Frugal hacks
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Rinse razor blades with rubbing alcohol after use to remove water and prevent rusting.
Hair doesn't dull edges; corrosion does. The alcohol aids in drying out moisture.
- the alcohol will dry out the lubrication strip that most modern blades have
5 people, independently
Dry razor blades thoroughly and keep them in mineral oil to avoid corrosion.
Moisture and air exposure cause dullness; oil helps remove water.
- Do not use this method if your razor has rubber-like parts, as they will break down in the oil.
- Ensure the blade is dry before applying oil, otherwise trapped water prevents evaporation.
10 people, independently
Strop blades on denim by holding jeans taut and stroking five times up and five times down to realign the edge.
Denim is hard enough not to tear and helps realign blades (honing), though it may worsen slicing motion slightly.
- You cannot effectively strop cartridge blades on denim because both sides of the blade are not touched.
one person who lived it
Use a razor with a maximum of two blades to prevent ingrown hairs and acne.
Prevents most ingrown hairs and acne from ingrown hairs.
one person who lived it
Buy sample packs of different double-edge blades to find a brand that suits you before buying in bulk.
Some people prefer specific brands like Feather or Derby, and buying large packs is risky if you are unsure of your preference.
one person who lived it
water, sponges, last, prevent62
Buy a tube squeezer tool to extract product from toothpaste and other beauty bottles without cutting the packaging.
Add pebbles, marbles, or steel balls to a jar of solvent to act as agitators when cleaning paintbrushes.
The stones help rub off old paint and displace volume to save money on solvent.
- Soaking in alcohol and combing with a metal brush may damage bristles.
one person who lived it
Use a food scale instead of scoops to measure protein powder.
It is more exact and easier to use.
one person who lived it
Use the remaining wax stub at the bottom of a candle jar as an incense holder.
The wax holds the stick upright and catches the ash.
- Some people find this looks bad and prefer buying a dedicated incense holder.
one person who lived it
Spray sponges with apple cider vinegar to keep them fresh.
This allows you to use each sponge for six months or more.
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Buy high-quality brand-name blades (e.g., Bosch, Dremel) for power tools.
They last much longer and are less frustrating than cheaper knock-offs.
one person who lived it
Pour boiling water into a candle jar to melt the wax so it floats to the top, then let it cool to form a clean disk for use in warmers.
This method reduces mess and creates reusable wax.
one person who lived it
Use mesh scrubbers instead of sponges because they do not hold water and dry quickly.
They last forever, scrub better, and give less chance for growth between uses.
2 people, independently
- Use micro-mesh dish scrubs as a reusable, washable, and odor-resistant alternative to traditional sponges.1
Drill a hole in the bottom of liquid detergent jars to drain residual product.
Retrieves enough product for extra loads and reduces waste.
2 people, independently
Clean sponges by placing them on the top rack of the dishwasher during a hot cycle, then microwaving them for 20 seconds to dry them and sanitize the microwave.
The hot water cleans the sponge, and microwaving dries it while cleaning the microwave.
- Wipe the microwave dry after microwaving.
one person who lived it
Cut micro-mesh scrubs into smaller squares to extend their lifespan.
This allows one larger sheet to last for years.
one person who lived it
Transfer leftover product from cut tubes into small food containers or travel jars with tight seals to prevent drying out.
This method can provide weeks more usage.
2 people, independently
Use metal handle safety razors to save money on blades.
Blades for these razors cost pennies each compared to plastic handles.
one person who lived it
Avoid airless pumps if possible, as they are more expensive than regular pumps.
They cost 3-4 times more than a regular pump.
one person who lived it
Avoid shaving against the grain to reduce irritation while still achieving a great shave.
One person found they could get a great shave without doing so.
one person who lived it
Place leftover candle remains directly on a coffee pot burner to melt the wax and release scent.
This can provide additional months of scent from the remaining wax.
one person who lived it
Use half the normal amount of laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and shampoo.
Clothes, dishes, and hair are still clean with the reduced amount.
one person who lived it
Use cloud storage for security footage instead of relying solely on physical DVRs.
Thieves may steal cameras and DVRs during a break-in.
one person who lived it
Wash smelly cloth rags with white vinegar if they are not drying fully after use.
Vinegar kills mildew caused by incomplete drying.
one person who lived it
Use disliked conditioner as a shaving balm or lubricant for legs.
It provides a moisturizing shave and prevents razor burn.
- Conditioner may blunt shavers quickly.
