Life is getting more and more expensive, which makes cutting down monthly costs to make your budget stretch a little further just about impossible. The increased cost of fuel and food, means we now have to look elsewhere to lower expenses.
Reduce your monthly grudge buys such as cleaning products by being savvy about what you use and how you use it. There is no need to buy expensive products that only serve one purpose. Rather, go for common, old-school household staples that can do multiple jobs and cost a lot less. All you actually need is:
- Aluminium foil can be used to help speed up ironing by placing a layer of foil under your ironing board cover. Or scrunch up old aluminium foil and use it to scrub off tough stains from your pots and pans.
- Talcum powder can be used to repel ants when sprinkled on window sills, or can be brushed into your hair as a dry shampoo.
- Toothpaste can be used to clean jewellery and chrome, remove scuffs from leather shoes and even give your piano keys a shine. A thin layer of non-gel toothpaste will also stop your bathroom mirror from fogging up. The same can be done for your glasses.
- Lemon or baking soda are effective odour removers. A lemon rind at the bottom of your dustbin can help get rid of the odours. Or make your own natural air freshener by placing baking soda in a jar mixed with essential oils. Cover with a cloth and secure it with an elastic band.
- Milton, which is more commonly known as a sterilising product for baby’s bottles, can be used in over 100 different ways including: Disinfecting and cleaning the inside of your fridge and your kitchen counters; removing the build-up of mould and mildew on bathroom basin tops and cupboards; and purifying water before drinking – a must for camping trips.