Please Don't Throw Away Silica Gel PacksThere are over a dozen reasons you should not throw away silica gel packs. Have you ever wondered when you purchase or get mail order, at least one of these roll out with your items? The biggest reason is that they absorb moisture and help retain freshness. With that package or purchase you receive a free gift of savings, here is how!
Baking LessonsA hearth is timeless. In days past, of the likes of Little Women, warm flickering light from the stove used to brighten up evenings for families coming together over a meal. What would they talk about? Maybe the ships coming in from sea, slow telegraphs from a father far away, the newspaper picked up for a dime from the little boy at the market? After the dishes were put away, a child like Beth might play hymns on her old upright, several decades before the radio was ever invented.
Deconstructing a King Size ComforterIt never occurred to me to post this until it was done. So I don't have any before photos. But you all know what a machine sewn flannel comforter looks like. Once I started to save the batting, I realized how cheaply it was made. Basically, one seam ripper in a few key places and it was RIP!
Reusing Inner Cereal BagI say 'inner bag' because more manufacturers are getting away from the box with the inner bag and going to just the bag. These inner bags have changed over the years. They use to be rather thin and a lot like regular waxed paper. They served their purpose well, but weren't ideal for a lot of reuse.
Reusing a Jar from a CandleI received several candles. I don't like candles unless they come in a jar because they drip on furniture and table linens. When my jarred candle blew out, I froze it for about a half hour. The remaining wax popped out, and I put the other candle in. I now have 6 candles that I would not have been able to enjoy otherwise.
Uses for a Spaghetti SpoonI use these for the pasta I cook. Today I was planning a meal and I saw the hidden potential in it. When turned around, you can use it for a recipe holder. I didn't have anything but a whipped topping lid, but you get the picture.
TV Oldies But GoodiesI purchased an old-style TV set that had a built-in DVD player and a built-in player for those old VHS video cassette tapes. It's been one of the best purchases ever!
It's Roadside Litter Cleaning TimeIt's spring and people are getting in the cleaning mood. We want our houses and yards to look nice. But have you ever considered helping to keep our roads clean? I'm an old littergitter and I look at it as great exercise that produces quick results.
Unplug Keurig After UsingA good friend's Keurig caught fire, causing major damage to her home. Fortunately, she was out of the house at the time. This is not an isolated incident with coffee makers, not just Keurigs. Be safe and unplug after each use. I am also unplugging my toaster oven.
Toilet Paper Limit IndicatorToilet paper can easily go to waste, especially if you're using multiple-ply styles, and have people in the house who love to just pull and pull at the roll. We have young ones in the family who love to use our homemade indicator, which shows them where to stop pulling. You can use a simple piece of tape, or get creative with a design.
Anonymous Call Rejection on LandlineIf someone chooses not to reveal his Caller ID information, you can prevent that call from bothering you on your landline by dialing *77. The call will not come through. If you decide you don't want this feature anymore, dial *87.
Using Scented Perfume SamplesI seem to get a lot of these nice smelling perfume samples in magazines and free catalogs. I usually slip them into lingerie drawers, under couch cushions,on the bottom of garbage cans and in window sills. Today, I added them into my toilet paper roll dispenser. It seems logical. Every time the roll is turned it releases a tiny scent.
Rubber Band for Slippery Shampoo BottleShampoo, body wash and other bottles in the shower are really slippery. Today, I dropped one and it cracked and a favorite and expensive product went down the drain. I finally thought to put a wide rubber band from produce on the bottle which provides a secure grip. Easy effective and free'
DIY Phone ArmbandYou can make your own mobile phone armband out of a sock. Just cut the sock at the heel, roll onto your upper arm, put your phone in, and roll the bottom of the sock up over it. I use this when I want my phone on me when I'm walking around the house, cleaning or exercising.
Binder Clips for Calendar PagesI get my calendars at the dollar stores. The variety is great, and of course the price is key. But, the paper is thin. I find that when I hang it by the center hole, the edges flop over.
Protecting Remote ControlsThe tip is: Don't let it get dirty in the first place. I wrapped the bottom part (the battery compartment) in bubble wrap and slipped it inside a sandwich bag to protect from dirt and oil. No more actual touching the remote. And if we drop it, it's protected by the bubble wrap.
Read Informational SignsWhen you pull up to the gas station, there are all sorts of signs posted. Do you stop and take a moment to read them?
