How do you use less (making things go further)

squeaky

Batteries are the most expensive way of buying power there is. Bar none.

So if you have to buy batteries for your whatever_it_is - buy rechargeable ones and a charger. It's cheaper in the long run.

Better still, if your whatever_it_is has a power socket - try and source a suitable mains adapter for it. Remembering to turn off at the mains when not in use!

Ticklemouse

My 'savers':

I don't use facial wipes - muslin cloths or facial microfibre cloths,with either water or cleanser as needed. (Has to be Liz Earle I'm afraid, due to super-sensitive skin)

Don't use fabric conditioner - vinegar

Hardly use any washing liquid - long 30 deg wash with only a little added if clothes really dirty, plus washing soda sometimes.

Oooh, couldn't use teabags twice - as a tea lover, it would ruin the taste for me.

I also do full washing/dishwasher loads. Will try the 1/2 dishwasher tablet trick, unless Mr TM has put it on.

MATH wrote:

Split tissue layers for lipstick blotting etc.

What's your colour then MATH? I'm a gloss girl myself, so can't blott that. However, when I did, I use a lipstick sealant so didn't have to reapply.

COOLTRIKERCHICK

hi..i can remember my gran doing this when i was younger, and i was woundering if anyone else got any other suggestions or ideas which would make products go that little bit further...

my gran used to save the dreg ends of the bars of soap, you know when they get to small that there is nothing you can do with them, then she used to cut up a old pair of tights and put the bits of soap in them and tie the top, and then there was no waste......

i know soap is cheap enough, but the point is not to waste.....and save those pennies.......

..................cooltrikerchick......heather...................

squeaky

Hiya

There a very similar thread to this and so I've merged the two together. You'll need to read from the beginning to catch up with us all

COOLTRIKERCHICK

thanks squeaky.....didnt realise, as i am new to this and very enthusiastic (prob didnt spell that right) as i am picking up so many usefull tips and ideas i am getting carried away.....i must admit i love moneysaving old style......my husband thinks i'm a woman possessed trying some of the ideas that i have read on the threads......keep the tips coming.....please...

squeaky

You're welcome.

Have you managed to read all the stickies yet? (The threads at the very top of Old Style with little blue stick pins beside their names). That should keep you busy for a while

tigerlily

Ticklemouse wrote:

Don't use fabric conditioner - vinegar

Hi, I have been wondering just how much vinegar to put into my wash as a fabric conditioner for a full load of washing?

thriftmonster

Whizz all the last grungy bits off a chicken with half the weight of butter in a processor to make chicken paste. Then make stock. Then feed the dog the carrots and onions out of the stock for part of his dinner.

Definitely swill out any tin or jar and add to recipe. The last of the ketchup bottle is really nice added to mince.

Any stale bread also gets frozen as breadcrumbs for bulking out meatballs, burgers and meatloaf.

I also combine all the ends of shampoo or conditioner with a little water in one bottle - it usually smells really nice.

jobbingmusician

calleyw wrote:

Measure out the washing powder with a smaller scoop that came with a hot chocolate drink. And only use two little scoops.

calleyw wrote:

NOoooooooooooOO!!!!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

This is really bad for the w/machine. And cutting dishwasher tabs in half is bad for the d/washer.

Reason? The wm will build up a really nasty gunky mess made mostly of body grease _pale_ which eventually blocks the machine in an expensive way! And you will be cutting down on all the stuff in the powder, for both w/m and d/w, which helps the heater not to become all furred up and white like the one in the Calgon advert. (Calgon is totally unnecessary if you use the right amount of powder).

Honest, OH was a domestic appliance engineer for many years, and says the best way to ruin these machines is not to use enough powder!!! :eek:

SueRob_2

I can make a weeks worth of meals from a chicken,
Roast Chicken with all the trimmings
2 x Chicken Ham & Mushroom Pies
2 x Chicken Soup
Special Fried Rice
Carbonara
7 meals from 1 chicken!!