Household hints & tips to save money

[Wonder]

Think I might have to look at those soap dispensers, for some reason we don't go through much liquid soap (maybe I'm the only one in the family that washes my hands  ) but they sound great.

For those with solar panels and more particularly those have recently installed them, do you find they were worth the investment particularly with the lower rebates offered now?

[Cuilidh]

We never used to use liquid soap either, Wonder, but now the only cake soap we use is in the shower as I hate using gels, etc. for showering - I feel they all get washed away down the drain before I have a chance to use them.  Also, I find it is just so mucky cleaning under and around cakes of soap - you don't have any of that with the liquid ones, and the foam dispenser makes them even better and more economical to use.

JD's suggestion of xmas gifts is also a good idea for these (do any of our clever business women out there have recipes for liquid soap?)

[andiesenji]

Think I might have to look at those soap dispensers, for some reason we don't go through much liquid soap (maybe I'm the only one in the family that washes my hands  ) but they sound great.

For those with solar panels and more particularly those have recently installed them, do you find they were worth the investment particularly with the lower rebates offered now?

It all depends on how much your power costs are.  When I got mine, my electric bills were running over $200.00 per month, often much higher.  
One bill during the worst part of the Enron manipulation of the power crisis, I got a bill for $627.00.  It was during the late summer and it was a very hot season and one of my neighbors, using the AC a lot had a bill over $1,000. for just one month.  

Granted, the charges were reduced somewhat later on and leveled off but California still has very high power charges.  I more than paid for the cost of the installation and now all I earn is "gravy" so to speak.  

[significance]

We never used to use liquid soap either, Wonder, but now the only cake soap we use is in the shower as I hate using gels, etc. for showering - I feel they all get washed away down the drain before I have a chance to use them. 

The trick there is to turn the shower off while you're lathering, then back on to rinse. Saves water, too!

[andiesenji]

We never used to use liquid soap either, Wonder, but now the only cake soap we use is in the shower as I hate using gels, etc. for showering - I feel they all get washed away down the drain before I have a chance to use them. 

The trick there is to turn the shower off while you're lathering, then back on to rinse. Saves water, too!

I use a scrubber "mitten" that holds the liquid soap while I scrub and it exfoliates too!   Very efficient way to wash.   I also have one for applying lotion while I am still in the shower, extends further and more evenly while skin is wet.  Learned this when I stayed at a spa a few years ago. 
Also learned a "trick" for skin exposed to wind and sun, dry climate.   After shower, don't apply lotion, run tub half full of water, add 1 to 2 cups of plain table salt (I know, it sounds weird)  soak in salt water for 5-10 minutes.   Dry off.  You will be amazed at how your skin feels.
Spa lady said this was once known as a "Swiss bath" and was a "secret" during the 20s and 30s and all the time it was just plain salt.

[Vivaroo]

I use the stems of my rosemary bush for kebabs (halloumi, mushroom & capsicum). Very popular at barbecues amongst the meat lovers, I can't be too generous until I've had my share!

Rosemary leaves can be simmered in boiling water, strained and makes a nice hair rinse to leave in. Did this last night after a bicarb soda wash and indeed is shiny and feels soft.  I used 500mls water and 10gms leaves (about 4 stems).

I'm looking for simple homemade short hair styling recipes like hair wax/fudge type, trying to avoid any commercial product to cure my itchy scalp. I found a hail gel recipe from gelatin, I'd prefer agar agar, which I dont have (is there any end to buying less common ingredients?). I should ask in recipe request and do some of my own research.

[andiesenji]

I also use rosemary stems and sage stems for skewers.  Rosemary grows like a weed here, I have hedges of it - also sweet bay (laurel nobilis).

A local herbalist  recommends a paste of glycerin and salt, rubbed gently into the scalp, left on for 15 minutes and then simply rinsed away. 
The glycerin (or glycerine) will be sticky when applied but as it is hygroscopic and as soon as water touches it, it combines with it and essentially disappears but leaves the effect behind. 

Here's a quote from Wikipedia: "Topical pure or nearly pure glycerol is an effective treatment for psoriasis, burns, bites, cuts, rashes, bedsores, and calluses. It can be used orally to eliminate halitosis, as it is a contact bacterial desiccant. The same property makes it very helpful with periodontal disease; it penetrates biofilm quickly and eliminates bacterial colonies."

One of the women in my book club has psoriasis and has some crusting on her scalp but it is much improved with the glycerin/salt treatment.  She is the one who told me about the herbalist.

[KarenH]

How do you use bicard soda to wash your hair Vivaroo?  Do you rub the powder into your hair, or do  you dissolve it is water first?  I must say I find it hard to believe that it works - but I have never tried it!  Would it work with medium length hair too??

[fundj&e]

If you really need to wash your hair and have no time a little talc powder does wonders

Do you talc powder? (Talc powder is toxic)

[Nay-nay]

You can use cornflour instead of talc. 

[Nay-nay]

I've heard in India they use mashed cooked lentils to 'shampoo' hair. You notice that even the poorest have sleek, shiny hair and never been washed with bottled stuff. 

[fundj&e]

Have you tried the cornflour? 

[Nay-nay]

Not in hair but used it for babies bums instead of talc.

[fundj&e]

Thanks nay nay

Good to add in baby hampers next time i need to make one up

[andiesenji]

Most of the baby powder now sold in the U.S. is cornstarch based (aka corn flour).
I use it instead of talc.

The only talc I still have on hand is a bag of the industrial talc used to final polish glass after carving or engraving and beveling the edges.  I still had to wear a breather mask but it was less toxic than the cerium oxide that was the alternative. (still have a bag of that too!)