Even if you’re frugal, you want to get the most use from everything. Inflation, tariffs, and high prices make that imperative. These tips can help what you use last longer.
“The purpose, where I start, is the idea of use. It is not recycling, it’s reuse.” – Issey Miyake
Photo by Alexandr Podvalny on Unsplash
Tips to Get the Most Use from Everything
Tips for getting the most use from everything are how I live. Learning how to simplify your life pays off. But first, here’s a little background.
I grew up in a home where cleaning your plate was rule number one. Stretching the budget meant buying less expensive brands, using things until they wore out, and cooking with fillers (think pasta, potatoes, and vegetables). This meant anything to help feed a hungry family of four, make you look presentable at work or school (even if not the latest style), and fix things so they are still usable.
Through the years, I’ve learned many ways to economize and enjoy the benefits of my purchases. However, the category is less important than the method. Here are some of my tips to help you maximize your use of almost anything. Think of them as helpful elements in how to live your best life.
Get Creative in the Kitchen with Substitutions, Additions, and Surprise Twists
Mealtime is more fun when you add variety to the menu. Eating better is essential, whether you love to eat or want help with healthy foods to help you feel better now. It’s also a time to practice creativity to get the most use from the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few of my kitchen hacks. Also, check out how to love food: 10 ways to enjoy it.
Photo by Dennis Klein on Unsplash
Nifty Uses for Ketchup
If you love ketchup, don’t you hate being unable to get the delicious condiment from the bottom of the bottle? One way is to tip the bottle upside down so it falls out more easily. However, be careful to hold it over your food as you do, or have a spoon ready to capture it.
But what if you are making a soup, stew, pasta, or other sauce and don’t have tomatoes or want an extra kick of flavor? Swirl some water, chicken, or beef broth in the ketchup bottle and squirt the liquid into your pot.
Get the Most Use from Mayo
This versatile hack applies to more than mayonnaise jars. When you have mayo, salad dressing (in jars), or other food condiments, use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom so you get every last bit.
Photo by Amirali Mirhashemian on Unsplash
Novel Idea for Snack Crumbs
Instead of tossing the crumbs at the bottom of snack bags, make your snack mix to have on hand. The little morsels of chocolate, walnuts, pecans, almonds, and other treats from larger bags make unique and delicious snacks.
I keep a large plastic container that once had mixed nuts and refill it, adding these crumbs for extra tasty treats.
Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
Laundry and Cleaning Hacks to Save Time and Money
If you hate doing laundry or cleaning, anything that helps you get it done quicker and save money is worthwhile. Mastering challenges, big and small, is beneficial for everyone. I’ve found several helpful tips in the categories of laundry and cleaning.
Use Up All Liquid Detergent
Our liquid laundry detergent is Persil HE. I buy the largest container because it’s usually the most economical and lasts the longest. However, it’s heavy to lift and challenging to get out the last few cups.
I always have some old towels or washcloths in the laundry closet, so I place one underneath a plastic measuring cup and pour the liquid in. That makes it easier to put in the washing machine detergent dispenser.
However, for the last drops of detergent, I tip the entire container on an angle over the dispenser (with a washcloth protecting the other dispenser compartments). If it’s too slow to come out, I add some water. That gets the job done, and I end up with an empty plastic container for the recycling bin.
Clean Up Spots with Hydrogen Peroxide
Chocolate, grease, tomato juice, ice cream, gravy, and other spots don’t stand a chance when you use one handy household staple: hydrogen peroxide. You’re missing out if you think this belongs only in the bathroom.
Douse a large cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and soak the stained area. I agitate it a bit and do both sides of the clothing. On the carpet, be sure it’s thoroughly wet. Allow the fluid to sit to work, then pat dry with a clean cloth.
However, you may need to apply this solution twice for set-in stains. I’ve found it remarkably effective.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Clean Gunk from Bathroom Sinks
Do you know the gunk lurking in your sink drain? Most people never think about it until the sink backs up and the water won’t drain. Several workable products in the marketplace promise to keep drains flowing smoothly, and it’s worth exploring to see which one is best for you.
You may want to lift the drain stopper assembly or, if yours is missing, you’re all set to clean the gunk.
Paired with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide gets another life here. Mix and pour into the drain. The bubbling action breaks down the gunk.
For stubborn spots (don’t even think about what it is), use an old toothbrush or long plastic straw to dislodge the gunk from the sides of the tailpiece (the part that extends down to the trap adapter).
Get the Most Use from Paper Towels: Reuse Them
Paper towels are expensive, no matter which brand you choose. For years, I thought of them as used once and tossed. However, I learned from some clever commercials touting their strength and durability that they can be used again just as effectively.
