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You're Wasting Money At Home If You Aren't Doing Any Of These 40 Clever Things

Simple money-saving methods.

Written by Rebecca Martinson
You're Wasting Money At Home If You Aren't Doing Any Of These 40 Clever Things
Amazon
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No matter how diligently you try to stick to a budget, there are some habits that can lead to you wasting your hard-earned money. Sometimes it’s the smallest things — like letting produce go bad inside your fridge — that can quickly add up over time. (And don’t get me started on how much money I’ve spent buying paper towels when I could’ve started using dishcloths instead.)

But if you aren’t sure what exactly is leading your finances astray? Not a problem, as I’ve come up with this list of ways you’re wasting money at home and how to fix them. Here, you’re sure to find a money-saving tip no matter what your spending habits are. So what are you waiting for? These expensive mistakes aren’t going to fix themselves.

1Squeezing Out Every Last Drop Of Product From Tubes

Toothpaste, oil paint, skincare — these rollers make it so easy to squeeze every last drop of product out from nearly any flexible tube. They’re made from high-quality ABS plastic, which means they’re durable enough to be reused time and time again. Plus, the small hole at the top of each one lets you hang them up for storage.

2Giving Yourself At-Home Pedicures For Less

Paying for a professional pedicure twice a month quickly adds up, so why not grab this callus remover set and give yourself a pedicure instead? Simply spritz the bottoms of your feet with the exfoliating scrub, then use the rasp to buff away all that dry, peeling skin. Plus, the spray has a lightweight mint scent that leaves your feet smelling refreshed as well as feeling smooth.

3Making Your Own Indulgent Cup Of Joe At Home

Don’t waste money buying coffee every morning — instead, use this milk frother to take your cup of Joe to the next level. The whisking head is made from rust-resistant stainless steel, so there’s no need to worry about it corroding over time. And since the motor runs at a near-silent level, the chances that you’ll disturb others when using it at the office are incredibly low.

4Protecting Your Delicates From Damage In The Wash

It’s almost too easy for delicates to get tangled and ripped in the wash — but that’s where this laundry bag comes in handy. Simply place your delicates inside, and it’ll help keep them safe as they tumble and spin. The best part? Its rustproof zipper neatly tucks underneath a small side strap, eliminating the chances of it snagging on other clothes during the wash cycle.

5Using A Drying Rack To Help Cut Back On Energy Costs

If your energy bills are on the higher side, consider using this drying rack instead of your dryer to help cut back on costs. It’s made from tough steel with a rust-resistant finish. You can also collapse it down to a fraction of its size to help you save space in storage — and with 24 feet of drying space, you shouldn’t have any trouble fitting nearly an entire load of laundry on it.

6Using An Odor Eliminator To Refresh Pet-Stained Areas

If you’ve noticed unwanted odors coming from your rugs, try using this odor eliminator to give them a refresh before buying a replacement. It’s so potent that it can eliminate smells produced by pet urine, and the lightweight citrus scent is even derived from real orange peels.

7Protecting Your Mattress From Sweat & Spills

Your mattress is likely one of the most expensive items in your home, so it makes sense that you’d want to use this protective sheet to keep it in good shape. It helps keep your mattress dry from spills, sweat, urine, or nearly any other type of fluid — and the breathable material won’t leave you sweating on hot nights. Once dirty, simply toss it into the wash for a quick clean.

8Capping The Ends Of Halved Produce To Help Keep Them Fresh

Leaving the open side of halved fruits and vegetables can lead to them spoiling faster, making these food huggers a smart investment. They’re made from flexible silicone that stretches to fit tomatoes, lemons, zucchinis, or nearly any other type of produce or container. And since they’re tear-resistant, there’s no need to worry about them ripping as you stretch.

9Restoring Your Damaged & Faded Leather Instead Of Replacing It

Shoes, furniture, clothing — this repair kit is designed to help refresh all sorts of damaged leather surfaces. Each order comes with a variety of colors that you can blend together in order to match practically any shade of leather or leatherette. Plus, the repairing compound can even be used to fix small holes, rips, burns, and more.

10Opting For Reusable Mop Pads Over Disposables

The cost of having to buy new mop pads quickly adds up, so why not switch over to these reusable ones? They’re made from soft microfiber that latches onto dirt and dust, trapping it within their fibers until you either shake them out over the trash or toss them into the wash for a quick clean.

11Saving Those Disposable Plastic Grocery Bags For Later

It’s always a good idea to save your plastic grocery bags for later — and this dispenser gives you a compact place to store them. There’s enough space inside for dozens of bags, and the brushed stainless steel exterior is even resistant to fingerprints. The best part? You can also mount it to the inside of a cabinet door for easy access and to help save space.

