10 Small Home Annoyances You Can Fix in Under 15 Minutes Each
The squeaky door. The running toilet. The wobbly chair. The drawer that never closes right. Small home annoyances quietly stack
DIY
One of the best ways to cut costs without giving up quality (or improving quality) is to do it yourself or DIY. From making your own high quality, effective cleaning products to making a deadringer copycat homemade version of Heintz Ketchup (yes really) all things DIY is a huge fan favorite here at Everyday Cheapskate!
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DIY Car Interior Cleaning Wipes That Actually Work Well
A tub of Armor All wipes costs $8 for 30 wipes. A jar of homemade car cleaning wipes uses reusable
34 Fourth of July Recipes and DIY Hacks for a Stress-Free Holiday
Here’s the truth about the Fourth of July nobody tells you: it’s not actually a one-day holiday. It’s a three-day
Homemade Laundry Stain Paste That Works for Pennies
Commercial stain sticks like Tide-to-Go run $4 each for a small bottle. The homemade version is just three pantry ingredients,
How to Pack a Cooler That Stays Cold for 48 Hours
An $80 cooler packed badly will lose its ice in 8 hours. An ordinary cooler packed properly will keep food
DIY After-Sun Spray That Cools and Soothes Skin
Sunburn happens, even with the best sunscreen routine. Skip the $14 drugstore gel and make a cooling, soothing spray with
Homemade Pet Stain Remover That Stops Repeat Accidents
Store-bought pet stain sprays cost a fortune and often just cover the smell instead of removing it — which is
How to Clean and Deodorize Your Cooler So It Doesn’t Stink
That funky smell that hits you when you pop the cooler lid open isn't your imagination — it's a slow
5 No-Brush Ways to Clean Your Grill (Using Stuff You Already Have)
Wire grill brushes are getting recalled, expensive, and increasingly suspect (those bristles end up everywhere). Here are 5 surprisingly effective
Homemade Eyeglass Lens Cleaner: 3 Simple Ingredients
Smudges. They’re everywhere. Your phone screen. Your laptop. Your glasses. If you wear specs, you already know: the moment you
How to Get Rid of a Smelly Kitchen Sink Drain for Good
That faint sour smell rising up from your kitchen sink isn't your imagination — and it isn't going away on
How to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture for Almost Free
Patio furniture takes a beating from sun, pollen, and the surprise mildew that shows up under cushion edges. Here's how
Skip the DEET: Make This Mosquito Spray Tonight
A simple homemade mosquito spray using witch hazel and a few essential oils — cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective for
How to Wash Painted Walls Without Streaks or Wrecked Paint
Walls quietly collect a lot of life — fingerprints, splatter, dust, and that hazy film you only notice when the
How to Make Beeswax Furniture Polish From Scratch
You know what’s expensive? Furniture polish. You know what’s more expensive? Replacing a dresser because years of commercial spray buildup
DIY Wood Cabinet Cleaner That Removes Sticky Grease
Kitchen cabinets have a quiet way of telling on us. One day they’re fine… and the next you notice that
Start Seeds Indoors Now for a Better Garden Later
March is when gardeners start getting restless. The sun lingers a little longer, seed packets appear on store racks, and
DIY Dishwasher Cleaner That Removes Hidden Buildup
Most of us assume the dishwasher is self-cleaning. After all, it washes dishes all day. But if yours smells a
The Only Natural Bathroom Cleaning Kit You’ll Ever Need
If cleaning your bathroom feels harder than it should, the problem probably isn’t you. It’s your supplies. I’ve been making
Homemade Garlic Seasoning That Beats Store-Bought
I used to keep a little shaker of garlic seasoning right by the stove until the price jumped and the
10 Everyday Beauty & Self-Care Tricks That Cost Almost Nothing
Looking great doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These clever, practical beauty and care tips—from deep-conditioning with mayo to fixing
Warm Hands, Warm Heart, and a $2 DIY Rice Pack
When the chill sneaks in and your fingers feel like popsicles, skip the pricey store-bought heat packs. A $2 DIY
10 DIY Hostess Gifts That Don’t Scream “Last Minute”
Hosting takes effort, and showing up with a thoughtful gift is a simple way to say thanks. Here are clever,
Why I Keep Binder Clips in Every Room (and You Might Want To)
Don’t let their size fool you—binder clips are the unsung heroes of household hacks. Here’s why I stash them in
Why You’ll Never Buy Shaving Cream Again After This
Store-bought shaving cream? Overpriced and packed with questionable ingredients. Homemade DIY shaving cream? Luxurious, skin-loving, and surprisingly easy to make.
