Without question, we’ve all become quite accustomed to convenience. From grabbing a cup of coffee at Starbucks to throwing away a half-used deodorant, it can be easy, but the costs of convenience can add up. Here are some DIY alternatives that can save you money!
Mouthwash
Keeping teeth clean and a healthy mouth should be a top priority for anyone. However, the cost of branded mouthwash can really add up over time! But don’t worry: mixing salt with water can be just as great, and a lot cheaper. Rinsing the mouth with salty water can be fantastic for killing bacteria. Don’t like salt? Use apple cider vinegar. Instead of letting it sit in the kitchen for a year straight, mix two spoons of vinegar with a cup of filtered water.
Don’t have vinegar on hand? Peek into the medicine cabinet and get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. It’s safe for oral use as well as cleaning the wounds. The bottle should say how to use it as the oral debriding agent. Usually, it’s good to mix with water and then use it for a minute. Any of these are sure to save you some money on your monthly mouth cleaning bills!
Paper Towels And Cleaning Rags
Paper towels are life-savers sometimes. Spilled wine? Soak it up. Got a cold? Using paper wipes or towels does the job. But they can also become a waste of money and not that eco-friendly. The same goes out to the cleaning rags! What most don’t realize is that scraps of old shirts and pants can do the trick and will save you tons of green! Use older pieces of clothes to throw them away, or prettier new ones to wash and reuse. To be more presentable with the guests around the house, buy cloth napkins instead of paper towels.
Shaving
Shaving cream can be useful, but it’s also extremely easy to find its substitute. Instead of spending money on shaving cream, pull out the old bottle of conditioner. Still too expensive? Get a bar of soap. While it doesn’t seem as promising as shaving cream, it does the same thing, lasts longer and is cheaper in stores. As for aftershave substitute, get aloe vera cream or gel. It spreads easily, nourishes the skin, and feels very cooling. It can also heal cuts and calm down irritation!
Deodorant
People that don’t sweat much don’t usually buy deodorant. And when it’s important to deal with sweat, after all, there are a lot of natural and cheap alternatives to the expensive rollers. Get a lemon, dice it up and rub some juice over the armpits. Citric acid kills the bacteria and fight off the smell. Eco-friendly crystal deodorants do the same. They don’t include potentially dangerous chemicals and last for around a year with everyday use. Only one tip – don’t use those right after shaving or on irritated skin.
With a lot of expensive products, we forget what nature has to offer. Look into ecological alternatives for cheaper results!
Sources: Finance101, The Penny Hoarder.