Stretching a buck

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

Have any of you tried your own dryer sheets? I found one site that says to soak a piece of fabric like a thin washcloth or flour sack in fabric softener and let it dry completely. According to that it can be used for 40 loads of laundry. I'm gonna try that this weekend and see how it works.

Yes. I did that for years when my kids were small. Now I don't do enough laundry to bother. It DID work though

[jadabug]

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

I made this in a dry form. I found the recipe on Pinterest (which I am addicted to).

4 lbs Borax
4 lbs baking soda
3 lbs Oxyclean (there is a store brand)
1 box of Arm&Hammer Super Washing soda
3 bars of Fels Naptha
(I found everything at Publix)

Grating the soap is the hardest part. This made almost 2 gallons of dry detergent. I use 2 tablespoons per load. I'm anxious to see how long it lasts. I'm going to make my own dishwasher detergent too.

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

Have any of you tried your own dryer sheets? I found one site that says to soak a piece of fabric like a thin washcloth or flour sack in fabric softener and let it dry completely. According to that it can be used for 40 loads of laundry. I'm gonna try that this weekend and see how it works.

Gotta try both of these I hate throwing money down the drain...PS what is pinterest???

[Mom to Hot Rod]

when I cook dinner, I try to make a tad bit more so I can have lunch for the next day or 2. This saves me from 1. cooking again and 2. buying lunch.

I use coupons as well.

I tried making my own detergent but couldn't find the soap, glad to read there are other alternatives so I will try these when I run out my current box. I also use less than what is recommended for a load of wash.

I use Downey, which I just cannot give up . I usually dilute it when I use it.

I have been using vinegar and water and have a steam mop.

I do grown tomatoes in the summer and would love to have a full garden. I have been trying to get dh to help me with this. I started an herb garden last year and will probably never have to buy oregano again. lol

[Cooper2010]

Pinterest is an online sort of social network site that links to thousands of websites via pinboards. Tons of ideas! I made a lemon sugar scrub I found there and gave it as Christmas gifts. Its a great site!

[Cooper2010]

My daughter sent me an invitation, she's in college majoring in elementary ed. and finds tons of lesson plan ideas there. I think you can join without an invite though. If you do happen to need one I'll be glad to send it.....just message me your email address.

So glad that I found this little nook of the forum today....right up my alley!

[Cooper2010]

Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod

when I cook dinner, I try to make a tad bit more so I can have lunch for the next day or 2. This saves me from 1. cooking again and 2. buying lunch.

I use coupons as well.

I tried making my own detergent but couldn't find the soap, glad to read there are other alternatives so I will try these when I run out my current box. I also use less than what is recommended for a load of wash.

I use Downey, which I just cannot give up . I usually dilute it when I use it.

I have been using vinegar and water and have a steam mop.

I do grown tomatoes in the summer and would love to have a full garden. I have been trying to get dh to help me with this. I started an herb garden last year and will probably never have to buy oregano again. lol

Downey comes in a crystal form now....I bet you could easily add a bottle of that in with the dry mixture and get the same scent/effect.

[Cooper2010]

Originally Posted by sugarmamma

Yes. I did that for years when my kids were small. Now I don't do enough laundry to bother. It DID work though

I was worried about this leaving stains on clothes like fabric softener does when it isn't diluted or used in a dispenser. That doesn't happen?

[sugarmamma]

Planting scallion roots to regrow is still a big favorite of mine. I impressed my whole family with that one last week

[Cooper2010]

I found some scented oil on clearance at Michael's and refilled my plug in bottles. It works too! Pop the plastic top off, refill it and put the wick and top back on.

[chachi]

My brother in law lives in Florida and has low electric bills by unplugging things when your done using it rather than keep it plugged in. Even when you arent using it electricity is running to it when its plugged in. I like the convenience of having things plugged in but I may try it and see if it really makes a difference. We have major things that are plugged in all the time like a hot tub and a pond pump so I dont know if I will see significant savings

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by chachi

My brother in law lives in Florida and has low electric bills by unplugging things when your done using it rather than keep it plugged in. Even when you arent using it electricity is running to it when its plugged in. I like the convenience of having things plugged in but I may try it and see if it really makes a difference. We have major things that are plugged in all the time like a hot tub and a pond pump so I dont know if I will see significant savings

My Mom has done this for the past 3 years and has seen a difference.

I tried it, but got really annoyed really quickly with waiting for 20 minutes only to find slightly less fresh bread in my toaster instead of toast