Caramel Apple Jam Recipe: Sweet Autumn Flavor in Jars
Fall in a jar! That’s exactly what this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe delivers… sweet, buttery apples with a hint of
Skip the Pro, Grab a Roller: Painting on a Cheapskate Budget
Professional painters charge thousands, but you can get the same fresh, polished look for a fraction of the price. Learn
The Everyday Containers You’re Throwing Away Too Soon
Before you buy pricey storage bins, check your fridge and pantry. Everyday food containers—like yogurt cups, coffee cans, and pickle
The Best Fun You Can Have Without Spending Much
Looking for hobbies that won’t eat up your paycheck? These frugal hobbies deliver big joy for little (or no) cost.
How to Make a DIY Heavy-Duty Bathroom Cleaner That Cuts Through Grime
Let’s be honest—cleaning the bathroom isn’t exactly fun. Between toothpaste splatter, mystery gunk, and whatever’s happening in the corners, it’s
The Old-School Toilet Cleaning Trick That Outshines Expensive Products
Cleaning a toilet will never be anyone’s favorite task, but it doesn’t have to involve harsh fumes, chemicals, or expensive
Chiggers: What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them on the Cheap
You thought you were just out there doing a little yardwork. Turns out, you were hosting a microscopic all-you-can-eat buffet.
11 Genius Housecleaning Hacks from Professionals You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
I’ve spent years collecting clever cleaning tricks—some through good old-fashioned trial and error, and others from professional housekeepers who could
Easy Organic Weed Control for a Healthy, Safe Garden
Weeds are like that one relative who shows up unannounced, takes over your favorite chair, and leaves crumbs everywhere. No
21 Ways to Use Vaseline That Will Amaze You (Who Knew?!)
If you’ve ever bought a jar of Vaseline, chances are it’s still lurking in the back of your bathroom cabinet,
The 9 Best Gardening Tools for Beginners and Pros Alike
Gardening is a joy—until you realize you don’t have the right tools! I learned the hard way that investing in
8 Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas for the Holidays
There’s something magical about a beautifully wrapped gift, isn’t there? The effort we put into wrapping shows the recipient that
Handmade Holiday Magic: 10 Affordable Tree Ornament Ideas
There’s something undeniably special about decorating your Christmas tree with DIY Christmas tree decorations you’ve made yourself. Not only does
Grease Down Kitchen Drain: Should You Really Do It? Plus Answers to Your Burning Questions
Welcome to another round of Ask Me Anything—where your everyday dilemmas, curiosities, and (sometimes) marital disputes land in my inbox.
The Best of Everyday Cheapskate: 10 Must-Read Articles for Smart Living
Welcome to the best of Everyday Cheapskate! Over the years, we’ve shared countless tips, tricks, and DIY solutions designed to
Stain Removal 101: The Ultimate Guide to Conquering Any Stain
Stains… they show up when we least expect them, don’t they? A rogue coffee splash on your favorite white shirt,
How to Easily Find Replacement Parts for Anything You Own
Whether it’s a teaspoon you’re missing from your grandmother’s sterling, the “X” in your Scrabble game, or a unique button
Reader-Approved Tips for Vacation Plant Care, Preventing Wood Splitting, and More!
