Household hints & tips to save money

[fundj&e]

I have not done it with toothpaste thanks nay nay

[jeninwa]

I can't remember the last time I ironed, I am always careful when I take my washing in from the line, keep them as crease free as possible then either fold or hang straight away and mostly they look fine when you go to wear them.

I do the same, DH irons his own cloths.

When I was very young my mother told me to never touch a hot iron.
It might be the only thing that I listened too what she said

[thermie crew]

What a great thread  .

I'm a vinegar fan too. Use it 50/50 mixed with water for fabric softener though. This is what I read somewhere and I guess it makes it stretch further. Also use a 50/50 mix in a spray bottle for cleaning benches, table etc.

For mopping I use a small squirt of dishwashing liquid and a cup of vinegar.

Gumption used for more heavy duty areas like bathrooms. So cheap and lasts 6 months or so!

For toilets I sprinkle bi-card in the bowl, spray with 100% vinegar and let it fizzle before I scrub it.

For air freshner I add a couple of drops of lavendar essential oil to water in a spray bottle (works well with other oils or vanilla essence too)

Love those microfibre clothes for glass, mirrors and dusting. Great just damp.

Make my own hand soap and clothes washing powder. Recipes came from a book called 'saving mum' but think both recipes are on here somewhere too.

We use cloth nappies (love Nudey Rudeys) and wet flannels instead of wipes (don't worry, different flannels from ones used to wash faces!!)

Make our own bread and most food from scratch. Also buy flour, grains, dried fruit and nuts in bulk from Gigarnis (here in SA). Everything works out to be about 1/2 the cost compared to from a supermarket.

Love saving money and most ways are also safer and more earth friendly too

[cookie1]

I do iron, not the undies though.
I love Shannon Lush's books and use them all the time.
I always cut tubes in half and then they seem to last a few more weeks. Expecially make up ones and sorbelene.
Lots of good helpful hints too. I guess as we get a little older we use so many of them without thinking.

[fundj&e]

1.   I microwave my kitchen sponges most nights on high for 1 min
2.   When kids were little i would microwave face washer instead of using wet ones (winter)
3.   I do freeze wet face washer for when we go out for the day (summer)

[passionflower]

Heeehee I always remember grandma teaching me to iron and she always used to say make sure you spend some time on the crouch. when ironing underwear. I think it was a question of hygiene in them days, and she will be proud of me as I still iron underwear as well as tea towels and bath towels and everything really 

[CreamPuff63]

I microwave my sponges too fundj and they last for ages - they wear out now, whereas they used to stink and then get thrown out.

[fundj&e]

They do last longer and always smell nice, well ,not nice they just don’t smell

[andiesenji]

I put my kitchen sponges in the dishwasher, top rack as they fit snugly in the saucer rack.

[faffa_70]

I put my brushes (TMX Bowl brush etc) in the dishwasher weekly, hadn't thought about the sponges in the microwave - like that idea and on the nightly agenda!!  

[johnro]

Me too Kathryn!!! nor did I think of sponges far less hassle than throwing in a lingerie bag in with the towels, also never thought of the sponges in MW - great idea!!!!! Thanks Fundj and Andie!!!   

[fundj&e]

In my when, i could be bothered days (BM)i would nicely roll up white washers and offer my guest hot or cold washer to freshen up in between courses
Hot in M/C
Cold from the freezer

[Meagan]

We use cloth nappies wipes and hankies, Enjo and water for cleaning, I buy food on special in bulk and would eventually like to be involved in a coop. Always try to buy clothes on special or at the end of the season for the kids. Cook most food from scratch.

[Nay-nay]

I love knowing we are so much alike - kindred spirits. So many things you have said I also do - cloth nappies wipes and hankies, Enjo and water, vinegar and bi-carb for cleaning, food in bulk, Fan of Shannon Lush, bake and make almost everything from scratch. I'm a huge fan of natural therapy (Bowen treatment and Homeopathy) which saves alot of money on doctors, proper diet that Thermie helps me with saves on vitamin supplements. We have our own meat, chooks and I'd love to grow more of our own food. We have our own water and would love to make our own electricity. I also make a huge saving in $$$ and on the environment by being a 'Luna' girl and a 'Diva' girl. 

[johnro]

We are an everything Enjo household!!!!!! Presently waiting for our next electricity account statement as we have had solar panels for almost 3 months - yahoo!!!!!!