be in a normal aerosol sprayer.
Awesome idea! Thanks, Amy!
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