12Cleaning Your Home With Reusable Dishcloths Over Paper Towels

While cleaning your home using paper towels may be convenient, using these Swedish dishcloths instead can help you save so much money over time. They’re gritty when dry yet soft when wet, making them suitable for dusting, wiping up spills, or even scouring dirty pans. And unlike plain cotton towels, these dishcloths won’t leave behind streaks when cleaning glass.

13Protecting Your Floors From Furniture Leg Scratches

Replacing scratched floors is rarely ever cheap, so why not protect them from damage by adding these covers to your furniture legs? They come in four shades to blend into your furniture legs for a seamless look: clear, brown, dark walnut, or black. And since they stretch to fit nearly any leg, there’s also no need for any tools or adhesive during installation.

14Cleaning Out Your Lint Trap To Make Your Dryer More Efficient

A clogged lint trap can force your dryer to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to higher energy bills — so take a look at this vacuum attachment. It helps you reach deep into your dryer so that you can easily suck out any stray bits of lint that have escaped past the trap. But if that isn’t enough? Each order also includes an extra-long lint brush for those days when you don’t feel like dragging out a vacuum.

15Keeping Your Bathroom Plumbing Clear & Clog-Free

A visit from the plumber is rarely ever cheap, so why not place one of these protectors overtop of your bathtub drain? The adhesive backing is waterproof, so there’s no need to worry about it shifting out of place when you’re running a bath — and you only need to replace it about once every three weeks. Once clogged with debris, simply toss it in the trash and stick a new one in its place.

16Opting For Reusable Coffee Pods Over Disposables

Instead of spending money on disposable coffee pods, why not upgrade to these reusable ones and save yourself some green? Their tight lids help prevent coffee ground blowouts, while the micro-etch stainless steel mesh ensures that the grounds don’t leak into your cup of joe.

17Refreshing Scratched Wood With This Easy-To-Use Repair Kit

Whether your wood furniture or floors have scratches, this repair kit is an easy way to help hide all that damage from sight. Each order comes with six markers and crayons in wood-friendly colors: black, mahogany, walnut, maple, cherry, and oak. Simply “color in the lines” on your wood using a matching color, then watch the scratch disappear as the ink dries or the wax settles in.

18Insulating Drafty Doors To Help Lower Energy Bills

A drafty door can quickly run up your heating and cooling bills — but that’s only part of the reason why this draft stopper is worth a look. Not only does it help insulate doors, but it also works to block out noise, unwanted odors, as well as light. The best part? You can also trim it to fit smaller doorways as needed.

19Keeping Your Charging Cables In Good Working Condition

Ever notice how the connector between your charging plug and cable can start to fray? Slide one of these silicone coils onto your cable, and it’ll help keep it from fraying so that you won’t have to buy a replacement. And since each order comes with 24, there’s more than enough for everybody in your home to start using them.

20Using These BluApples To Help Keep Produce Fresher For Longer

Letting produce go bad is one of the easiest ways to waste money — but that’s where these BluApples come in handy. Simply place one in your produce drawer or fruit bowl, and it’ll absorb excess ethylene gas in order to help keep your greens fresher for longer. But if that isn’t enough? You also only need to replace them once every three months for best results.

21Wiping Your Face With A Reusable Makeup Eraser

Using disposable towelettes to clean your face is incredibly wasteful — instead, give this makeup eraser a try. There’s no need to use any cleanser with it, as all it needs is a little water to wipe away mascara, eyeliner, foundation, and more. Plus, you can even wash and reuse it hundreds of times.

22Storing Your Greens Inside Of This Saver Pod

Parsley, basil, asparagus — this pod is designed to help keep all sorts of greens fresh for up to three weeks. It’s small enough to fit inside some refrigerator doors, and you only need to replace the water inside of the reservoir base once every three days for best results. “We now buy fresh herbs much more readily as they last weeks vs days and meals taste so much better!” raved one Amazon reviewer.

23Protecting Your Furniture From Scratch-Happy Cats

When even the finest scratching post won’t stop your cat from destroying your furniture, it may be time to take a look at these shields. They’re completely transparent, giving them an ultra-subtle look when placed against your sofas and chairs. Installation is also a total breeze — simply peel off the adhesive backing, then press it right into place.

24Repairing Tile Surfaces That Have Cracked Or Chipped

Completely replacing damaged tile surfaces is rarely ever cheap — instead, give this repair kit a try. Simply clean the damaged tile, apply the repairing compound, then wipe away any excess so that it sits flush with the tile. There’s no need for any mixing since it’s a filler, sealer, and colorant. And since it dries to a glossy finish, there’s no need to worry about it blending in seamlessly.

25Keeping Your Knives In Tip-Top Shape

Preparing meals using dull knives can be a real pain, which is only part of the reason why this sharpener is worth a look. It’s designed to work with nearly any knife — regardless of whether the blade is smooth or serrated. There’s also no electricity required in order for it to work. Just drag your knife through the tungsten carbide V at the top, and it should be back in good working order within about four strokes.

