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Money-Saving Household Tips #4
By Chris Chenoweth
There are hundreds of household tips for you to use around the house that will save you loads of money. The best part is, you already have most of the ingredients for them lying around your house! Listed below are just a few of these great tips:
+Cornstarch can be used instead of baby powder. It is cheaper and less likely to cause diaper rash.
+Use half a fabric softener sheet in the dryer rather than a whole one. Or to save on your utilities bill, hang your clothes to dry.
+Consolidate your errands so you do not have to make several trips.
+Ask insurance companies about discounts to non-smokers, part-time drivers, group insurance rates, etc. Do not buy insurance you do not need.
+Do your own tax returns if possible and do not be late in filing it.
+Save on minor repair/maintenance bills for your car by doing it yourself or taking it to your local trade school. They usually just charge for parts, not labor.
+If you need to see a doctor, ask for samples since s/he carries a large assortment of products (compliments of the drug companies).
+Get a library card to borrow books, music and movies.
+Got a loose screw? Dip it in glue or putty before you screw it back on. A wooden match can also be placed in the hole to provide more grip for the screw. You can also wrap a few strands of steel wool around the threads before you put the screw back in.
+If you have a rusted bolt, try applying a cloth soaked in any carbonated beverage, or use a couple of drops of ammonia to loosen it. Make sure you coat it with petroleum jelly to prevent more rusting before you screw it back on.
+To prevent rust on your tools, place chalk, charcoal or mothballs in your toolbox to attract moisture.
+Get a good home repair manual. If you still decide not to do it yourself, you will be better prepared when you negotiate with the contractor.
+Unless the task is dangerous, try to do minor repairs and maintenance yourself first.
+Do not buy appliance service contracts or extended warranties (that applies to cars too). Sales persons usually get a commission for it so do not be surprised if they try to give you a sales pitch.
+Do not assume that just because an appliance is broken, it must be replaced. Sometimes all it needs is a minor repair or a new part.
+Rub petroleum jelly on the hinges and doorknobs before you paint a door. If you get paint on them, they will wipe off easily.
+If your paintbrushes have hardened, simmer in full-strength vinegar and remove the softened paint with a wire comb or brush. After cleaning your paintbrush, a few drops of oil worked into the bristles will leave the brush soft and ready to use.
+Punch a few holes on the rim of the paint can to stop paint from dripping on the outside of the can. When the brush is wiped on the edge, the paint goes back into the can. Once the lid is put back on, it will cover the holes to prevent it from drying.
+Make a note of your paint color name and number, and the date when you painted the room and tape it to the back of your switch plate. When it is time to repaint, you will have an easy reference to match the same paint color.
+To remove oil or enamel paint from your hands, rub on paste floor wax and then wash with soap and warm water. It is easier on the skin than paint remover and there is no odor.
+Use toothpaste to fill up those small nail holes in your drywall.
+Keep instructions, receipts, warranty cards, etc. for appliances and equipment in a file folder specified for that purpose.
+When disassembling something with many small parts, use an empty egg carton to put the parts in. Number each compartment in the order you place the parts in and when it is time to put it back together, just go in reverse order.
+To prevent a paint can from tipping over, cut out a circle on the side of an old cereal box and place the paint can inside. This will also catch your paint drippings.
+Save your UPC codes from empty packages of food and mark the name of the product on the back. Next time there's a contest that requires a proof-of-purchase, you have it on hand.
+Wear your old clothes for painting or other renovation projects. Then when it is no longer wearable, cut it up and use the scraps. Good for wiping dirty hands, buffing your shoes, polishing, etc.
About the Author
Chris Chenoweth is the author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, 500 pages of household tips, home remedies, diet and nutrition information, health issues and thousands of recipes! http://www.money-home-biz.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/39192.html
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