Welcome to another roundup of fantastic tips from our resourceful readers. This week, we’re tackling everything from keeping your plants
DIY Mop Pad Replacement, Cheap Tub Scum Removal, and Other Reader-Approved Tips
Welcome to another edition of great tips from our clever readers! This week, we’re diving into a treasure trove of
Ask Me Anything: Fair Market Values, Dump Dinners, Hardwood Floors, Wadded Up Sheets, and MORE!
Today's the day that, once again, I reach into my virtual mailbag and pull out some of your questions. This
Family Olympics: Creative Ways to Celebrate the 2024 Summer Games
The 2024 Summer Olympics are right around the corner. What a perfect time to bring family fun and patriotism into
23 Genius Gardening Hacks I Wish I’d Known Sooner, Approved by Experts
So, gardening on a budget. That may sound like an oxymoron—either you garden, or you live on a budget. But
The DIY All-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner That Simplifies Everything
Homemade cleaners give complete control over the ingredients, they cost pennies on the dollars, and often work better than commercial
Best Homemade Grout Cleaner to Clean Tile Naturally
Grout is like the forgotten middle child of your bathroom—until it’s stained, grimy, and impossible to ignore. I used to
DIY All-Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner That Really Works
Let’s talk cleaning, but smarter, cheaper, and just as powerful. My DIY All-Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner is proof that you
How to Make a Kitchen Degreaser That Works on Every Surface
Homemade cleaners give complete control over the ingredients, they cost pennies on the dollars, and often work better than commercial
The Ultimate Trick for How to Clean Shower Grout Mold
If you notice unsightly dark spots on your shower grout, it's time to start cleaning. The mold in your grout
Why This DIY Dawn Powerwash Recipe Works So Well at Home
After a good deal of testing, sniffing, researching, questioning, and snooping, here it is—a copycat recipe for Dawn Platinum Powerwash
The Handmade Holiday Gift Everyone Actually Wants
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a “homemade” gift that looked like it belonged in a kindergarten craft fair,
How to Deep Clean a Stinky Kitchen Sponge
With all those gazillions of bacteria on kitchen sponges that make them stink, some say they can be killed off
How to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie and Reclaim Your Lawn
Creeping Charlie ground ivy might have seemed like a charming addition to your garden at first, but now it’s become
Absolutely the Best Homemade Stain Remover for Clothes!
I'm excited to tell you how to make a fabulous, if not magical, do-it-yourself homemade stain remover. Compare this SHOUT
Keep Your Iced Coffee Strong All Summer Long with This Simple Hack
If you dislike the way conventional ice cubes dilute your ice coffee, we have a solution—coffee ice cubes. These ice
Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner: Perfect for Laminate Floors, Too!
Are you searching for the best homemade wood floor cleaner that’s both effective and eco-friendly? This DIY recipe combines alcohol
DIY Wasp Trap That Really Works and More Great Reader Tips
Are you aware that your health insurance may cover the cost of gym membership? Or that everything you need to
How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Citric Acid for Fresher Coffee
If your morning coffee has been tasting a little “off,” your coffee maker might be to blame. Over time, minerals
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Fast With This DIY Trap
Conventional wisdom suggests that if you are careful to remove every trace of detectable food source, you will have no
DIY Mrs. Dash Salt-Free Seasoning: A Homemade Christmas Gift Idea
With this copycat recipe and a strategic collection of spices, you'll be all set to clone Mrs. Dash Original Salt-Free
Alvin Corn: The DIY Glass Cleaner That Really Works
Alvin Corn is a homemade multi-purpose cleaner that cleans glass, mirrors, and lots more. Its funky name refers to its
14 Genius Ways to Use Citric Acid for Cleaning, Descaling, and More
For several months running, I was on a tear to discover all I could about citric acid. What I've learned,
17 Surprising Ways a Bar of Soap Can Make Your Life Easier
If you're a fan of liquid soap for handwashing and prefer to use body wash in the tub and shower,
Smart Uses for Cornstarch Around the House
Cornstarch doesn’t look impressive. It sits quietly in the baking aisle, minding its business, waiting to thicken gravy once or
Recipes for “Heinz” Ketchup and Other Favorite Grocery Items
Chances are good you've noticed the price of ordinary grocery items beginning to soar. The Wall Street Journal is reporting these
The Ultimate Gift-Worthy Caramel Corn Recipe (Quick, Easy, Good!)
