Everyone is looking for ways to save money and recycling or alternate use is the best way!  Here are a few tips to get the most out of everyday household items, save time and money.

1.  When scented candles in a jar will no longer burn but there is still a good amount left in the jar, place them in the freezer.  Once the wax has frozen it’s easy to get it out of the jar (you might have to break the frozen wax into pieces – careful not to break the glass jar).  Use an old vegetable grater to shred the wax.  Place shavings in a simmering pot (the kind that use tea candles) and Viola – you now have a new stash for scenting your home.

2. Don’t you just love cleaning the kitchen?  I mean really cleaning – removing counter top appliances, canisters etc.?  If you are going to clean everything anyway, use a diluted solution of Simple Greenâ„¢ in a spray bottle, and spray everything all at once!  Instead of touching everything twice, you clean each appliance as you move it – once the counter top is empty wipe and replace bright and clean appliances.

3.  With flu and germs on everyone’s mind this time of year – we HIGHLY recommend Clorox Disinfecting Wipesâ„¢ (we use the ones in the green container – and they are bleach free).  After final kitchen cleanup, wipe everything down with one towelette.  Put containers in every bathroom and use as the final “wipe” after the morning ritual.  These towelettes will make stainless steel sinks and fixtures shine AND regular use in both kitchen and bathroom will make the regular cleanings much easier.  Another use is in the car – we drag germs into our cars from everywhere!  The towelettes are great for cleaning the dash, steering column and anywhere dust collects!

4. Dry skin in the winter time?  We’ve been using this for years and it works great!  Mix one-half mineral oil, one-half any kind of scented bath oil you like (we use generic Neutrogenaâ„¢) and add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil.  After showering hand wipe as much water off you skin as possible and apply the oil to your skin (shake well first).  The oil will hold the moisture in your skin and if you are prone to dry or cracking skin, the Tea Tree Oil will help prevent any infections.

5.  Don’t we all love to smell good?  It’s always best to layer fragrance but purchasing several products can run into big dollars.  To stretch your fragrance dollars, buy unscented body lotion (we use Jergensâ„¢ in the 26 oz. pump).  Remove as much lotion as you need to add your scented lotion.  Our 6 oz. department store scented lotion just became 26 ozs. and smells wonderful!

6.  Do you have a big, really big tub with jets?  Don’t you just hate stretching & bending to clean them?  Most local hardware stores have small rag mops on a short wooden pole (about 24 inches long).  They can also be found at commercial cleaning supply companies.  After your leisurely soak (and before you knees get to wobbly to do anything else) spray the tub with diluted Simple Greenâ„¢ and use your little mop!  No more bending or stretching.

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