Ways To Make Your Stuff Last Longer

Growing up we would often get sponges as advertisements. They would have a Realtors name on them or some other business. They would always be flat like a piece of cardboard and then when you got them wet they would puff up like a regular sponge. My sister and I loved getting them wet for the first time so my mom would cut the sponge in half and we would each be able to get our "own" sponge wet.

My mom obviously knew what she was doing. Not only did she keep us kids from fighting over the sponge, she also managed to make the sponges last longer. It's one of the great ways to make your stuff last longer. If you want your money to go further check out these good ideas.

Cut Off Tube Ends

Whether it's lotion, toothpaste or makeup cutting the end off of the tubes can help stretch what you already bought. I am often amazed at how much stuff is left that you can't squeeze out of containers. I can usually get a few more days worth of product by cutting the ends off.

Cut Sponges In Half

Make your sponges last twice as long by cutting the sponge in half. It only takes a minute to do and you will save some extra cash. I love easy ways to save like this.

Clean Your Dryer Often

If your dryer is clogged it will take more time to dry your clothes and it actually can wear out your dryer. Help your dryer last longer by cleaning the dryer vents out every couple of months. You can see all the details to this super easy job here.

Use Less Detergent and Fabric Softener

You don't always need as much laundry detergent as it says on the bottle. Try to use a little less than recommended. I have found that I can stretch the laundry detergent and get a couple extra loads per bottle doing this. You can also use the same trick with fabric softener.

Cut Your Dryer Sheets In Half

Another easy way to save some extra cash is by cutting your dryer sheets in half before you use them. Most of the time 1/2 a dryer sheet will be plenty enough for the laundry load. The only time I use a full sheet is in the dead of winter when it is really cold and dry out. You can also make your own dryer balls which also help with dry times and static.

Store Flour In The Freezer

I love stocking up on foods when they are at their lowest prices. Flour, sugar, and spices usually go on sale twice a year. Unfortunately, with flour, it can go rancid fast. If you see a really great deal and want to really stock up you can buy a bunch of flour and freeze it. Not only does it help the flour last longer it will also keep bugs out of the flour. I recommend putting the flour in a large ziplock bag and label it with the date. Then you can keep it in the freezer for up to two years.

Resharpen Your Razor

Razors can be expensive and if you use one every day you will go through them quickly. Prolong the life of your razor by resharpening it. If that sounds difficult, don't worry. It's easy! Just resharpen them on your jeans. See all the details on how to easily do this here. You can make your razors last longer and save more money.

Make Your Produce Last Longer

I hate when I buy food only to have it go bad before I can use it. It just seems so wasteful. You can save money by making your food last longer. I have found that produce tends to go bad the quickest. One of the best ways to make your produce last longer is to store them properly. I love these containers from Amazon. They allow the produce to breathe and can help them last longer. You can see some more tips over here.

Make Foaming Soap

You can save money and make your soaps last longer by making foaming soaps. All you need is a foaming container and your favorite soaps. You will want to fill the container about 1/4 of the way with the soap and then the rest of the way with water. You end up using much less soap than you normally would. You can see how I make foaming hand soap here and how I make foaming body soap here.

Flush Your Hot Water Heater

Appliances are expensive to replace. Help keep your hot water heater running longer and more efficiently by flushing the hot water heater from time to time. It is a good idea to do this about once a year. You can see all the details on how to flush your hot water heater here. A water heater flush will help clean out all the sediment that stops it from running efficiently.

With just a few minutes of your time you can make your stuff last longer and save more money. What tips do you have for making your things last longer?