Here’s a quick and easy way to make what I find amazing gift-worthy caramel corn, with stovetop and microwave instructions,
How to Make Your House Smell Like Christmas Naturally
Enjoy these simple inexpensive ideas to make your home smell like Christmas using the scents of pine, cranberries, cinnamon, oranges
How to Achieve Perfectly Dry Lettuce Without a Salad Spinner
I used to have a salad spinner. It worked OK, but not as well as the currently popular OXO model.
How to Clean Wood Floors Naturally & Make Them Shine
Of all the choices in home flooring, wood stands out for many as the most beautiful. Add to that, wood
7 Brilliant Ways to Use Fresh Cranberries All Year Long
Fresh cranberries are available in supermarkets and grocery stores from October thru December—a very short season! Stock up on fresh
The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe—Cheaper, Better, Faster
Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) season is upon us, and while Starbucks may have popularized this fall favorite, the price tag
4 Smart Reasons to Start Planning Your DIY Christmas Now (and Save Big!)
Brisk mornings, fall colors, pumpkin pie, and apple cider. Autumn is just the best time of year, right? And our
DIY Homemade Carpet Cleaning Recipe: Affordable and Effective Solution for Clean Carpets
This is a homemade cleaning solution to be used in your Hoover SteamVac or other carpet cleaning machine.
How to Make a Homemade Granite Cleaner That Works
Here is my Homemade Granite Cleaner that will not stain nor is it acidic so it will not damage the
Copycat In-N-Out Burger Recipe: Cheaper, Better, Faster at Home
People ask me all the time if I miss California. I spent most of my life there, so it’s a
How to Regrow Vegetables From Scraps on Your Windowsill
At our house, we're getting much better with storing and using up produce. In fact, we've all but completely stopped
Top DIY Appliance Service Tips for a Smooth-Running Home
It was Christmas Eve, and our refrigerator decided to play the ultimate prank by hitting 70°F. With guests due any
How to Clean Laminate Floors: Plus, Best Laminate Floor Cleaners
Laminate flooring is a durable and easy-to-maintain option that can give the look of real wood or stone at a
Best Homemade Car Interior Cleaner: DIY Tips for a Spotless Ride
Remember that pristine, fresh, clean feeling of slipping behind the wheel of your new car? Cleaning the interior of your car
Best Grout Cleaner for Tile: Transform Dirty Grout for Just $1.25
Dingy, dirty tile grout. It's a vexing problem. I know. I have a lot of tile and grout in my
How to Make a Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner That Actually Works
Stainless steel has become a popular choice in kitchen appliances, counters, sinks, and other household fixtures for its longevity and
4 Amazing Uses for Dishwasher Detergent That Will Surprise You
It's no secret that dishwasher detergents are specifically formulated to be used in automatic dishwashers. What may surprise you is
How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh and Beautiful Twice as Long
Whether they come from your garden, the market, or florist, you can persuade cut flowers to remain beautiful for weeks
Keep Your Home Cool on a Budget This Summer
Are you dreading the heat of summer? Relax while you consider these ingenious solutions to keep your house comfortable without
31 More Kitchen Hacks You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner
Here is a wonderfully creative collection of tips that spotlight my readers' resourcefulness and intelligence in the kitchen and pantry.
Tastes Just Like Heinz: The Surprising Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Heinz Ketchup is about as common a product as any in the Hunt refrigerator. We love it. We've tried other
The DIY Recommended Upholstery Cleaner You Need Right Now
While we have lots of DIY cleaner recipes in our EC arsenal, a good quality, a good reliable upholstery cleaner
DIY Dry Shampoo That Works – No Harsh Chemicals!