I dry the towel on a rack after using it in the kitchen. It’s helpful to wipe hands dry after washing or to use later to clean the bathroom or other areas.
Photo by Denny Muller on Unsplash
Repurpose Kitchen and Bathroom Towels, Socks, Clothing Strips
When towels get grungy, have spots and stains, show wear and tear, and are no longer presentable, they can be reused in the laundry and for cleaning purposes, whether at work or home. This is another example of how to be more productive.
My old towels serve as a dry mop for my floor cleaning after washing and rinsing with a Rubbermaid, Swiffer, or Libman.
I also use them to clean off patio furniture, wipe down the garage counters, polish furniture, and for other uses.
Socks are great for cleaning chrome, sneakers, window crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas. They’re fine for several uses and can be thrown away when they’re no longer clean.
Photo by PMV Chamara on Unsplash
Beauty and Personal Care Tips to Get the Most Use from Products
If you spend a lot of money on skincare, makeup, and grooming products, it makes sense to squeeze as much use as possible. Since I have allergies and sensitivities to many ingredients, I want my go-to items to last a long time. Using high-quality products is one way I know how to treat your body better. Here are a few of my best tips.
Moisturizers, creams, toothpaste, and sunscreen in tubes – Roll up the tube to get as much product as possible. Then, cut the tube in half and fit one part over the other. When you’re ready to use it, use your fingers to scoop it out.
Liquid makeup, foundation, serums, and tonics – For products with a screw-off or lift-off top that allows you access to the interior, use a Q-Tip or plastic straw cut out to have a flat edge. Use these to extract the product.
Lipstick – Use a flat toothpick to scrape the sides and bottom to remove all the lipstick.
For medication in solution form — I like to use an eyedropper to reach most of the liquid. If that fails, pour what’s left into the replacement medicine bottle.
You likely have tips for saving time and money that help you get the most use from everyday items. I know you know how to get more time for yourself. I’d love to hear your suggestions, since I always seek good ideas.
75111746Writer, blogger, editor
My name is Suzanne Kane, and I’m a motivational and passionate blog writer with over 30 years of experience. My mission is to provide thought-provoking blogs and feature articles exploring various topics of interest, including: Health Relationships Coping with Life’s Stresses Research on Anxiety and Depression Mental Health Issues Career How to Live Life to the Fullest and with Purpose
Even if you’re frugal, you want to get the most use from everything. Inflation, tariffs, and high prices make that imperative. These tips can help what you use last longer.
“The purpose, where I start, is the idea of use. It is not recycling, it’s reuse.” – Issey Miyake
Photo by Alexandr Podvalny on Unsplash
Tips to Get the Most Use from Everything
Tips for getting the most use from everything are how I live. Learning how to simplify your life pays off. But first, here’s a little background.
I grew up in a home where cleaning your plate was rule number one. Stretching the budget meant buying less expensive brands, using things until they wore out, and cooking with fillers (think pasta, potatoes, and vegetables). This meant anything to help feed a hungry family of four, make you look presentable at work or school (even if not the latest style), and fix things so they are still usable.
Through the years, I’ve learned many ways to economize and enjoy the benefits of my purchases. However, the category is less important than the method. Here are some of my tips to help you maximize your use of almost anything. Think of them as helpful elements in how to live your best life.
Get Creative in the Kitchen with Substitutions, Additions, and Surprise Twists
Mealtime is more fun when you add variety to the menu. Eating better is essential, whether you love to eat or want help with healthy foods to help you feel better now. It’s also a time to practice creativity to get the most use from the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few of my kitchen hacks. Also, check out how to love food: 10 ways to enjoy it.
Photo by Dennis Klein on Unsplash
Nifty Uses for Ketchup
If you love ketchup, don’t you hate being unable to get the delicious condiment from the bottom of the bottle? One way is to tip the bottle upside down so it falls out more easily. However, be careful to hold it over your food as you do, or have a spoon ready to capture it.
But what if you are making a soup, stew, pasta, or other sauce and don’t have tomatoes or want an extra kick of flavor? Swirl some water, chicken, or beef broth in the ketchup bottle and squirt the liquid into your pot.
Get the Most Use from Mayo
This versatile hack applies to more than mayonnaise jars. When you have mayo, salad dressing (in jars), or other food condiments, use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom so you get every last bit.
Photo by Amirali Mirhashemian on Unsplash
Novel Idea for Snack Crumbs
Instead of tossing the crumbs at the bottom of snack bags, make your snack mix to have on hand. The little morsels of chocolate, walnuts, pecans, almonds, and other treats from larger bags make unique and delicious snacks.
I keep a large plastic container that once had mixed nuts and refill it, adding these crumbs for extra tasty treats.
Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
Laundry and Cleaning Hacks to Save Time and Money
If you hate doing laundry or cleaning, anything that helps you get it done quicker and save money is worthwhile. Mastering challenges, big and small, is beneficial for everyone. I’ve found several helpful tips in the categories of laundry and cleaning.
Use Up All Liquid Detergent
Our liquid laundry detergent is Persil HE. I buy the largest container because it’s usually the most economical and lasts the longest. However, it’s heavy to lift and challenging to get out the last few cups.
I always have some old towels or washcloths in the laundry closet, so I place one underneath a plastic measuring cup and pour the liquid in. That makes it easier to put in the washing machine detergent dispenser.
However, for the last drops of detergent, I tip the entire container on an angle over the dispenser (with a washcloth protecting the other dispenser compartments). If it’s too slow to come out, I add some water. That gets the job done, and I end up with an empty plastic container for the recycling bin.
Clean Up Spots with Hydrogen Peroxide
Chocolate, grease, tomato juice, ice cream, gravy, and other spots don’t stand a chance when you use one handy household staple: hydrogen peroxide. You’re missing out if you think this belongs only in the bathroom.
Douse a large cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and soak the stained area. I agitate it a bit and do both sides of the clothing. On the carpet, be sure it’s thoroughly wet. Allow the fluid to sit to work, then pat dry with a clean cloth.
However, you may need to apply this solution twice for set-in stains. I’ve found it remarkably effective.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Clean Gunk from Bathroom Sinks
Do you know the gunk lurking in your sink drain? Most people never think about it until the sink backs up and the water won’t drain. Several workable products in the marketplace promise to keep drains flowing smoothly, and it’s worth exploring to see which one is best for you.
You may want to lift the drain stopper assembly or, if yours is missing, you’re all set to clean the gunk.
Paired with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide gets another life here. Mix and pour into the drain. The bubbling action breaks down the gunk.
For stubborn spots (don’t even think about what it is), use an old toothbrush or long plastic straw to dislodge the gunk from the sides of the tailpiece (the part that extends down to the trap adapter).
Get the Most Use from Paper Towels: Reuse Them
Paper towels are expensive, no matter which brand you choose. For years, I thought of them as used once and tossed. However, I learned from some clever commercials touting their strength and durability that they can be used again just as effectively.
I dry the towel on a rack after using it in the kitchen. It’s helpful to wipe hands dry after washing or to use later to clean the bathroom or other areas.
Photo by Denny Muller on Unsplash
Repurpose Kitchen and Bathroom Towels, Socks, Clothing Strips
When towels get grungy, have spots and stains, show wear and tear, and are no longer presentable, they can be reused in the laundry and for cleaning purposes, whether at work or home. This is another example of how to be more productive.
My old towels serve as a dry mop for my floor cleaning after washing and rinsing with a Rubbermaid, Swiffer, or Libman.
I also use them to clean off patio furniture, wipe down the garage counters, polish furniture, and for other uses.
Socks are great for cleaning chrome, sneakers, window crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas. They’re fine for several uses and can be thrown away when they’re no longer clean.
Photo by PMV Chamara on Unsplash
Beauty and Personal Care Tips to Get the Most Use from Products
If you spend a lot of money on skincare, makeup, and grooming products, it makes sense to squeeze as much use as possible. Since I have allergies and sensitivities to many ingredients, I want my go-to items to last a long time. Using high-quality products is one way I know how to treat your body better. Here are a few of my best tips.
Moisturizers, creams, toothpaste, and sunscreen in tubes – Roll up the tube to get as much product as possible. Then, cut the tube in half and fit one part over the other. When you’re ready to use it, use your fingers to scoop it out.
Liquid makeup, foundation, serums, and tonics – For products with a screw-off or lift-off top that allows you access to the interior, use a Q-Tip or plastic straw cut out to have a flat edge. Use these to extract the product.
Lipstick – Use a flat toothpick to scrape the sides and bottom to remove all the lipstick.
For medication in solution form — I like to use an eyedropper to reach most of the liquid. If that fails, pour what’s left into the replacement medicine bottle.
You likely have tips for saving time and money that help you get the most use from everyday items. I know you know how to get more time for yourself. I’d love to hear your suggestions, since I always seek good ideas.
75111746 Writer, blogger, editor
My name is Suzanne Kane, and I’m a motivational and passionate blog writer with over 30 years of experience. My mission is to provide thought-provoking blogs and feature articles exploring various topics of interest, including: Health Relationships Coping with Life’s Stresses Research on Anxiety and Depression Mental Health Issues Career How to Live Life to the Fullest and with Purpose
