10 Simple Household Hacks That Will Save You Big

We’re always looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are 10 simple, everyday items you probably already have around the house that can help you cut costs—without even noticing!

*The links lead to articles that offer more detailed instructions on how to use these money-saving ideas effectively!

1. Baking Soda as Shampoo: Clean Hair, Lower Cost

What to Do: Swap out your pricey shampoo for a simple paste made from baking soda and water. Use it to scrub your scalp and rinse thoroughly.

Savings: Traditional shampoo can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 a bottle. A box of baking soda is typically around $1 and lasts months. That’s a huge difference!

Learn More: No Shampoo Experiment

2. Vinegar as Fabric Softener: Soft Clothes, Less Chemicals

What to Do: Add a cup of white vinegar to your laundry’s rinse cycle instead of buying expensive fabric softeners. It’s known to remove stains, mildew and odours.

Savings: Fabric softeners can cost around $4 to $7 per bottle. A large bottle of vinegar is often less than $3 and works just as well, saving you money and reducing chemicals in your laundry.

Learn More: The Right Way To Use Vinegar in Laundry & Why You Should

3. Coconut Oil for Moisturizer: Smooth Skin, Less Expense

What to Do: Skip the expensive lotions and use coconut oil as a natural moisturizer. Just a little goes a long way!

Savings: High-end moisturizers can run $20 to $50. A jar of coconut oil costs about $8 and can replace lotions, makeup removers, and even hair conditioners.

Learn More: Use Coconut Oil on your Skin?

4. Tea Bags for Eye Puffiness: De-puff Naturally

What to Do: After brewing your tea, place the cooled tea bags on your eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Savings: Eye creams designed to reduce puffiness can cost between $15 and $50. Tea bags? They’re practically free after your cup of tea!

Learn More: Do Tea Bags Benefit Eye Health

5. Coffee Grounds for Exfoliating Scrubs: Smooth Skin, Low Cost

What to Do: Use your leftover coffee grounds as a natural exfoliant. Just mix them with a little coconut oil or honey, and scrub away!

Savings: Store-bought exfoliating scrubs can cost $10 to $30. Coffee grounds? You’re already paying for the coffee, and they’re a great way to re-purpose something you’d otherwise toss.

Learn More: 10 Uses for Coffee Grounds, Including a Body Scrub

6. Banana Peels for Plant Fertilizer: Greener Plants, No Extra Cost

What to Do: Bury banana peels in your garden or compost bin. The nutrients will naturally enrich the soil and help your plants thrive.

Savings: Commercial plant fertilizers can cost $10 or more. Banana peels are free, and they’re a more eco-friendly option!

Learn More: Banana Peel Fertilizer: 4 Ways to Use Banana Peels for Plants

7. Toothpaste for Shoe Polishing: Shine on a Budget

What to Do: Use a small dab of white toothpaste to clean scuff marks off your leather shoes or sneakers.

Savings: Shoe polish typically costs $5 to $10. A tube of toothpaste you already own does the job just as well, often for pennies.

Learn More: How To Clean Shoes With Toothpaste: A Step-By-Step Guide

8. Aluminum Foil as Dryer Sheets: Static-Free Clothes, Without the Price

What to Do: Crumple up a small ball of aluminum foil and toss it in the dryer with your clothes. It helps reduce static cling, just like a dryer sheet.

Savings: Dryer sheets cost about $5 a box and don’t last long. A roll of aluminum foil costs around $3 and can last for several months.

Learn More: How to Reduce Static in the Dryer With The Ball of Aluminum Foi

9. Olive Oil for Shaving: Smooth Skin, No Shaving Cream Needed

What to Do: Use a small amount of olive oil as a shaving lotion. It’s moisturizing, prevents razor burn, and helps your razor glide smoothly.

Savings: Shaving creams can cost $3 to $7. A bottle of olive oil, which is multipurpose, typically costs around $10 but lasts much longer.

Learn More: The Truth About Shaving with Olive Oil

10. Eggshells for Composting: Free Plant Food and Soil Enrichment

What to Do: Crush up eggshells and add them to your compost pile or garden. They provide calcium and other nutrients to enrich the soil.

Savings: Composting items and fertilizers can be expensive. Eggshells are a free, natural alternative to add essential minerals to your soil.

Learn More: Eggshells In The Garden: Using Eggshells In Soil, Compost And As Pest Control

Conclusion: Save Big with Simple Swaps

There you have it! By using everyday items in clever ways, you can reduce your expenses while keeping your home clean, your body nourished, and your wallet happy. Give these simple swaps a try, it's so simple and adds up nicely!

10 Simple Household Hacks That Will Save You Big