Laundry Bottle Craft IdeasCraft ideas using laundry detergent bottles. Cut the top half off a plastic clothes detergent or fabric softener bottle leaving as much of the handle as possible. The bottom half of the bottle will become the boat.
Saving Money on CoffeeMy daughter taught me this tip about saving money on coffee costs. She worked in a fancy coffee shop and they taught her tons about coffee, even though she is not a coffee drinker. Grind your coffee very fine (espresso grind) and it will go much further.
Uses for Coffee CansRe-use metal coffee cans and lids. My grandfather used coffee cans to store nails, bolts, small screw drivers, and other tools. The cans kept the moisture out and kept things organized. They can also be used to store small containers of oil, etc. and sandpaper.
Uses for HairsprayHere are a few things you can do with hairspray when you need to substitute for other products.
Uses for ClothespinsWho doesn't want to save a little money and keep numerous dry goods fresher longer? Head to your laundry room and grab all the cloths pegs you can.
Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent BottlesTo organize cleaning tools, gardening tools, and small household tools, use an old plastic laundry detergent bottle. With a utility knife, cut off the top even with the bottom of the handle, leaving handle intact. This allows full open access for storage.
Cleaning Textured WallsWhen my boys were little, I discovered a great way to spot clean my walls. Using foam bathroom cleaner and a soft cloth is gentle on the paint, yet removes dirt and grime with no rinsing required.
Uses for Parmesan Cheese ContainersDon't throw away your plastic Parmesan cheese containers. They are perfect for storing baking soda, flour, and powdered sugar. The two sides of the container make it convenient for using a spoon or just shaking it onto a surface.
Preparation for the HolidaysI have a folder of things to do each day. Now that it's gotten so busy this close to Christmas, I have a clear page protector for each day before Christmas and put that days coupons, recipes, lists, etc. in it to be done.
Saving Money on SpicesWhen buying herbs and/or spices, do so a tablespoon or so at a time, rather than the higher priced "packaged" ones. This means you will have fresher, and it costs far less.
Uses for Petroleum JellyRub petroleum jelly around the neck of a new bottle of nail polish to keep the cap from sticking.
Save Money on Ziplock BagsI wash out ziplock bags (freezer and storage) after use. I throw away any that had meat in them that thawed. When done, I fold a section of paper towel and put it in the bag, then flatten the bag.
Alternate Uses for Dental FlossFor the past few weeks I've been writing down ideas to share for reusing dental floss instead of simply throwing it away after using. Here is what I've come up with which also gave me more ideas for uses beyond reusing after flossing.
Shopping at Garage SalesI love garage sales, but I also like saving my money on junk. I always take my iced water along for days when the weather forecast calls for hot, humid weather. It is also good to keep a tape measure and bungee ties in the car for measuring items and hauling them away.
Uses for Newspaper Plastic BagsIf you get a daily newspaper delivered to you in long, narrow plastic bags, you can recycle them in a number of ways. They are great for holding shoes when traveling, so that the clothing in your suitcase doesn't get dirty.
Uses for Paint Chip SamplesGet free paint card samples from the hardware store or Wal-Mart to use for card making or scrapbook embellishments and crafts. The discarded sample cards for kitchen cupboards make good stiff bookmark materials that can be covered with your choice of medium.
Cookie Baking TipsEveryone likes to bake cookies, children as well as experienced bakers. Recipes will most often guide you through whatever cookie you're making, however these tips might add to a cookie baker's success with every different kind of cookie.
Tips For Remembering NamesI make it a point to shake hands with each person, which gives me time to repeat their name and ask a question that will hopefully relate them to someone I know or where they work for later reference.
Save Money on Fabric SoftenerI love the way my laundry feels and smells when using fabric softener but I never want to spend the money. So I purchased a plain spray bottle and fabric softener, filled it with fabric softener about 1/3 of the way up and the rest of way with water.
Uses for Shredded PaperI save all zip lock bags after many uses when I want to send a package I fill those bags with shredded paper put a note in the package and ask the recipient to save and use in the same way.
Use Extra Earrings as Push PinsLadies, have you ever lost an earring rendering the other one useless? Try using your old earrings or mis-matched ones as thumb tacks on a bulletin board. Not only does it give a funky eclectic vibe but it also serves a purpose.
Reusing Styrofoam Food ContainersMy local grocer has wonderful soup, we sometimes buy 3 a week. They come in a 2 cup Styrofoam container with plastic lid. I've been recycling them and use as leftover containers. It's the perfect size for too much to throw out but not enough to waste a baggie on.
