Favorite Frugal Substitutions and Tips

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Favorite Frugal Substitutions and Tips

 

 

 

**Never use more than you need. Just because it says on the box that

you need a full cup, doesn't mean that you really do need it. Half a

measure of laundry detergent, a quarter of an inch of toothpaste and

a half teaspoon of dish detergent are examples of what is usually

enough, rather than what the manufacturer says is enough.

 

Face Scrub - Make a lather in your hand of inexpensive hand or face

soap, then add a teaspoon or so of cornmeal and scrub lightly. Use a

tissue or cloth to remove most of the cornmeal before rinsing

thoroughly with warm water.

Floor Cleaner - Ammonia is the cheapest cleaner and does a good job,

but you can often use plain water in between times.

Freezer bags - Use empty chip bags, and close with masking tape. Or

use bowls with lids, such as margarine tubs.

Furniture Polish - Mix equal parts of white vinegar and vegetable oil

and rub on the furniture. Buff with soft cloth until it shines.

Hand lotion - Several substitutes - petroleum jelly rubbed into your

hands at night immediately after a warm water soak, mayonnaise (rinse

with cold water afterwards), or any other oil based food. Vegetable

oil or shortening or lard in small amounts work fine. Just be sure to

put it on immediately after your hands have been in water. Lotions

are oils/greases/waxes that work by trapping natural moisture in your

skin, no matter what they claim to do.

House slippers - Measure under your foot from heel to toe, add an

inch, (this is the length) then measure from the center of the bottom

of your foot around the top to the ankle and double that, plus two

inches (this is the width). Cut a piece of cloth to these

measurements, fold lengthwise and sew the short edges together. Turn

the top under and sew down, leaving the edges open, then insert a

cord, string or yarn to tie at the ankle.

Ice Pack - Mix one part rubbing alcohol and two parts water in a

ziplock plastic bag. The rubbing alcohol keeps it from freezing

solid, so the pack will conform to any part of your body. Wrap in a

cloth to use.

Laundry baskets - Substitute a cardboard box, lined with newspaper,

or better, line it with plastic bags. You can cut hand holds from the

sides. For a basket you can roll to the clothesline, use a child's

wagon, again lined with newspaper or plastic bags.

Laundry detergent - Dissolve a bar of handsoap in water (cut it up

and let it set overnight, or cut it in smaller chunks and heat while

stirring) and add to three gallons of hot water, mix thoroughly and

add a cup of washing soda. Let it cool to a gel before using one cup

to an average load of laundry. Or try using a half cup of baking soda

and a half cup of borax.