What are you best money-saving tips for around the house?

[redvlagrl]

I thought it might be nice to post a thread (sorry if it already exists) to list your tips that save you money without substantially changing how you do things or eliminating stuff. I think we'd all like to help out grocery budgets.

Here are some of mine that I can think of:

- We use bar soap in the shower instead of shower gel
- I have the self foaming hand soap dispensers but I buy the normal stuff for refills and dilute it 1:4 (soap : water).
- We don't use conditioner and our hair is better for it!
- Mainly use natural (baking soda vinegar) for cleaning
- Only use dried beans, never canned

I'd love to hear everyone else's ideas.

[aprons_and_acorns]

My best cost-reducing tip is to try to use half the amount of a product that you would normally use. I figured I was using twice as much soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc, as I actually needed to do the job, so I started to use half the regular amount and we are still as clean as ever. And it saves 50% on the cost.

[RosemaryS-F]

You can add half water to conditioner (and some to shampoo, too.)
Turn the fridge and freezer temps down in the cooler weather because they don't need to use as much energy then to keep food cold.
Use Borax and Washing Soda mixed together to clean laundry. You can use this plus a little liquid dish soap for dishwasher as well.

[*bejeweled*]

This is great!

Originally Posted by aprons_and_acorns

My best cost-reducing tip is to try to use half the amount of a product that you would normally use. I figured I was using twice as much soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc, as I actually needed to do the job, so I started to use half the regular amount and we are still as clean as ever. And it saves 50% on the cost.

[*bejeweled*]

Meal plan and only buy what's on your list.

Don't window shop. I avoid malls and big box stores.

[zebra15]

Not everyone swears by them but... I love coupons. (there is a huge learning curve)

[MaddieMay]

Vinegar in the dishwasher in the rinse aid spot or whatever it's called. DH claims the vinegar stinks and won't work as well so he bought the name-brand chemical stuff, but has failed to realize for the three years we've lived here that the bottle is still full underneath the sink.

[dagny.galt]

The best "money saver" tip I have is to not procrastinate. Do it now, whatever it is. Don't leave something for later unless there is absolutely no way to get to it until then.

Example: Dishes. A dirty sink and dirty dishes have been my BIGGEST money wasters over the last few years. When my sink is dirty and full of who-knows-what, and the dishes are piled high, I get lazy or overwhelmed and the next thing you know, I'm ordering pizza. This wrecks my meal plan, my budget, my mood, and my health. So, I do it NOW, not later.

The same goes for cleaning up messes, treating stains, pulling frozen food out to defrost, doing bills, writing a meal plan, etc.

[aprons_and_acorns]

Originally Posted by MaddieMay

Vinegar in the dishwasher in the rinse aid spot or whatever it's called. DH claims the vinegar stinks and won't work as well so he bought the name-brand chemical stuff, but has failed to realize for the three years we've lived here that the bottle is still full underneath the sink.

[Usually Curious]

Originally Posted by aprons_and_acorns

My best cost-reducing tip is to try to use half the amount of a product that you would normally use. I figured I was using twice as much soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc, as I actually needed to do the job, so I started to use half the regular amount and we are still as clean as ever. And it saves 50% on the cost.

This. Laundry detergent is a biggie. There is no way you need a full cap!