Friday, January 30, 2009

Stretching A Buck Around The House

Extend the life of your disposable shaving razors by rinsing the blade as normal, then dip the blade in alcohol. Give it a good swishing to help remove residue. Tap the razor to remove excess alcohol and all to air dry. The alcohol will evaporate quickly thus allowing the blade to dry faster. You never want to store your razor immediately after use while it is still wet. Dry your blade completely before replacing protective cover back on. This will reduce rusting and dulling of the blade.


Have you looked at the price of mattresses lately? If you have you know how costly they can be for a good, quality one. even some of the lower end mattresses are rising in price. Here's a couple of easy ways to extend the life of your existing mattress...flip you mattress monthly to help distribute the wear more evenly. Every other month flip and rotate your mattress. Several stores, now carry mattress pads/covers. This is a good investment to help protect the mattress from body odors & stains. Speaking of odors; each time I remove my linens to wash I get out my best friend, my Shark steamer and steam the mattress. This cleans, deodorizes and sanitizes the mattress.

Regular vehicle maintenance is essential. When getting your oil changed (the suggested schedule is 3,000 miles or 3 months) don't forget this will also be a good time to have your tires rotated. Just as we change the filter in our a/c units at home, our vehicle air filter needs to be changed yearly too. Spark plugs, radiators and exhaust systems need to be checked regularly (check manufacturer's recommendations for your specific model's needs.) Don't forget about your transmission fluid, it is suggested that it be changed once every 30 thousand or 60 thousand miles (check manufacturer's recommendations for your specific model's needs.) An easy but sometimes forgotten tip is to wash and wax your vehicle regularly. Make sure you clean the headlight covers and rear taillight covers to make sure your lights shine forth as bright as possible. Don't forget the interior; give it a good vacuuming and dusting as well. Oh don't forget those windows, you need to make sure you can see where your going when you go for a drive. Check you wiper blades as well. You wouldn't want to get caught in a rainstorm and not have proper working wiper blades.

Do you enjoy the aroma of burning scented candles in your home? I found an easy way to keep the fragrance longer is by storing them in the freezer when not in use. To burn candle more evenly, follow the suggestions on your candle and this will extend their life as well.

How many of us use those fragrant pump soaps to wash our hands? I love the ones from Bath & Body Works, but even on sale they add up. So why not get the most out of them as you can. Try this trick...wrap a rubber band tightly around the base of the pump head. When inserted into the soap dispenser the pump will not go all the way down into the dispenser. This will not hinder the soap from being dispensed but it will make the soap last longer. Pretty neat trick, huh!?!

5 comments:

Jen said...

One way I extend the use of scented candles is buy a candle warmer. I've had the same candle for a little over a year. With kids I don't have to worry about the flame either. Thanks for the tips.

Keeper of the Home said...

Jen,

Thanks for the heads up on the warmer. I have heard of them and seen them before but never tried it or knew anyone who had. So your input is greatly appreciated.

Ronda said...

Oh my goodness, I just loved all of these frugal tips. I think we all need to be thinking more and more about how to stretch things and be frugal.
Love & Prayers,
Ronda

Keeper of the Home said...

Ronda,

Glad you are enjoying them. I am always looking for ways to save a buck or two. After all, the money looks better in our pocket than in someone else's!

joyh82 said...

My Mom puts everything in the freezer...lol
I will have to try it with my candles. I love candles and the bath and body soap too. Thanks for the tips.