Using Paper Clips in JournalsI go through a large number of paper clips while making my 'Everything Journals' or Omni Journals. Because I like to keep a lot of different items in my journals, many times I will use large paper clips. Keeping them accessible helps me in my creative process and the paper clips stay in better condition.
Reusing Food ContainersMy favorite use out of these containers are when I share food with family or friends. Instead of putting the food to transport in a Tupperware and collecting the Tupperware back, this works better because my family/friend does not have to give these containers back.
Using Dollar Tree Plastic ContainersI spent some of today repotting plants. Not wanting to use my good saucers for drip catchers, I looked around for something a bit deeper. I found a Dollar Tree sandwich/food keeper box and cut it in half.
Uses for Banana PeelsDon't throw out that banana peel. There are many awesome uses for the vitamin-packed peel once you've eaten the fruit from the inside.
One Security Camera, Two AnglesAt our house, we have one camera set up which can help view people who come to the house since it's facing the porch. Problem is; what if they try to break into my car and I miss it? I figured out a way by spending a buck.
Free Printing at the LibraryNot all libraries have this perk, but mine does. I can use their computer and print 50 cents worth every day. Black and white is 10 cents per page and color is 25 cents. When I need to make a copy of something, I take a picture with my cell phone and email it to myself. I then print it out from their computer. If I used their copy machine, it would be 25 cents per page.
Repurposing a Soda Stream ContainerYears ago, liquid laundry detergents came out with the wonderful cap. You all know the one; it's not only a measuring device but it fits inside and doesn't allow a drip on the outside. One of the best things around.
Repurpose Spent Water Filter CartridgesWater filters contain activated charcoal and after mine expire I cut open the cartridge (CAREFULLY with a steak knife) and pour the contents into my cats' litter box to reduce odor. I could also use it in my chicken coop for the same reason.
Magazine Holders As Printer ShelfI recently found two wooden magazine holders. They make great corner shelves for an RV or She Shed or Man Cave. So tonight, I simply taped mine together and sat it under the printer/scanner. This gives me ample room for printer paper. Now if I were doing something else with it, I would use wood glue and perhaps better tape, if I still needed it.
Homemade LED Vanity MirrorSkip paying $30 and up buying a light-up vanity mirror and make your own from the dollar store! You can get a decent sized mirror and LED lights for a buck each. Just affix the lights and turn them on for use. I love this for things like precise eyebrow tweezing. You really catch all the details!
Business Card Holder as a Phone StandPhone stands average $10 or more. Here's a phone stand hack that I recently discovered and love because I only paid less than a quarter. Use a business card holder like below as a phone stand or smaller tablets.
Save Dead BatteriesWhen a battery is supposedly not working anymore or running low for a particular gadget, do not toss it out! It can actually be useful for a different gadget or as a spare.
Drying Plastic BagsI bake a lot and freeze my baked goods in zippered freezer bags. I rinse them out and reuse them. To make sure they dry completely and quickly, I turn them inside out and use a magnet and hang it upside down on my refrigerator. I place the magnet on the inside of the bag to keep it open. You could use any magnetic surface.
Save Lotion with Rubber BandYou can save the amount of lotion and soaps you dispense from pump-style bottles by wrapping a big rubber band around their necks. When you go to pump, it dispenses a much smaller amount, making it easier for you to control how much comes out. My family members and I are always calling to each other to take the extra dispensed lotion off our hands. Now we just band it up instead!
Save Styrofoam PackagingStyrofoam pieces, often found in gift packaging, can be used to store items such as extension cords, Christmas tree lights and the like. This keeps styrofoam out of the landfill and provides extra storage at the same time.
Protecting a Mug from Pen MarksLet's face it. Mugs and cups are sooooooooooooo universal. I have used mugs for pen holders a lot. But then, I wanted to sell them and oops, there are pen marks inside. You either have to bleach them or scrub them. Sometimes they are a lost cause.
Thoroughly Describe Items You Are Selling OnlineI have sold a lot of items on the Letgo app. These items were cluttering up my house, attic and garage. Over the last 18 months, I have made almost $6000, getting rid of unwanted items.
Holiday Assistance for Struggling FamiliesA lot of people look for assistance at the holidays. Traditional holiday meals can be expensive and you may be hosting friends or family. Children's gifts can seriously stretch the budget as well.