2 people, independently
Ensure razor blades are fully dry after shaving to prolong their lifespan.
Blades dull due to corrosion and leftover water, not just from cutting hair.
- Some sources claim this is untrue, stating hair does dull the blade. One person stated this method doesn't work for them.
4 people, independently
Host potlucks or meet for lunch instead of dinner at bars or restaurants.
Meals are usually cheaper, and you will likely drink less alcohol.
one person who lived it
Clean the screw threads of nail polish bottles after each use.
Prevents gunk buildup on the cap and screw.
one person who lived it
Do not melt candles in a crock pot while cooking.
It will infuse your food with the candle's aroma.
one person who lived it
Use a plug-in candle warmer plate to melt candles without burning the wick.
It warms the candle to release scent slowly without burning the wick.
one person who lived it
Rinse plates briefly before setting them aside to prevent food from drying.
A quick rinse removes most residue, making washing easier.
one person who lived it
Use rechargeable LED flashlights with flat bases for emergency lighting instead of candles.
They last longer, are brighter, more versatile, and will not burn the house down.
one person who lived it
3D print tube squeezers to extract remaining product.
They do a decent job.
one person who lived it
- Buy a tube squeezer tool to extract product from toothpaste and other beauty bottles without cutting the packaging.5
Use two sponges simultaneously: one to remove grease and another to apply soapy water.
This keeps the sponge used for soap usable much longer.
one person who lived it
Mix distilled water, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils to create a DIY room spray.
It mimics candle scents without fire risk and helps your home smell clean and cozy.
one person who lived it
Use automotive bug removers as scrubbers for glassware and bowls when they are soapy.
They work quite well for these items.
one person who lived it
Point cameras away from yourself, unplug them, or cover the lenses with notes when not in use.
Police recommend this to prevent hacking.
one person who lived it
Cut a corner off a sponge to mark it as no longer suitable for counters or dishes.
It indicates the sponge is retired from food surfaces so you won't use it on dishes again.
2 people, independently
Apply shampoo to oily rings around collars before washing shirts, or mix with baking soda to clean tubs.
It cuts through oily rings.
one person who lived it
Ensure votive candles fit snugly in their holders to prevent wax from spreading out and burning faster.
Wax spreads out if the holder is even slightly too wide, causing the candle to not last as long.
one person who lived it
Apply soap or shampoo in smaller increments (e.g., one-third), rinse, then repeat.
One person reported noticing a better result using this method compared to a single large application.
one person who lived it
Use wax warmers instead of open flames if you live in dorms, workplaces that prohibit flames, or use oxygen; however, be aware they may still be knocked over by pets.
Open flames are dangerous near oxygen, prohibited in some workplaces/dorms, and risky around pets.
- Some users report that cats knock over wax warmers constantly.
one person who lived it
Place a broken webcam on a windowsill facing outward to mimic a surveillance camera and deter theft.
It creates a 'smoke and mirrors' effect where thieves cannot know it is broken.
- This may be forbidden in some countries; check local laws.
- Neighbors may view this as paranoid behavior.
one person who lived it
Repurpose empty candle jars for storing small household items like hair barrettes, q-tips, cotton balls, plants, rocks, travel soaps, shampoos, or treats.
The jars are useful storage solutions, and some lids keep moisture out.
4 people, independently
Cut open empty cream or moisturizer tubes, transfer the contents into a zip-lock bag, and store it in the fridge to extend usability.
This method often allows the product to last for another week.
one person who lived it
Use only a small amount of toothpaste instead of the full strip shown in commercials.
The commercial amount is more than necessary.
2 people, independently
Cut heavy-duty scouring pads in half or thirds with kitchen scissors to reduce waste and sharpen the scissors.
The cut pieces last longer than flimsy pads, and cutting sharpens the scissors.
one person who lived it
Add water to dishwashing liquid bottles to dilute and retrieve the last bits.
One person found this works better than any other method they tried.
one person who lived it
Knit your own dish scrubbies to save money compared to buying commercial sponges.
It is way cheaper and avoids shopping at stores like Walmart.
one person who lived it
Use olive oil to lubricate can openers instead of machine oil.
Machine oil ruins the food if it gets in, whereas olive oil makes it delicious.
one person who lived it
Store coffee in repurposed clear jars away from sunlight or line the jars with parchment paper to prevent staling.
Sunlight near clear containers causes coffee to go stale quickly.
one person who lived it
Retain the upper section of a truncated tube and fit it over the lower part to serve as a cap.