Listen, we've all gone a few too many days between shampoos. Some of us frequently rely on a good dry
DIY Car Detailing: How to Save $150 and Get Your Car Sparkling Clean
When you think of spring cleaning, you probably think of your home. But what about your car? It has served
Easy Homemade Ice Melt for Driveways, Steps, and Frozen Locks
Got ice and snow on top of super cold temperatures this winter? At least one of these recipes for Homemade
The Best DIY Carpet Stain Remover That Works Like Magic
Unlike some other homemade laundry stain and detergent products you'll find here at Everyday Cheapskate, this one is also a
10 Easy Homemade Gift Ideas Under $10
This is so much fun, no specific skills required. All of these ideas are super doable. More than that? You
5 Essential Alcohol-Based Cleaners You Need for a Sparkling Home
Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is extremely useful around the house because it acts as both a solvent
DIY Wrinkle Release Spray That Beats Downy Cold
Unlike myself, not everyone I know loves to iron. I guess I’m crazy that way. There’s just something soothing, calming
The Surprising Joy of Home Canning You’ll Love
So, you planted a garden, lucked out when your property included fruit trees, stumbled upon a produce sale you just
Skip the Box! How to Make Bisquick Recipe at Home
This is a copycat recipe for Bisquick, but even better than Bisquick, because it includes dry milk, which means that
17 Simple Uses for Salt You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Sometimes the very thing you need to solve an ordinary household problem is sitting right in the pantry. Take salt
How to Propagate Basil and Make Fresh Homemade Pesto
While I came bearing gifts and lunch to celebrate my friend Sharon’s Birthday, I left with a gift of perhaps
DIY Swiffer WetJet Solution: Make Your Own Multi-Surface Cleaner for Pennies
If you own a Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop, chances are you absolutely love it. But let me guess: You're not
13 Surprising Uses for Borax Around the House Safely
Recently this desperate message with a subject line Dishwasher Disaster! washed up in my inbox. I came this close to ignoring
5 Easy DIY Body Scrub Recipes Using Pantry Ingredients
Skincare professionals out there recommends exfoliating to keep our skin looking vibrant and healthy. While there are plenty of pricey
How to Make Authentic Mexican Flour Tortillas from Scratch—No Experience Needed!
Nothing beats the taste of freshly made flour tortillas—and the best part? This easy flour tortilla recipe uses just a
The Absolute Best Way to Clean Your Microwave Oven
Face it, a microwave with frequent use, whether at home or at work, isn't going to get a thorough cleaning
DIY Disinfecting Wipes: Easy, Effective, and Chemical-Free
To prevent the transmission of the virus, pandemic experts are saying that we must ensure that our hands are free
Best Inexpensive Home Security System
Several months ago, we had a serious home security wake-up call with the news of a home invasion in our
How I Keep My Shower Sparkling with No-Rinse Daily Spray
The only thing better than making my own cleaning products is when what I make turns out to be cheaper,
7 Cheap Gadgets That Make Life Easy—Fun, Too
I am nothing if not a cheap gadget lover. Ingenious items that make my life easier are great, but when
6 Ways to Make Safe, Problem-Free, Homemade Fabric Softener, Dryer Sheets
Fabric softeners are designed to reduce static and make laundry come out feeling soft and smelling great. But they can
How to Eliminate Musty Odors and Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh and Clean
When it comes to housekeeping, there's nothing quite so lovely as the smell of nothing. That's the way clean is
How to Make Instant Pot Vanilla Extract in Just One Week
For nearly a decade I've been making vanilla extract for Christmas gifts. And every year I find myself scrambling because
Magic Homemade Silver Cleaner: How to Remove Tarnish from Silverware Fast
There's no shortage of commercial silver cleaning products on the market these days. Those that I've tested generally do the
How to Choose the Best Inexpensive Conditioner
Hair conditioners fall into general categories according to what they do and the problems they solve. Using the wrong product for
16 Used Coffee Grounds Uses You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
If you love your morning cup of Joe, it's a pretty good bet you're throwing out spent coffee grounds on
How to Get Rid of Ants with Pantry Items: 14 Easy Hacks
Despite how fascinating ants may be, control and management around the home are important for both health and safety reasons.