Saving on Lotion (Hubby Style)I went into the bathroom looking for hand lotion a few minutes ago. DH and I use baby lotion and shampoo so we don't dry up and blow away. We had a bottle of baby lotion close to the bottom which I had turned upside down. I discovered DH had cut a 'door' in the side of the bottle so we could reach in for those few remaining drops. Now that ain't thrifty, that is stingy!
Cans Can Do So Many ThingsI eat a lot of the larger Campbell's chicken noodle soup (in the 25% more cans) and mandarin oranges from The Dollar Tree. While prepping them for recycling today, it hit me. The bigger one could be a lid for the smaller one.
Don't Toss Plastic LidsI love seafood salad. I got some the other day and after a few forkfuls, promptly lost the lid. I could have used a cottage cheese container but ran the risk of forgetting what was inside. There was not a painters tape roll to be found for labeling, so I came up with the next best thing. By using the lid on their store containers, I see what is inside but still keep it fresh.
Buy Products for the PackagingYou are not supposed to judge products based on packaging alone, but I am easily amused and distracted when products have "nice packaging". I actually purchased a couple clear glass bottles with stoppers at Ikea a few months ago, but you can find the exact concept at Sprouts for their Sparkling Lemonade Lemon - 25.4 oz.
The Frugal Lady Is At It AgainI have found when a friend or neighbor helps me in some kind way, it's nice to pack up a care bag for two household items. They are often in need of them. I have had wonderful feedback from that. The bags I order free by playing a game, about 50 shopping bags in each.
Saving Water at HomeWater, being such a valuable resource, should never be wasted. When running the faucet to get hot water, collect the water in a bucket or cut-up gallon milk bottle. We live in a small house and we can fill two, gallon milk jugs of water before the water is hot.
Me In My ColorsI passed my childhood years in a simple home with honest, hard working and uncomplicated parents and two younger brothers. Ours was an immigrant family and we struggled daily to meet our essential needs. My small world consisted of Dad, Mom, my brothers, school, play, home cooked meals, church on Sunday, responsibilities consistent with my age and the security of a well ordered home. I was so very fortunate.
Boxer Shorts for SleepingWe're all familiar with the cotton, loose and baggy boxer shorts that men wear. I never thought about them much until recently and now I love them. They're my new sleeping shorts.
Reuse "Clean" Paper TowelsIn our family, if we use a paper towel to dry out clean but wet hands, we put the unwrinkled flattened wet paper towel on the counter to dry. Then we can reuse the relatively clean and now dry paper towel in the garage to check oil levels, clean tools, greasy hands, etc.
Use Broken Hair Clips as Chip ClipsI get so frustrated when my curly wild hair breaks my hair clips. They get stuck or snap closed too hard and their teeth break off. Instead of throwing the hair clip away, I reuse them as chip clips. An added benefit is the hair clips are usually super cute, so my snack bags look pretty fancy!
Freeze a Hot Water Bottle To Cool DownIt is a balmy 111 degrees in Los Angeles today and I've found my best ally is my hot water bottle. Before popping it in the freezer, I fill it up with water only halfway, because water expands as it freezes. In a couple hours, I have a large, soft, super cold pack to hold up against my body to cool down.
Use Mineral Oil to Salvage ObjectsWhat do these items have in common? They had 'issues' and ended up at the thrift store. The percolator had a stuck lever that regulates the strength of the coffee, the cactus necklace had a huge knot in it, and the starfish necklace had the jump ring that closes it stuck in the open position.
Save Scrap Paper for NotesClipping coupons can save money but, at the same time, it sometimes wastes paper. I only print out coupons that I will definitely use and sometimes that's just 1 coupon or 2 so, I'm left with a good amount of paper left!
Turn Off Fans to Save on ElectricityAn energy tip. If you use fans, turn them off when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not air. This mistake I've been making all along is now corrected.
New Shelf from Decorated BoxesI recently began selling things on my local auction sites. It's fun and gets rid of the clutter. So I had these shelf units in my store room. I wanted one to go up just a bit so I used two decorated boxes as support.
Theories for a Frugal LifeLiving within my means has been ingrained in me my whole life, as is living a green life, meaning being nice to Mother Nature. I find when I share my theories with people, there are two schools of reactions. One is the person looking at me like I have three heads and webbed feet. This is sadly the usual reaction. The other rare reaction is a look of pure relief that there is a kindred soul out there.