Saving Money on Lunch Box Food ItemsThe grocery store only sells individual chocolate milk and I didn't like the sugar content. So I take a small, empty water bottle and fill it with white milk. I put it in their lunch box with an ice pack. It saves them time at lunch and saves us money, too!
Uses for Shoe OrganizersI love the cloth shoe organizers, I use them for everything. This is my arts n crafts/school stuff. I painted tin cans with spray paint and stuck them in the slots.
Uses for Prescription BottlesI have seen several people ask about uses for pill bottles and decided to give my assorted uses for them. I have many of various sizes in my sewing box to sort out the different sizes of snaps, safety pins, and buttons.
Recycle Old TowelsAbout two months ago I went through my towels. I had some of my own which were old and some I had inherited. I had a lot, some of which were cheap and worn.
Uses for Coffee FiltersCoffee filters are a very thrifty product to have in your kitchen. Not only for filtering the grounds on coffee, but try opening a few on your plate to drain fries and other fried foods.
Uses for Ben and Jerry's Mini SpoonsI had never had any Ben and Jerry's ice cream before. I know, insane, right? So last night I opened my first mini one, thinking if I didn't like it (NOT) I would only be out a dollar. They come with these cute little spoons on the top under a cardboard lid.
My Mitten Drying Rack Has Many UsesI get a lot of use out of a simple mitten drying rack! I use it to dry my rubber gloves after cleaning, my ziploc bags that I wash and save, dish towels...which do not dry very fast in the kitchen. I also put my grandson's little wet shoes on the mitten tree.
Household Items That Do Double DutyHere are some household items that can be used for something other than their intended purpose.
Uses for Milk JugsCleaned out milk jugs are so handy around the house. Of course I take them to the store to fill for drinking water. I mix up plant fertilizer in them to feed the plants. So easy to grab and pour. I mix up hummingbird food and store in the frig.
Uses for Shower CapsMy Dollar store sells like 10 shower caps for a dollar. They have endless uses. Great bowl covers at a picnic. I cut 2 little holes in them slide one over my hand when I paint, when I take a break, pull the cap over the brush to prevent drying out.
Use a Bread Closure as a Guitar PickIf you can't find a guitar pick, you can instead use one of those small square plastic tabs they use to close bread. My ex used one all the time. He wasn't good for much, but he sure could play that Les Paul.
Six Uses for Nail Polish Besides Your Nails6 things you can do with nail polish besides paint your nails. Tighten loose screws on cabinets or pot handles by brushing some clear nail polish on screw threads.
Saving Money on JeansTips for saving money on jeans as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own idea here.
Money Saving Hamburger IdeasTips for saving money on ground beef. Buy hamburger in bulk packages, divide into desired amount then put in freezer bags and mash flat. This is great for saving room in your freezer.
Uses for Cardboard Milk CartonsPrevent scratches on your floor with cardbaord milk cartons. Cut off the top part of the milk carton and slip the lower part on furniture legs. Then you can slide heavy furniture without fear of scratching your floor.
Repurposing FrisbeesMy family always seems to have an overabundance of frisbees (mostly free promotional giveaways) - and since you only need one or two for actually throwing around the back yard, I started repurposing them for other uses.
Other Uses for SuspendersSuspenders go in and out of style for fashion, but in our house they never go out of style as useful tools. Between the double clipped ends, the long elastic length, and the adjustability, they are invaluable to us.
Uses for Dryer LintDryer lint is an expensive commodity. It represents the life being worn from your clothes by the action and heat of the dryer. I know that's why I won't dry anything of mine any more. I get it out and hang it up to dry or put it on the line.
Saving Money on MeatTips for saving money on meat from the ThriftyFun community.
Uses for Levi PocketsYou can sew them together and add a cord to make a tiny shoulder bag. Needless to add, you can embroider or otherwise decorate it.
Uses for Old CrayonsMaking crafts out of old crayons. Tips for making new crayons, candles, pictures and more.
Uses for Tissue BoxesHere are some creative ways to reuse tissue boxes. Post your own ideas below.
The Joys of RecyclingWe all know that recycling is good for our planet and most people have the soda can and plastic and newspaper recycling down pat. But did you know there are other things that can be recycled?
Uses For Drapes and CurtainsTips for using drapes and curtains as craft material for other projects. Post your ideas.