26Opting For Reusable Food Bags Over Disposable Ones

Don’t waste your money on disposable plastic baggies — instead, upgrade to these reusable ones. They’re made from extra-thick silicone that can handle being stored in the freezer as well as run through the dishwasher. The leakproof seal at the top also helps keep you safe from spills, making them great for packing lunches.

27Using Dryer Balls To Help Your Clothes Dry Faster

Toss a few of these wool balls into your dryer, and they’ll help aerate your clothes as they tumble. The result? Your dryer won’t have to work as hard, which can lead to a lower utility bill — and they’re even reusable for up to two years.

28Storing Loaves Of Bread Inside This Box

Not only can this bread box help keep your loaves fresher for longer, but it also protects them from getting squished. You also have the option of storing it upright or horizontally — whichever works best inside your kitchen. Plus, the plastic material is completely BPA-free.

29Insulating Your Home With A Pair Of Blackout Curtains

With the ability to block up to 99.9% of sunlight, these blackout curtains are a total game-changer when it comes to insulating your home. They come in six colors as well as five sizes, making them suitable for nearly any window. The best part? The triple-weave material is so thick that it can even help block outside noise — a must-have if you live on a loud, busy street.

30Scraping Your Containers Completely Clean

Don’t throw out that jar of peanut butter before you’ve scraped the insides clean with this spatula. The silicone head contours to the curved walls of nearly any container, making it easy to grab every last drop. It’s also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, and the platypus design brings a touch of fun to any kitchen.

31Storing Dry Goods Inside Of Airtight Containers

Flour, rice, oatmeal — these containers are perfect for storing all sorts of dry ingredients. The clear plastic makes it easy to see when you’re running low on something, while their airtight lids help keep everything inside fresh. Each order also includes a set of chalkboard labels you can use to help keep everything organized.

32Opting For Rechargeable Batteries Over Disposables

Instead of buying yet another pack of disposable batteries, why not give these rechargeable ones a try? They’re made with 15% recycled materials, making them a money-saving and eco-friendly pick. And since they’re designed to last for up to five years, you won’t have to buy replacements anytime soon.

33Keeping Track Of Your Finances With A Budget Planner

One of the easiest ways to waste money is to not keep track of it in the first place, making this budget planner a smart investment. The pages are undated, which means you can start using them anytime during the year — and there’s even extra space where you can write down your financial goals to help keep you motivated when saving money. Choose from five colors: blue, purple, dark green, black, turquoise, or rose gold.

34Baking Cupcakes Inside Of Reusable Baking Cups

There’s no need to buy wasteful paper baking cups when you have these reusable ones at your disposal. They’re made from flexible silicone that’s heat-resistant up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit — and if you aren’t a fan of cupcakes, you can still use them to make snack cups, mini quiches, and more.

35Cutting Down On Energy Bills With LED Bulbs

Don’t be surprised if you notice a dip in your utility bills after you’ve swapped out your incandescent light bulbs with this smart LED one. Not only is it energy-efficient, but the downloadable smartphone app also lets you adjust its brightness and color, as well as turn it on and off — all without getting up from the couch.

36Giving Cracked Grout A Much-Needed Refresh

You don’t need to call a professional when your grout is starting to crack — just DIY with this repair kit. Simply squeeze the repairing compound out onto your existing grout lines, wipe away any excess, and then use the included scraper to flatten it out. But if an easy application process isn’t enough? It’s even formulated to resist dark stains and spots to help keep your tile surfaces looking good.

37Tackling Stubborn Clogs On Your Own *Before* Calling A Professional

Make sure to give this clog dissolver a try before you shell out for a plumber. The dual-chamber bottle has already been measured so that you get two uses out of each order — and the formula is even so potent that it can dissolve hair, soap, or even toilet paper. It’s also completely odorless, as well as safe to use on PVC, ABS, copper, as well as cast iron pipes.

38Making Your HVAC More Efficient With These Air Deflectors

Add these deflectors to your air vents, and they can redirect the air flow in order to help cool or warm your home more efficiently. Strong magnets on the bottom work to keep them held firmly in place — and if your vents aren’t magnetic, each order also includes sticky 3M adhesive.

39Refreshing Tired Clothes With A Fabric Shaver

Whether your clothes are fuzzy or starting to pill, this fabric shaver can help give them a new lease on life. The adjustable shaving grate makes it suitable for use on nearly any fabric — and since the battery is rechargeable, there’s no need to purchase replacements. Or, if the battery runs out of power and you’re in a rush, each order also includes an optional power cable.

40Cooking Popcorn From Kernels Rather Than Pre-Packaged Bags

Fresh popcorn is only a few minutes away when you have this bowl. Simply add kernels and a little oil, top with whatever seasonings you like, then send it through the microwave for a spin. It can hold up to 15 cups of popcorn at a time, making it great for movie nights with friends. Once the movie has finished, the collapsible design makes it easy to stash away inside of a cabinet or drawer.