How to Make Your Own Powdered Laundry Detergent
Store-bought laundry detergent can be pricey and full of chemicals you can’t even pronounce. But what if I told you
8 Smart Non-Food Slow Cooker Uses You’ll Love
You already know your slow cooker can rescue dinner, but did you know it can also rescue your budget, your
28 Brilliant Uses for Coffee Filters Beyond Brewing
It was a dumb mistake. I grabbed the biggest package of coffee filters—a pack of 1,000—only to discover much later
6 Awesome Gifts of Summer to Make Now for Christmas
Even if you didn’t have an abundant garden this year, don’t worry. You can still make these beautiful gifts of
Kitchen Tool Alternatives Every Home Cook Should Know
We could go broke furnishing our kitchens with the ‘right equipment’ if we look to television cooks and professional chefs
14 Best Homemade Cleaners That Really Work
Items in your pantry like baking soda, vinegar, cream of tartar, lemon juice, and even tea bags, can work as
Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Kitchen for Good
Fruit flies are amazing —amazingly annoying! And those disgusting little flies are no match for these super easy traps and potent
The 8 Best Window Cleaning Hacks That Really Work
Want sparkling windows without hiring a pro? These eight tried-and-true window cleaning hacks will make your glass gleam! From using
How to Easily Remove Scratches from Glass with 4 Simple Methods
Our homes are well accessorized with glass from windowpanes to shower doors, tabletops, and glassware. While glass is both beautiful
Homemade Furniture Polish: 3 Easy Recipes to Clean and Shine Wood
Some time ago, I got a request from EC reader Kelly for a homemade furniture polish recipe. She said that
How to Clean Gunk and Grime from Kitchen Cabinets
Got grimy kitchen cabinets? Don't think you're the only one. Unfortunately, wood cabinets—painted or natural with a clear finish—are prone to all
29 Smart and Surprising Uses for White Vinegar at Home
It's cheap. It's available in every supermarket and home center in the universe and so useful around your home, you
How to Unclog a Toilet Fast: 3 Easy and Effective Methods
No one likes to talk about it, but truth be told it happens. Toilets malfunction. They get clogged. Sure, it’s inconvenient
21 Smart Uses for Pickle Juice You’ll Wish You Knew
A friend asked if she could borrow some pickle juice. Huh? Who keeps pickle juice? The purpose of pickle juice
Using Too Much Detergent? Here’s the Right Amount
Many people use way too much detergent, leading to dingy clothes, skin irritation, and even a funky washing machine. The
Favorite Household Cleaners You Can Make for Just Pennies
Knowing how to make cleaning products for pennies rather than spending dollars for them at the store just makes me
Budget DIY Kitchen Makeover for Under $400 That Wows
I know what you're thinking ... there is no way! A beautiful, well-done kitchen makeover for less than $400?! Yes.
6 Ways to Unclog a Drain Without Using Caustic Chemicals
A plugged-up sink, shower, or tub drain sends most people running for either a bottle of caustic drain cleaner or
How to Remove Salt Stains from Leather and Suede Boots
Salt. It’s mandatory in a human diet. But in other situations, salt can be as destructive as it is needful
DIY Spa Day at Home: 6 Easy Treatments to Pamper Yourself
If you don’t happen to have an extra hundred bucks to enjoy a day at the spa, don’t sweat it.
How to Clean Garbage Disposal: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
According to Prevention magazine, there are more than half a million bacteria in the kitchen sink, about 1,000 times more
DIY Poo-Pourri Spray That Works (For Pennies, Not Dollars)
I have something really fun to share with you today about fragrance, but first a story. About my friend, Herta.