Uses for Eucalyptus OilGreat Uses for Eucalyptus Oil. Dilute 50% with water in a spray bottle and use as a room freshener to mask unpleasant odors.
Uses for Gallon Detergent Bottles and InsertsUses for Gallon Detergent Bottles and Inserts. I finally figured a way to recycle those gallon detergent no-drip inserts that were driving me nuts, since I have so many. . .
Removing StainsTo take stains out of clothing, use a 12 oz can of Coke-Cola Classic. Put some on stain, then rest in the wash water along with your detergent. Use COLD water only.
Save Money on Dish SoapTips for saving on dish soap: Fill a pump bottle halfway with dish soap and the rest of the way with water. It uses less soap, but still produces great suds.
Uses for Playing CardsBelow are some ideas for reusing playing cards. Feel free to post your own ideas in the feedback forum.
New Uses for Video CassettesNew Uses of Video Cassettes (without even dismantling them). Making a plant stand table. You do this by gluing 2 videos on the sides to 2 videos on top, again you can decorate or not.
Uses for Q-TipsQ Tips can be used many things such as: Applying make up, applying medication to sore area. . .
Other Uses for Coffee FiltersUse for coffee filters, other than making coffee.
Craft Uses for Old ClothingCraft Uses for Old Clothing. Turning Old Clothes Into a Quilt, a pillow or something else useful.
Uses for Citrus RindsIdeas for reusing Citrus Rinds. When you use a lemon, don't throw away the peel. Put it in a baggy and toss it in the freezer. Then you will have it handy if you encounter a recipe that needs lemon zest.
Uses for Cotton SwabsAh, the lowly cotton swab (or Q-tip to you) - good for so many things. I just used it to clean off the little nooks and crannies of a vintage instrument I was trying to recover from its years of dust and grime.
Uses for Two Sided TapeUses for Two Sided Tape: Use on walls pictures to keep them straight . . .
Use for an Old Golf BagUse an old golf bag as a tote to help lug your garden tools out to your garden.
Uses for Ice Cube TraysIdeas for using ice cube trays for something other than making ice. Post your ideas.
Uses For PaintbrushesThere are many uses for paint brushes, other than painting. Some of these are:
Reusing Old SilverwareIdeas for reusing silverware once it is past it's prime. Post your ideas.
Air Travel TipsTips for traveling by airplane. Post your ideas.
Cheap Entertainment (aka Thrifty Fun!)Tips for having a good time without spending a lot of money.
Uses for End Rolls of NewsprintYou can get end rolls of plain newspaper from most newspapers. Its width is the longest length of your paper, and it's plain with no print. I use it for the following:
Idea For Reusing Tidy-Cat Kitty Litter ContainersThe Tidy-Cat 27 lb. plastic container with the handle, when empty, and washed out, makes a really sturdy catch all for small toys to store!
Old Video TapesWell People! It looks like DVD's Are The Next Greatest Thing, so what do we do with our old broken Video Cassettes now?
Uses For CornstarchTips for using cornstarch around the house. Post your ideas.
Using It All - Spray CleanersI have a small 2 oz squirt bottle that I got as a free sample in the mail, it originally held cleaner. Now when I have a small amount of cleaner left in a large bottle, I pour it into my 2 oz bottle so that I don't waste a drop and I can use all of my cleaner!
Reusing Cooking WaterYou can decrease dry air problems and make better use of your energy dollar in the cold seasons by reusing water.
Reusing Light Bulb PackgesI keep the crimped and thin cardboard from light bulb packages, boxes, etc. and use them in making handmade cards and scrapbooking.
Reusing Laundry ContainersI always hated to toss the empty plastic containers for softeners, laundry soap and other similar products. I decided that the lid could be used for different craft projects.
Craft Ideas Using Twist TiesWhat do you use with your twist ties?
Uses For 4 Liter Milk ContainersTips for reusing 4 liter milk containers. Post your ideas.
Uses for Rubber GlovesWhat are some ways to reuse rubber gloves that are past their prime? Post your ideas.
Paper Wad BasketballI thought this would be a perfect opportunity for you to start thinking about new ways to use old stuff - for fun, family and the sheer joy of always having something to play.
Uses For ShorteningUses for shortening, other than cooking. Post your ideas.
Sheet Washing TipsTips and ideas for washing, drying and folding sheets. Post your ideas.
Uses for Torengo's Chip ContainersWash and reuse those plastic containers that Torengos chips come in. I use them for everything from storing small craft parts to keeping prepackaged granola bars fresh (and bug free) in my office desk.
