Blog Description

The Penny Pinch follows my journey to save money here and there. There will be posts about using coupons and my shopping trips with them, DIY products and projects, and any other money saving tips I discover. There is nothing wrong with trying to pinch a few pennies!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Uses for Common Household Items: Part 2






Here are some other money saving tips for using common household items in new ways.  Enjoy and please comment and share your own tips with us!


Coffee Filters

- Use as prep "bowls' for cut veggies and dry ingredients while baking.  They are easy to clean because you just toss when done!
- Use as a lint-free cleaning cloth when wiping down static-prone electronics.
- Put in the bottom of small flower pots to help slow drainage.
- Place filters between fragile plates and bowls to help prevent chipping.  This also works great for non-stick cookware.
- To be "green", make sure to use previously recycled filters and unbleached if possible.

Dental Floss (unflavored)

- Use to cut soft cheeses into neat disks.
- It is great for vines and leaning plants.  Use to tie the stalks or vines to a trellis or pole.
- Slice a cake in half by pulling a piece of floss through the middle for a clean cut.
- Floss can be used as a thread substitute in a pinch, ie. buttons.

Other Neat Tips

- Use a paper towel stand to store rolls of masking/duck tape and ribbon for a wrapping station.
- Use the shreds of paper from your home office paper shredder as gift packaging stuffing instead of buying tissue paper.
- Coffee mugs make great utensil holders for open cupboards or while hosting a party so people are not rummaging through your drawers.
- Dry spaghetti noodles make great candle and fireplace lighters.  Their length helps to keep your fingers away from the flame.
- Have old small baby spoons leftover from your child? Use them as cocktail serving utensils which are perfect for dips, toppings, and nuts.
- Instead of using toothpicks at your next party, buy skinny pretzel sticks.  Not only are they disposable but also delicious.
- Freeze berries in ice cube trays instead of water which can water down drinks.
- Looking for a bright or new shower curtain?  Hang two extra large beach towels.  Can change out as often as you want to switch up the feel of your bathroom.
- When you are done with those cinnamon scented pine cones for the holidays place them in your empty window flower boxes for a nice decoration until planting season comes again.
- Place a few hooks, or replace your cabinet knobs with hooks, in your bathroom.  Hang your shirt and pants up while you shower and the steam will naturally de-wrinkle your clothes.
- Toothbrush holders make great simple flower holders for a nice way to bring some freshness to your bathroom.
- Inflate plastic sandwich and freezer bags with air and use as packing cushioning when shipping or storing items.
- Lint rollers also make great lamp shade dusters.
- Use napkin holders as bill organizer in your office.  (I have done this for years and love it, so simple)
- A file rack can be used as a holder for your cookie sheets and cutting boards.
- Cant find your rolling pin?  Place the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a wine bottle.
- Empty water bottles make great boot supports.  Place in boots to help keep them upright and keep their shape.


Enjoy!












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