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What thrifty things do you do that you're surprised no one else does?

(164 Posts)
petitpois Thu 07-May-20 08:35:04

I think we're all in for more difficult times in the future, and I was hoping to pick up some tips. What do you do already that you're surprised others don't? Whenever I need to buy something new I check out eBay first to see if anyone happens to be selling something similar. I've lucked out with a very useful desk as well as some lovely pots for the garden.
I also always make my own stock and so have never had to buy. When my grandkids were smaller I used to occasionally take them to charity shops to choose a treat toy or book. They loved it plus it's a good opportunity to support the charity.

Daisyboots Sat 09-May-20 00:38:04

Yes I do most of the tips posted but I dont think I could be bothered to wash used aluminium foil sheets.
We dont have baths anymore, preferring to shower,so I have taken to filling up the liquid handsoap containers with bubble bath to use for handwashing.

firdaus19 Sun 10-May-20 00:52:03

Small see through plastic tubs, such as the ones that houmous comes in, make great fridge containers. At first I thought they might be fragile but they've lasted us very well : 2 years and counting for some -- in fact, longer than the 'proper' storebought ones! They're perfect for our dinner leftovers. The lids fit well, they're hygienic, easy to clean and the contents are visible and attractive. So much so that everything gets used up within a day or two and nothing ends up being thrown away.

AlexG Sun 10-May-20 13:32:25

My mother always used to stick the last bit of a bar of soap onto the new bar and I hated it. Vowed I would never do this when I had my own place. And never have until I remarried and discovered my new husband does this too. Must be more tolerant now as it is a small habit to put up with, and he’s worth it!

Callistemon Sun 10-May-20 13:36:02

I was going to throw the last bit of soap in the bin but then decided to use it to scrub the utility room sink with a sponge scourer and it has come up a treat.
It was Coal Tar soap, one we use when we come in from the garden, so smells of antiseptic.

Alishka Sun 10-May-20 13:42:29

I've got one,Miss! I've got one!grin
I buy my wine mostly in boxes, useful for both cooking and quaffing while I cook.
And you know what?
If you open the box, take out the foil container, and pour from the foil opposite the tap end, the result is...ta!da!..a nearly full glass of wine! How good is that?!
Cheers!wine

NfkDumpling Sun 10-May-20 14:22:52

Does anyone remember the soap savers from the 70s? A small, soap sized round plastic container in which you put all the little bits of left over soap. Press them down a bit, lid on and then into boiling water for five minutes. The result was a new multi-coloured bar of soap. I wish I still had mine and have been looking out for a similar container.

I'm another who freezes elderly lemons. Slice them and quarter each slice and put one in each ice tray section and fill with water. Lemon ice cubes. Perfect for gin and Limonchelo.

Many years ago my elderly neighbour used to wash and re-use plastic bags. I got into the habit of copying this and have rarely had to buy new bags. We had some green ones from Lakeland we used for freezing cake and bread which we bought when we moved into this house 14 years ago. Ten in a pack I believe. They were replaced about three years ago but I don't think these are such good quality, a couple have got holes in and been jettisoned already!

Naty Fri 15-May-20 03:07:18

I refuse to use paper towels.
I often reuse kitchen dish towels as a napkin.
I don't throw food away.
I try not to buy clothes.
For pee, I usually only use two sheets of toilet paper. blush
I take "military showers" and shut the water off to lather up...but I do enjoy letting hot water run over me.
I am more environmentally conscious than I am frugal.

Quercus Fri 15-May-20 06:00:08

I have made a hairband and a face mask from cut sections of the legs of old leggings.

Whitewavemark2 Fri 15-May-20 07:37:09

quercus love your name? are you just as strong?

Fennel Fri 15-May-20 11:54:22

Some good ideas, I'm going to try the soup from leftover veg. etc. But we not soup-lovers so will have to adapt - makes an easy supper.
Naty you've reminded me of an idea I saw on a Green forum of a substitute for toilet paper -
Keep old rags and cut into squares. Keep a bucket of water next to the toilet and drop the used squares into it. Then launder and re-use.
I can hear people saying Yuk shock. I've never tried it.

Oopsadaisy3 Fri 15-May-20 11:58:22

Oh * Alishka* we have so much in common, nothing like a fresh glass of Cardboardeau, to end the day, also, if you don’t tell anyone about the extra glass if you squish the bag, you get that one all to yourself.

Alexa Fri 15-May-20 14:42:02

Authoress, are nettles still okay in mid May?

Callistemon Fri 15-May-20 14:50:55

Fennel if it's leftover cooked veg, nothing beats bubble and squeak.
I was at someone's house once and saw them ditch the remains of the roast potatoes, carrots and sprouts in the bin shock