lil' bits of this-n-that: Tips! Get Your Hot, Fresh, Thrifty Tips! Tips Here!

I found these tips in a book with a copyright date of 1983 titled Betty-Anne's Helpful Household Hints. The tips are older. I figure you haven't heard them in quite a while. if at all. That makes them new and fresh, right? If not that, then maybe refreshed or renewed. I hand-picked some that are still quite useful when it comes to living frugal. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to get back to some of the good ol' fashion ways. Wow, I can't believe I'm calling 1983 old fashion but I am. (I graduated high school in 1984)

Powdered dish-washer detergent will work for laundry soap in a pinch. Use 1/4 cup per load. Don't use this detergent unless your washables can stand a little bleaching. I have passed up many free samples of cascade because I don't have a dishwasher but now I can use them to get my whites sparkling clean.

If you run out of fabric softener, add a lil' bit of your hair conditioner to the wash and your clothes will come out soft and fluffy. Conditioner works great for shaving legs. Try applying a lil' bit all over your body after washing, then rinse off to get super soft moisturized skin.
Here's a money-saving way to accomplish the same thing as those fabric softener sheets we throw in the dryer. Take just a little of the liquid fabric softener you would use in your wash and dab it onto a washcloth and throw it in your dryer.

I love this idea for hand washing delicate lacy items. Put them in a container with a lid. Add your cold water and soap. Shake clean.
A sponge makes for a great soap dish - and it's washable!

The next time your sweater looks a little shabby around the cuffs and waist, dip them into hot water, blot excess water with a towel and dry with a hair dryer. They'll shrink back to size and make the sweater look fresh again.
A favorite blouse or jacket can have a whole new look just by changing the buttons. Invest just a few dollars for some "knock-out buttons" and you'll have a totally different look.

Cut flowers will remain fresher longer if you do any of the following. Put an aspirin in the water each day. Put a tiny bit of bleach (1/4 tsp) into the water. Change the water every day.
Most people know it's good to dust off the plant leaves and occasionally moisten them. But it can be such a tedious chore that's often overlooked. If you use a moistened paint brush you get both jobs done in less than half the time.