Saving Money on ElectricityI always try to save on electricity. I put items on power strips and unplug items I' am not using. A few years ago I bought a twin window fan. I liked it so much I bought two more. I got them for $4-7 at yard sales.
Hook a Bracelet Closed by YourselfSome bracelets are harder to hook to your own wrist then others. I find that so for my Pandora bracelet, which I love!
Recycling Heads Up!A friend left a large gift box with a top and bottom and I reinforced it inside with cardboard cut to fit the sides, on both boxes.I stapled the cardboard at top and bottom to strengthen. Now I use it to fold and store bedding. That's the beginning of the story.
Why Do We Keep Keepsakes?We all have memories, some of them good, some bad. Our keepsakes are most likely associated with the good memories. And they're sort of like Christmas. Every day Christmas would be no joy. It's the year long anticipation that makes it so special. And so it is with keepsakes.
Another Use for an Old VHS TapeOver the last several days, I have been redoing my storage room. Taking things out and in is ridiculous when the chamber in my pneumatic closer no longer works.
Make an Impromptu ClipboardWhen you have a dollar tree cutting board that is no longer good for food, don't toss or recycle it. Turn it into a clip board! With the 3/$1.00 mini legal pads, two binder clips and the cutting board, you can make something to do a shopping list, To Do list, or even a Honey Do list!
Lids, Lids, Glorious Lids!If your jar is melted or broken, don't recycle that lid. I have found more uses for them than I can remember. Here are just a few.
Test New Sheets Before WashingI learned my lesson awhile ago when buying bedsheets, it is important to check if they fit for your bed prior to doing laundry. If they don't fit, you can take it back and refund or exchange. Once washed, you wouldn't be able to return or exchange.
Reusing Picture FramesI had a picture frame that fell, shattering the glass but leaving the frame intact. I decided to save it and repurpose it for something. In the meantime, an inexpensive dollar store frame cracked, but the glass was fine. Both frames were the same size. I discarded the damaged frame and glass, and now put the good glass and frame together. Now I only had to discard one frame instead of both. The picture shows my 'new' wood picture frame and the broken other picture frame.
Sample Scrapbook PagesI take old papers, junk mail, leftover spiral notebook papers, and magazines and use them to create art journals, or writing journals.
Procrastinating On Our PrioritiesProcrastinating on our Priorities is never good. We often think we have more time than we really do. No one knows what tomorrow brings or if we even have one. So, we think "I should do that" or " I will do it tomorrow".
Free Items from BusinessesVisit businesses and banks for free items. They offer advertising items to promote or gain new customers. No need to buy pens, calendars, coffee mugs any more. Businesses benefit from distributing their promotional items to prospective customers.
Choose Alkaline BatteriesI have found that heavy duty carbide batteries do not stack up compared to the alkaline batteries. The alkaline batteries cost more but will give far more service. The heavy duty batteries won't give as bright of light as the alkaline ones. It is worth paying more for the alkaline batteries by far. Longer lasting is less cost of usage.
Test Batteries with a MultimeterI was able to get a free digital multimeter with a coupon at Harbor Freight store. With the instrument, I can check batteries for voltage. You don't have to wonder anymore if a battery is good. I was throwing away batteries and they may have been still usable. Also I can check small flat batteries used in car remote controls and wrist watches.
Recycling Bag Dispenser/StorageYou can keep your plastic bags organized in this empty foil box. No more bags cluttering your home and keeps your plastic bags neat. If you would like, you can paint or decorate the box too but, since I store this box in the cupboard, I don't need to.
New Life for Old Makeup CaseI just got some new eye shadow from a store and knew the old was well, old. And it was fall colors so I decided to just toss it. But then I thought "I bet that little case comes out". It didn't, but once I got the makeup out, there was a nice little compartment for all sorts of things.
Cut the CardThis was the best decision I could make during this time. I have worked hard on my budget and trust me. If there is a fee to even have the card, I don't want it. I did many reviews on Creditone bank. Not to be cruel but they are not a nice company. I found one of the hardest parts of reading the reviews was cutting off the card.
Refilling Water Bottles to Save MoneyGood day everyone. One day, I sat and realized how much money I was spending on bottled water. I thought how good my water is in my home town. I began to put the used water bottles in the dishwasher. When done, I would refill them with pipe water and add to the fridge.
