by Jody Allen
Do you keep tossing the same staples into your shopping cart without thinking? Yeah, me too!
But plenty of those items are totally unnecessary—with a little creativity or a simple swap for a cheaper alternative, you can cut costs big time. Here are 9 products I personally refuse to purchase because, honestly, I’d rather save up for a yearly holiday—and I bet you would too!
1. Fabric Softener
Fabric softener gives your laundry a nice scent, but white vinegar works just as well to soften clothes. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and your garments will smell far better than any artificial fragrance. And no, before you ask, your clothes won't end up smelling like a fish-and-chip shop (if I got a dollar for every time someone asked that, I could treat myself to a nice lunch!). Plus, vinegar costs next to nothing.
Savings: Skip the softener and pocket $54 a year!
www.thespruce.com
2. Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Stop buying that liquid that promises ‘sparkling glasses.’ Instead, pour white vinegar into the same compartment. It works just as well, leaves glasses crystal clear, and helps keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Savings: Ditch the rinse aid and save $86 per year!
3. Pre-Made Pasta Sauce
Ugh, I can’t stand jarred pasta sauce. Want tomato flavor? Use a can of tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Or, even easier—grab a can of tomato soup. It’s super cheap, fairly healthy, and delicious.
www.pinsdaddy.com
4. Paper Towels
I’ll be honest—I do keep paper towels at home, but I don’t use them for cleaning. Instead, I use cloths, use them once, then toss them in the washing machine with the towels. That way, each cloth gets at least 12 uses before it’s relegated to the shed for who-knows-what. I do use paper towels for cleaning up pet or kid vomit and poop—because, let’s face it, that’s just gross. I’m not a barbarian!
Savings: Cut up to $108 a year (but keep a roll handy for emergencies)
keepingklean.com.au