Saving Energy When CookingTo save energy while cooking, try to cook more than one thing at once in the oven. For example, when I'm cooking a casserole at 400 F, I also put in the oven a batch of muffins. The muffins just come out of the oven earlier.
Recycling Political Campaign SignsMy biggest pet peeve around here is that after the election our city is littered with election signs and issue signs that no one ever gets around to picking up.
Foodsaver UsesThat foodsaver vac 300 is useful for more than just food. I don't own one, but it would be great for packaging jewelry for a yard sale, salt for your husband's lunchbox, even as a type of laminator for precious keepsakes. I have a Christmas card from my Mother, who is now with the Lord. I keep it in plain sight in my kitchen and it gets a lot of dirt. Wouldn't the Foodsaver be great for it?
By springmaid5
Saving Money on DeodorantTips for saving money on deodorant. Post your ideas.
Aluminum Foil Pot ScrubberMost thrifty homemakers might wipe a bit of frosting from a sheet of used aluminum foil and fold it for reuse. However, even if the piece of foil is well used and worn... it has a further life!
Reusing Disposables GameMake a game out of seeing how many times a "disposable" product can (safely) be reused. I have been using the same sheet of paper towel to clean my bathroom mirror for over 2 months! I have used a paper plate to eat a sandwich on, brushed off the crumbs when finished, used it to cover a bowl of soup in the microwave, and finally drained bacon on it. My disposable paper products (well, except toilet paper!) seem to last a very long time!
By Leann D
Conserving PaperI love to find recipes and projects on the Internet. However, I like easy! Many times I want to print something out that is very short and does not take up a whole sheet. What I do is copy and paste into Word and keep adding to it until I have a whole page and then print the whole thing out. It saves paper and I don't have so much to keep up with!
By Jacqui
Reuse Junk CD MailersEvery once in a while I will get in my mailer a really nice plastic CD box with a CD from one of the "other internet providers" I use these to mail Photo CD's to my family. Open the CD and lay the box flat and remove the paper from inside the plastic cover.
Uses for Bread TabsMy favorite uses for these cute little thangs. Please add your ideas.
On my Rolodex, I tape bread tabs on the cards most often used. Write the person's name with permanent marker and it's a real time saver.
This is one item I can't bring myself to throw away. I have a whole china teacup full, isn't that terrible? Other uses I've heard of are using them to scrape a teflon pan and to label extension cords.
Does anyone have any other ideas for using these, maybe especially in craft projects?
By Jayne
Save Money on Freezer BagsTo save money on freezer bags, put food in sandwich bags, then put several sandwich bags in one large freezer bag.
Thrifty Uses for SaltThere are many uses for salt other than cooking. It can be used on carpet stains, perspiration stains and more. Read some ideas and post your own.
Uses for Pencil ErasersAlternate uses for erasers.
Uses for Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil BoxesHere are some ideas for reusing Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil boxes.
Use for Old Bristle Brooms: Shoe CleanerI saw this tip in action recently, when I find a bristle broom at a garage sale I will try it myself. You can make a shoe cleaner using an old bristle broom. Just cut all the warn bristles off and most of the handle (leave a foot or so).
Uses for a Broken UmbrellaTips for reusing an umbrella that is broken or old.
Perfume Cards from MagazinesI use the perfumed scratch and sniff cards that come in magazines to throw in the garbage can in my kitchen. It takes care of bad odors and it doesn't cost me anything, especially since I bought the magazine at a garage sale for 10 cents. I also use the coupons from it to get a discount off something else at the store!
By Tiny Bop
Using it Up: Leftover or Stale CerealIdeas and tips for leftover or stale cereal.
Saving Money on PantyhoseTips for saving money pantyhose.
Frugal Beach TipsWarmer weather is just around the corner or already arrived. Here are some tips for your trip to the beach.
What to do with paper cardboard cylindersHow do you use leftover tubes from toilet paper, paper towels and wrap?
Big List of Valentine's Day Tips!Below are tips from our archive and new tips. We are adding more every day until Valentine's day so bookmark this page. You can post your ideas online send them to daily@thriftyfun.com Updated 2/14/2001
Simple Things We Can Do To Save EnergyHere are some simple ideas for saving energy, from gasoline to electricity. Do you have some ideas that are not mentioned in this list. Please add them, below.
Brainstorming Tool TipsPut a mothball in your tool box to help prevent rust. Organize your tools in your toolbox so that the tools you use the most are on top. Do you have any tool tips? Post them here!