3 people, independently
Check for missed spots by running your hand over your face instead of relying on a mirror.
It allows you to verify a clean shave without needing visual confirmation.
one person who lived it
Use a separate scrub brush for tough residues like cheese or baked-on tomato sauce.
This preserves the longevity of your main sponges.
one person who lived it
Consider using hemp wicks instead of standard ones if you want a slower and more even burn.
Hemp wicks reportedly burn slower and more evenly than standard wicks.
one person who lived it
Buy heavy-duty black utility pads and cut them into halves or thirds for longer-lasting scrubbing surfaces.
They last longer than flimsy green scouring pads with sponges.
one person who lived it
Use disliked shampoo to hand-wash delicate natural fibers like wool sweaters, socks, and scarves.
It makes natural fibers smell wonderful.
one person who lived it
Roll toothpaste tubes flat against the edge of a counter or sink to push the paste toward the tip.
3 people, independently
Store the razor outside the shower in a dry place to prevent constant exposure to humidity.
Keeping the razor in water or humid environments causes it to get dull and rusty.
one person who lived it
Repurpose retired kitchen sponges for cleaning bathrooms, floors, toilets, or outdoor items like cars and grills instead of discarding them immediately.
- Sponges can be bacterial cesspools.
- Do not microwave sponges used on toilets.
5 people, independently
Use basic white cleaning towels as a cheap, hygienic alternative to sponges that can be heavily bleached.
They are cheap and can be bleached extensively.
one person who lived it
Make homemade shaving oil with sweet almond oil and lanolin to avoid a salad-like smell and add moisture.
Sweet almond oil avoids the smell of salad; lanolin is wonderfully moisturizing.
one person who lived it
Ensure enough ventilation for electronics running continuously to prevent overheating.
Warmer temperatures run less efficiently and age materials faster.
- Run the system chilly without condensation.
one person who lived it
Recognize that nylon kitchen sponges release microplastics into water systems.
one person who lived it
If a pump bottle stops dispensing product, use a funnel to pour out the remaining contents.
one person who lived it
Treat hidden USB-block cameras as casual pet monitors rather than reliable security devices.
The connection and recording are spotty.
one person who lived it
library, books, stores, thrift14
Borrow books from the library instead of buying them to avoid clutter, especially if you rarely reread.
Visit Goodwill stores regularly to find rare or valuable books.
You may find diamonds in the rough.
one person who lived it
Purchase a non-resident library card if you live near a system with a larger collection.
It is worth the cost if you read frequently.
one person who lived it
Borrow books from the library instead of buying them to avoid clutter, especially if you rarely reread.
Books become clutter after reading if not reread.
- Applies to those who rarely reread.
2 people, independently
Take pictures of books you like in stores or thrift shops, then borrow them from the library.
It creates a feeling of virtue.
one person who lived it
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Go to library book sales early rather than on the last day.
Everything is picked over by the last day and there is no additional discount then.
one person who lived it
Use a dedicated ebook reader like a Kindle instead of a phone to read free books, as it is cheaper and resembles a physical book more closely.
It is cheaper than using a phone and looks more like a book.
one person who lived it
Use library resources fully to get value from taxes paid and support community funding.
You are already paying taxes; higher utilization leads to more funding.
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Ask library bookstore volunteers if they can check back stock for specific genres you are interested in.
Volunteers may remember your preferences and offer to find unlisted items.
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If you are a teacher or educator in an underfunded school, ask your local library directly for free or reduced-price books.
Libraries may offer pre-sales or provide materials at no cost to support educators who cannot afford to buy them personally.
one person who lived it
Buy produce at local Asian grocery stores if available.
Produce is usually much cheaper there.
2 people, independently
Get a library e-card online to request books without visiting the library physically.
Libraries can request books from other county libraries, universities, and colleges without you having to drive around.
one person who lived it
Borrow books from the library to teach children responsibility, respect, resource management, and care for items.
The borrowing process offers opportunities to teach these values.
one person who lived it
Shop at thrift stores for clothes to save money and avoid buying duplicates.
Items are cheaper initially, and the limited inventory usually prevents impulse buying of multiple identical items.
one person who lived it
Browse thrift store book aisles for interesting titles, then check if they are available at the library.
one person who lived it
Focus your savings efforts on reducing major expenses like housing and cars rather than cutting back on minor items like soap.
Small savings from minor items do not impact the big picture compared to interest rate implications on large purchases.
one person who lived it