5 Homemade Cleaners that Perform Better Than Expensive Brands
Why bother? Why go to the trouble of homemade cleaners when buying commercial products is so much easier? Here are
15-Minute Projects to Lower Utility Bills Fast
Outrageously high utility bills got you down? Check out these six simple things you can perform around the house to
The Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Cleaning and Restoring Old, Stained Carpet
If you hate your carpet because it's old, stained, and bordering on disgusting, I have great news. There are steps
How to Make Homemade Glass Cleaner That Really Works (No Streaks!)
Store-bought glass cleaners aren’t just expensive—they’re often loaded with harsh chemicals and overpowering scents that can leave you reaching for
Castile Soap Cleaning Recipes for Every Room
From time to time, I hear from readers who have sensitivities or allergies to our beloved Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid.
Inexpensive Room Decor: Transform Your Space on a Budget
Changing your environment can greatly improve your outlook. And it doesn't have to cost a fortune. The key to great
Mastering Your Cast Iron Skillet: How to Season and Clean for Longevity
I really don’t know where I got the thing. It may have been a wedding gift. What I know is
Old Dishwasher Not Cleaning? Here’s How to Make It Work Like New
It doesn’t matter how old your dishwasher is. If it will turn on, spray hot water and go through a
10 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets Every Home Cook Needs
If you love efficiency in the kitchen, you’ll adore these gadgets. From cleaning hacks to cooking tools, I’ve rounded up
Surprising Ways Rubbing Alcohol Saves the Day
Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol is more than a medicinal cooling and soothing liquid for external application. Pour it into a good spray
Tub & Shower Soap Scum Cleaner Reader Questions—Answered!
If I were keeping track of the number of responses from my readers that are filled with praise and gratitude,
3 Sneaky Ways to Hack a Cake Mix So No One Has a Clue It’s Not From Scratch
When cake mixes are on sale, I load up. And that's a good deal provided you like the taste of
The Best Spring Cleaning Products & Tools to Make Your Home Shine
There's an illness that has been documented by poets for centuries and I’ve got it. It's Spring Fever, that wonderfully
Most Requested Copycat Recipes
Here for your mixing pleasure are the four copycat recipes most frequently requested by Everyday Cheapskate fans and followers. Whether you
How to Make Wool Dryer Balls
Whenever I write about the benefits of using wool dryer balls in place of laundry softeners, I get a few
Bacon Jam: Maybe the Best Homemade Gift Ever
When the holiday season arrives, the best gifts just might be from your kitchen. And when those gifts are extra
Master Home Coffee Roasting: Learn How to Roast Coffee Beans and Save Money
It all started about 10 years when I had a conversation with Dax Wilson, who’d recently taken up this hobby
How to Remove Burnt-On Food: Effective Tips for Sparkling Clean Cookware
I don’t know how else to describe what happens to beautiful sheet pans once they take up residence in my
Easy Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipes to Save You Money
Cream. It's coffee's perfect mate. And when that creamer comes flavored in a handy bottle from the dairy case, even more perfect, right? Oh,
Help! I Get Clumps of Crystals in My Homemade Laundry Detergent
Several times over the past years, I have wished with all my heart I could call Mr. Migaki, my favorite
DIY Dirt? How to Make Compost in Your Own Backyard
Some home gardeners call it "black gold." I understand, it is truly that amazing. But really, it's just dirt. Rich,
How to Grow An Edible Garden Just About Anywhere
Even if you don't have time to tend a full-size garden; even if you don't have time or resources to
11 Ways to Use Super Washing Soda to Make Your Life Easier
Washing soda and I go way back. I've been using it as a laundry detergent booster for decades. For years,
The Original Homemade DIY Tub Tile Shower Cleaner (30 Years and Counting!)
