Old style things that 'only you' do... 2 August 2006 at 7:08AM edited 30 November -1 at 1:00AM in Old Style MoneySaving 904 replies 248.5K views

Chipps

I am really enjoying reading this thread!
Some (like the soap, the upside down bottles etc) I do
Some, like the stairs thing, and the original hob thing, hadn't even occured to me!
Some I wouldn't do, on ethical grounds. eg I would take my own unused ketchup or half used jamjar or whatever, but not extras. working on the principle that I have paid for the ones I was given, but not extras, if that makes sense!
One thing seems clear; when it comes to money saving, there is very little that "only one" person does!

Quasar

Those old clothes that are ruined, ie. stained etc, and are no good to give to a charity shop, are cut into squares and used as dusters etc. I had a lovely white t-shirt which I ruined by spilling some paint on it (yes I'm an idiot). I cut the back of it out into a largish square and it'll do as a tea towel for a while.

Also, the microfibre cloths I buy I cut them in four squares - each is sufficient for the work in hand and the original cloth lasts four times longer.

Sarahsaver

Brings back memories - nanna and a friend used to get together and make each other dusters from worn out flanelette sheets, after cutting the sheet in half and 'turning' it to get more use from it, and use old dresses and skirts for their 'pinnies'
Is 10 seconds really long enough to kill bugs in the sponge? Mine go in the dishwasher, and ds has made himself a little spongebob squarepants out of one:)
I shower often at the gym rather than at home, spose i could save money by not being a member, but then it would cost me in other ways... I admire the brazenness of the woman there who took a whole pile of ironing in with her and stood there in the changing rooms doing her weeks' ironing

sexymouse

yes 10 seconds is long enough, as long as the sponge is slightly damp when it goes in - don't do it with a dry one, or it will melt!

chickadee

I knew my OH was the one for me when he came round one evening for dinner and we were in the kitchen. I was making spag bol using a jar and without thinking I put some water in and swished the last bits out of the jar and tipped it in the pan. He said "I'm glad you did that! I thought you were going to waste the last bit." ...and he says he's not romantic! :rolleyes:

I always try to re-use wrapping paper. When I give presents out now the recipient usually asks if I want the paper back.

I do most of the stuff already mentioned, except the cooker thing. Nobody has mentioned cleaning windows with newspaper but I bet some of you do it.
Can't think of anything else at the moment but I have chuckled reading this thread!

Sarahsaver

Nanna cleaned the windows with newspaper. I get gift bags in multipacks from the pound shop and always re-use ones I get given. CLose friends know this and now do the same:)
Just asking scientist OH how hot something would have to be to kill bacteria. I saw anthea doing the 10 second thing. I just hope on the 'only person who does something' front she is the only one who makes piggies out of bath towels to impress house guests. Please let it be only her, the world is troubled enough already.

Scientist OH says listeria will survive that as it wouldnt be hot enough, unless the micro waves themselves have an effect on the bacteria. His credentials are degree in biology and microbiology :rolleyes:

However Anth in the microwave for 10 seconds would produce a small cloud of smoke, orange i think.

I'll just get my coat...

sexymouse

What would he suggest to make it hot enough?

Chipps

..... errr, well..... I have made elephants and kittens out of bath towels.....

BUT

I hasten to add
NOT to impress guests, but to give as presents!!!!!

(they look very nice wrapped in cellophane with a big ribbon - quite an inexpensive, yet both attractive and practical, a present. Even if I do say so myself as shouldn't!)

ps. I have also made bunny rabbits and little bags out of flannels!
There, now I have confessed!

Sarahsaver

sexymouse wrote:

What would he suggest to make it hot enough?

Hotter for longer, like pouring boiling water over it or running it through the dishwasher on the top shelf.
He must think ive gone slightly bonkers, chatting to him on MSN grilling him about kitchen sponges :rolleyes:

sophiesmum_2

Caught myself doing another one tonight ... Anyone else use the vinegar from used jar of pickles to fill vinegar bottle? I don't remember the last time I actually bought vinegar for this.:rolleyes:
sophiesmum