Life’s Tricky Situations

Archive for the ‘saving tips’ Category

To remove soap scum without spending on pricey cleaners, make your own spritz.  Simply combine 3 parts water to 1 part bleach in an empty spray bottle, then add 1 tablespoon white vinegar.  The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves alkaline soap deposits while the diluted bleach kills mildew and prevents it from forming again.

Save up on pricey cleaners when cleaning your oven.  The next time your cake or pot roast juices overflow in the oven, leave a bowlful of ammonia in the closed (make sure it’s turned off) oven overnight.  I’ve read that the liquid emits gas that loosens stuck-on food.  Simply wipe the oven walls with damp paper towels in the morning.

Did you know that the faster you change speeds when driving, the more energy your car requires to rev the engine or hold it back?  So take it easy on your gas pedal, coast when you can and slowly ease onto the brake long before a red light to boost fuel economy by up to 33%.  This technique can help you save up to $15 per tank.

You don’t have to have a fabric steamer to wash your curtains or bring them to professional cleaners.  You can easily do it on your own even without a steamer.  Here’s how: After washing your floor-length living room curtains, hang them while they are still damp.  Then insert butter knives horizontally in the opening at the bottom hems.  The weight of the knives will force the fabric to straighten.  Once the curtains are dry, remove the knives to reveal beautiful window treatments that look professional pressed.  Money saved?  $50.00!

Want to double the life of your printer’s ink cartridge?  Then instead of using black, change the font color to gray.  By switching to this lighter hue, you still use the black ink, but a lesser amount.  Your printouts will be just as legible, yet your cartridge will last as long.