Quite possibly one of the best tips to ever land in my mailbox came from a guy who is a
7 Essential Tips for a Sparkling Clean Dishwasher
If your dishwasher is not turning out beautifully clean, cloudless, spot-free, sparkling dishes, pots, glassware, and flatware—without handwashing them first—don’t
How to Make Pure Vanilla Extract
Great news! Time is one of the most important ingredients in homemade extracts. Fortunately, with Christmas nearly five months away,
How to Clean the Dirty Edges of Carpet
My Dear Readers ... Dark, shadowy, dirty lines on the carpet along baseboards, under doors and draperies, along the edges,
Bedbugs: How to DIY to Get Them Out and Stay Out Naturally
Got crawling insects like centipedes, spiders, bedbugs, ants, silverfish, cockroaches, fleas and all other creepy crawlies trying to take over
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice Just Like Chipotle & Qdoba
I have no idea why on the one hand I seriously do not care for cilantro but on the other
DIY Tulip Muffin Liners: A Genius Hack for Perfect Muffins Every Time
I'm about to give away all my secrets for how to make muffins that are so great your friends and family will
How to Get Outdoor Windows Sparkling Clean—Cheaper, Better, Faster!
You can pay a fortune to have your outdoor windows washed professionally, or let me teach you how to do
17 Quick and Easy Recipes Homemade Salad Dressing From Scratch
Let me show you how to make 16 of the BEST homemade salad dressings you can imagine—from scratch! Chances are
5 Best Homemade Cleaners That Actually Work
If there’s one place you can really cut household spending, it’s cleaning products. The cost of most home cleaning products
3 Generic Cleaning Alternatives That Work Just Like the Name Brands (But Cost Way Less)
Most people are well familiar with the term “generic” when it comes to medications, a term referring to any drug
How to Remove Years of Kitchen Cabinet Grit and Grime
When did you last look at your kitchen cabinets? Not a passing glance, but an up-close visual study—paying particular attention
How to Wash a Down Comforter the Right Way at Home
If you’ve ever wondered if it's okay to wash your down comforter instead of taking it to the dry cleaners,
Hands Down the Best Way to Kill Weeds (And It’s Not Roundup)
Roundup who? If you’ve got vinegar, salt, and a squirt of dish soap in your kitchen right now, you already
Can You Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer Safely?
If you've ever wondered what's the difference between regular laundry detergents and those designated as "High Efficiency" or HE if
Best Soap Scum Remover: DIY Solution for a Spotless Shower
Tired of battling soap scum that just won’t go away? This DIY solution might be the best soap scum remover
Beat the Heat: Budget-Friendly Frozen Desserts for Summer
In these sizzling days of summer, it’s tempting to load up the freezer with pricey frozen treats. Or to duck
How to Fix, Clean, and Maintain Your Window Air Conditioner: A Complete Guide
The heat of summer is giving millions of window-mounted air conditioners a real workout. Undoubtedly, many owners of said units
How to Do a Home Manicure Like a Pro (No Salon Needed!)
I’ll be honest—I used to drop a small fortune on salon manicures, thinking I was investing in strong, beautiful nails.
The Gardening Method That Finally Worked for Me
For years I’ve tried to grow decent vegetable gardens. Except for one especially bountiful year, my harvests have ranged from
Don’t Toss That Eyeglasses Case… Try This Instead!
I nearly tossed a handful of empty eyeglasses cases after donating old prescription glasses until the attendant gently asked me
4 Homemade Fertilizer Recipes for Lawn and Garden That Really Work
I love a beautiful yard, but I hate spending a lot of money to get it that way which explains
How to Make Spreadable Butter: Cheaper, Better, Faster
Are you fed up with the daily battle of trying to spread rock-hard butter straight from the fridge? Trust me,
Bake Bread to Cut Food Costs and Soothe Your Soul
Fifteen years ago, I became a bread maker. I read a book, gave it a try and found immediate success.
Protect Your Health and Wealth with Natural Cleaning Products
Ever wonder what’s lurking in those store-bought cleaners? We’ll spill the beans on why they could be a sneaky hazard
Save Money with This Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent might sound like a chore from another era, but it’s actually one of the easiest