Let’s face it, economic times are tough and we’re all looking for simple household life hacks to save us money and make our household items last longer.
Here are a few of our favourite household life hacks to save money and a whole lot of time and effort…
Flowers may be expensive, but it’s an easy way to brighten any home! Save money and help fresh flowers last longer with this simple step. Take all the foliage off the bottom part of the stem and cut at least three centimetres off at a 45-degree angle to give more surface area for water absorption.
Rather than wasting cash on expensive blind cleaners, we’ve found a simple, inexpensive solution. Clean shutters or Venetian blinds is with vinegar, water, and a sock used like a sock puppet.
Use a rubber glove to get rid of pet hair from upholstery and fabric; when damp, the glove has just the right texture to grab fuzz.
Use a kitchen sponge to de-pill a sweater; just gently run a textured, scrubby one across the surface of the fabric.
Dry your freshly-painted nails fast by soaking your hands in a bowl of iced water for a few minutes – the cold temperature hardens the top layer of polish without ruining it.
Rub a little Vaseline on your wrists or neck before you spray on perfume – the oil will hold onto the fragrance and make it last longer.
You can use any nail polish with home gel-nail kits – it’s curing the colour between the special base and top coat that makes the difference.
Always apply your foundation THEN concealer, or you’ll remove all of the concealer as you blend and buff your base.
Hang trousers from the bottom hems rather than the waistband, especially if they have a centre crease; they hang much more cleanly and hold their shape better.
When you have a roast with bones, pop the meat bones in the freezer, then only make stock when you have enough to make a big potful – it saves time and money, and you’ll have the best base for future soups and gravies.
For a good mash, steam potatoes instead of boiling; you’ll get a much fluffier end result. Same goes for roast potatoes: steam until just starting to cook, then leave to go cold; the drier the potato, the crispier the result.
Use hairspray to remove stains and make-up marks on clothes – spray on the area, let it sit for a few minutes, wipe with a damp cloth, then wash as usual.
When you’ve used a blender, rinse quickly, then half fill with warm soapy water; whizz for a few seconds, rinse again and it’s amazingly clean!
Add a small glug of dishwasher liquid in the water when you wash your windows for extra shine and a streak-free finish!
ALSO SEE HOW TO CREATE HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS MEALS WITHOUT THE WASTE