Shortening a Chain NecklaceYou can now wear the same necklace short or long. Pinch the chain behind your neck to the correct length. Put a safety pin through both sides near the pinch and fasten.
Apply for Free SamplesThere are many people relying on us for a review of a product. I am very pleased to bring good reviews to those who want them. I love reading reviews that will save me money as well.
Reusing Nespresso PodsI received a Nespresso Breville model for Christmas and so far I haven't been able to find a substitute for the Nespresso pods (I got refills, but they were another model). But I discovered that if I make a cross incision into the used pods and wash them out.
Shopping with Less MoneyHello again, I would like to share my frugal story. I am living with fibromyalgia so I am in a lot of pain. It took a while to get this done but it is done. I am paying off my credit report for this year. I am living on $780 but my check is paid out.
Save Trees and Money by Reducing Toilet PaperI hate spending money on toilet paper it is so expensive and and uses up so many resources; It also fills up the system. At first, I was embarrassed about this tip but no more! Now I use a soft washcloth (for #1 only). I rinse it well after each use and hang on a small cup holder discreetly behind the toilet where I can reach it.
Being Frugal Can Be Hard WorkBeing frugal can be hard work for some people. I find it very satisfying and fun. Doing things to save money is better than doing nothing. You must be realistic. You have to have an open mind to accept new ideas. If you do nothing, you will accomplish nothing.
Learning FrugalityHi there I am Sharon, I live in NY and it's very expensive here. I have done a few things over the past few months to save money. We have a new store called Dollar General. Some of you have had it a while now. Today I learned about a download. I did it and scanned some coupons. You know what I mean, right. I went to the store and asked about the program.
Fixing an Old Tupperware LidI know I can get a replacement lid for this old gem. But, I don't want to spend the money. I got this home and washed it, and found the lid didn't fit. So I just got one of my new (never used) hair bands and made it work.
Portable Urinal for an Elderly ManI was upset about the "dribbles" on the bathroom floor in front of the toilet for years. Then I realized that if he used his portable urinal we could solve the problem and it did! He can fully empty his bladder while standing and pour the urine out without splashing or dribbling. I am so happy to have solved this problem - for both of us - because he really couldn't help it.
Recycle Your Favorite CalendarsI save my favorite calendars from year to year and store the previous years in boxes. Since some of my favorite artist's calendar works can run from a few dollars to over $20, I pull out the previous years and don't spend any money on them again!
Buy Close Outs To Try New FoodsWhile shopping at Dollar Tree I saw a 7 oz. jar of coconut oil. I figured, for a buck, what have I got to lose. While I haven't cooked with it yet, I have smelled and tasted the oil. Well, not really. That's because it has virtually no smell or taste. Yea!
Propping a Fridge Door OpenI have a lovely fridge in a nice newly remodeled apartment. However, the owners deemed we old folks are too forgetful to close the fridge door so it closes on my head. Literally, if I don't pull my head out fast enough, sometimes hitting it on the freezer handle, it closes on me.
Doing Good Deeds with FreecycleI have been a member of Freecycle for a long time. Freecycle is an organization that keeps usable items out of the landfill by giving them to other members. I have both given and received many items.
Protecting Your Bike Against LossIt seems to me that the best way to ensure against loss is to ALWAYS lock up your bike to some immovable object with a good cable bike lock. Put the cable through BOTH wheels. When you have it at home, lock it up in a place not easily accessible by strangers.
Stretching the Value of a DollarGrowing up, I was taught to use money wisely in scenarios where I could save. Now being engaged to my fiancé - we are slowly getting in the rhythm of joining our bills, budgeting and making compromises.
Save Liners from Cereal BoxesOpen them up, wipe them down and dry them. Use in place of waxed paper. They are especially useful cut into squares and used to separate hamburger patties.
New Uses For An Eyeglass CaseTired of searching through your purse to find your change, bank cards, your telephone and your lipstick? Organize your purse with your old eyeglass cases and label them. You can also use one for an emergency sewing kit.
Storing Tape RollsI have a lot of colored tape rolls. I just put them in an old Scotch tape dispenser. Then it is easier to use. You can also use an old Saran Wrap or tin foil box to put all your tape in one. Then you have the teeth on it to cut your tape.
Uses for Swimming Pool NoodlesOther good uses of swimming noodles are the sides of narrow garages, so that when you park too close for swinging the vehicle door wide open, it hits the noodle, not the wall.
Curb Finds When Families MoveKeep an eye out when you see a "For Sale" sign. There is a good chance there will be plenty of usable items at the curb that the owners will not be taking with them. I found a very dirty Cozy Coupe and child-sized picnic table. I used blue Dawn, Barkeepers Friend, a scrub brush and a Magic Eraser to clean these up beautifully.
Goodness Still ExistsWhen I was eleven or twelve, I did something I'll never do again; probably couldn't do again. I walked twenty-two miles in a single day. Just on a lark. At that age, I was often besieged with fits of 'larkism'.
Replacement Lid for a Mini CrockpotI purchased a little crock pot the other day for $2.00. It didn't have a lid, which might be why they gave it away. Searching online for a lid was silly, as the lid alone was 10.00 plus s/h. Yeah NO!
Reuse Paper Towels and NapkinsIn our household, if you opt to use paper towels/napkins to dry your hands after washing then the paper towel/napkin should be used for at least another 2 times.
Look for Name Brands at Thrift StoresI got a Michael Kors bag for $2 at the thrift store today. It is in great shape, but is a color I wouldn't pick for myself. My daughter has claimed it, and my alternate plan was to sell it on eBay. Bags like this are selling for $40-$50.
Increase your VocabularyI'll have to admit that reading has never been my favorite thing to do and I regret it. Growing up in the country on a farm, I have always loved being outside. Now that I am retired and getting older, I have slowed down quite a bit. Resting my back is a must so I have started checking out books at the library. I have read quite a few this year.
Fix A Broken Hanger With A StrawI hate when my plastic hangers break. I saw a tip in a magazine to fix them with a straw. Hot glue a piece of straw on both broken ends. The straw should fit right on the hanger.
Unplug Electrical Devices When Not in UseMany electrical devices draw electricity even when they are turned off, which adds to your bill. A lot of them have displays or lights. To make sure you are not using any electricity, unplug them. The pictures show the thermometer displays on the window fan even if it is turned off.
Reuse Breastmilk Storage Bag as Toddler ToyI had extra breastmilk storage bags. I turned one into a fun toddler toy for on the go, by adding sequins and some water.
Refreshing Dried Liquid PaperI have tested and tried this in our office and it works fine. Just add a few drops of hand sanitizer to your useless dried up bottle of liquid paper and shake it up very good. Wala, it works better than it did when it was new.
Plastic Bottle as Paper Cup DispenserCut off the top of the bottle, only 1 inch from the top. Cut vertical lines around the top of the bottle, about 4 slits. Then cut the bottom off of the bottle at about 1 inch. Be sure to use a 600ml bottle, any other size will be too big.
Store Plastic Bags In Pop BottleCut the bottom off a 2 litre plastic bottle. Put your bags in through the bottom. Pull one out through the top. When you need one, just pull through the opening.
Microwave Glass Tray as DIY Lazy SusanI took the glass plate and carousel out of my old microwave and made it into a Lazy Susan spice holder. It is easy to see the spices and even easier to get just turn it.
Binder Clips for Corralling a Tripping HazardI have a twin bed and the bedspread does the "corner" thing. I have to go around the bed to open/close the sliding glass doors at least 4 times a day.
Thrift Store FindsI am always finding great deals at thrift stores. Mostly craft items and housewares. But once in a while, I will find things that are "over the moon deals"!
Plastic Hanger for Paper Towel RollsTake a hanger and cut it in the middle. Put a roll of paper towels onto the hanger. Hang wherever it is convenient.
Map to Forage FruitIf you're looking for a public fruit, veggie or nut tree you want to pick from in your city, there is a map that will help you find them. It's called FallingFruit.org and it lists several trees all across the globe. Foraging locations are displayed with little red dots.
Reusing WaterReuse your water from the kitchen to water your garden after you're done boiling your vegetables, washing potatoes etc. You can also use your dish water if your soap is plant based.
Please, Share Your MemoriesYes, it was wash day, again. The clothes were boiled in water heated in a cast iron wash pot above a roaring fire. Then they were scrubbed on a scrub board, using lots of home made lye soap. Or, if you could afford it, store bought Octagon Soap.
Pool Noodle to Fill A BucketMost buckets I buy do not fit in the sink. Take a pool noodle and attach to the tap. Put the bucket on the floor and the other end of the noodle into the bucket and fill it up.
