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 practical advice to help you save money and tackle household tasks with ease. Whether you’re looking for effective DIY mop pad replacement solutions or ways to achieve cheap tub scum removal, these tips prove that little changes can make a big difference. Get ready to be inspired and start saving!

Once again my very clever readers have reminded me that it’s the little ways we avoid spending money that add up. It makes us feel good, too. I hope you enjoy today’s tips as much as I have.

Contents

• DIY Mop Pad Replacement
• Cheap Tub Scum Removal
• Reduce Food Waste at Home
• Ask for Discounts
• Free Kids Workshops
• Repair Broken Terra-Cotta Pots

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DIY Mop Pad Replacement

“I use the Clorox Ready Mop, but my tip for a DIY mop pad replacement, works equally well with a Swiffer Mop. The replacement pads for both brands are quite expensive so I tried a strong paper towel in place of the Clorox Ready Mop replacement sheets. Works great! I tear away a bit of the towel to allow for the spray holes and of course I have to replace the paper quite frequently but it is well worth the effort. You can also use a wash cloth cut to allow for the spray holes as well, but I prefer to simply throw the paper towels in the garbage rather than add to my laundry.”

–Randy E., Oregon

 

Thank you, Randy, for this clever DIY mop pad replacement tip! Using strong paper towels as a replacement for those pricey mop pads is a fantastic idea. Not only does it save money, but it also offers a practical solution for maintaining your Clorox Ready Mop or Swiffer Mop without adding extra laundry. Your suggestion is a great addition to our money-saving tips for home care.

For those looking to further cut costs, check out my article on making your own Swiffer WetJet cleaning solutions and reusable pads. It’s another way to keep your floors clean and your wallet happy!

• How to Make WetJet Multi-Surface Solution Refills for Pennies

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Cheap Tub Scum Removal

“Regarding the tip to use Calgon water softener to remove scum from tubs, it works great. But plain powdered borax, also obtainable at the grocery store, works just as well for tub scum removal and, at least in my area, is much cheaper than Calgon.”

–Nancy B., Texas

 

Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this cost-effective tub scum removal tip! Borax is indeed a versatile and powerful cleaner, perfect for tackling stubborn tub scum. Not only is it more affordable, but it also provides a natural and effective solution for keeping your tub sparkling clean.

For those interested in more ways to use borax, it’s a great scouring powder for sinks, tubs, and stovetops. Plus, you can mix it with other household items for an all-purpose bathroom cleaner. Here’s a quick DIY recipe: combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons borax, 1 tablespoon blue Dawn dishwashing liquid, 2 cups warm water, and 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well, and you’re ready to tackle any bathroom grime with ease.

• MORE: 13 Reasons to Keep Borax in the House (and Why It’s Safe!)

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Reduce Food Waste at Home

“A rich restauranteur I worked for told me he could tell whether a restaurant was profitable just by looking in the trash bins. If workers hadn’t been taught how not to waste good food, the restaurant would go out of business. The same applies at home. Check your trash cans and you may come up with a “teachable moment.” You’ll be amazed at what the kids, especially teenagers, throw out. All the little things really do add up.”

–Prof. Roger K., Ukraine

 

Thank you, Prof. Roger, for this insightful tip. It’s true—wastefulness at home can add up just as quickly as in a restaurant. Turning this into a teachable moment for kids, especially teenagers, is a fantastic idea since they’re the future stewards of our planet and its resources.

Reducing food waste at home not only saves money but also fosters a sense of responsibility in our children. By involving them in meal planning, proper storage, and understanding the value of food, we can help them develop habits that will last a lifetime. For more tips on minimizing food waste and keeping your grocery bill in check, check out my guide on storing fruits and vegetables and making your own fruit and vegetable wash.

• MORE: The Complete Guide to Storing Fruits and Vegetables
• MORE: How to Make Highly Effective Fruit and Vegetable Wash

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Ask for Discounts

“After having work done on my car I received a bill for $590. I looked at it and said to the clerk with a big smile on my face, “What about my discount? I’m poor, I’m a a cheapskate … that should be worth something.” With that she said, “Ten percent, but for labor only.” Knowing I had just scored I asked, “Why labor only?” And she said, “Don’t push your luck!” I was joking the whole time and would have been happy with no discount, but by asking I got $41.50 off my bill. The secret is to ask, don’t beg, and don’t take offense if you don’t get it. But be thrilled when you do.”

–Bill C., California

 

Thank you for sharing your clever tip on asking for discounts, Bill. Your approach is a great reminder that a friendly smile and a little humor can go a long way. You’ve proven that it never hurts to ask, and sometimes, it pays off nicely.

Your story about the car repair discount reminds me of the importance of negotiation in our daily lives. As I often tell my readers, negotiating isn’t just for big deals—it’s a skill we use every day, from chatting with our kids to discussing terms with service providers.

• Be Prepared: Do your research and know exactly what you want before you start the conversation. Whether it’s a discount on a service or a better rate on a bill, having the facts at your fingertips gives you confidence.
• Stay Calm and Positive: Just like Bill’s story, keeping the tone light and positive can make a big difference. People are more likely to respond favorably when they don’t feel pressured or defensive.
• Know Your Limits: Understand how far you’re willing to go and be ready to walk away if you can’t get what you need. This shows you’re serious and not desperate.
• Listen More Than You Speak: Effective negotiation is as much about listening as it is about talking. Pay attention to what the other party says and use that information to your advantage.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every little discount or deal you get adds up. Even if it’s just 10% off labor, like in Bill’s case, it’s still money saved that can be put to better use elsewhere.

And for those moments when you’re not sure if you can get a better deal, remember Bill’s story. A smile, a bit of humor, and simply asking can sometimes lead to unexpected savings. Keep those negotiation skills sharp, and you might be surprised at how often you can score a deal.

• MORE: Everything I Know About Negotiating I Learned to Survive

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Free Kids Workshops

“We take our kids to Home Depot’s monthly Kids Club Workshops. These workshops are free how-to-clinics designed for children ages 6-12, available 9 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at all Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits like wooden birdhouses, step stools and sailboats to more educational projects like the plastic bag recycle box and window bird box, where kids can watch the birds build their nests. Kids leave with a finished item, an orange apron and achievement pin.”

–Brian O., California

 

Thank you for sharing your tip about Home Depot’s Kids Club Workshops, Brian! These workshops are not only a great way to spend a Saturday morning but also an excellent way for children to develop practical skills and a love for DIY projects.

For parents looking for more ways to keep their kids engaged and learning, local libraries often offer free craft sessions and storytime events. These activities provide a similar hands-on experience and can be a great addition to your family’s weekend plans.

Another idea is to explore community centers or parks and recreation departments, which frequently offer free or low-cost workshops and classes for kids of all ages. These programs can range from arts and crafts to beginner’s sports, giving kids a chance to try something new without a big investment.

Thanks again, Brian, for highlighting such a valuable resource. It’s tips like these that help families find fun and educational activities without breaking the bank.

• MORE: 11 Brilliant Free Fun Things to Do Where You Live

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Repair Broken Terra-Cotta Pots

“Don’t throw out that busted terra-cotta pot. You can repair it quite easily Moisten the breaks with water. Squeeze carpenter’s glue onto the broken edges and reset the pieces. Circle the pot with strips of masking tape to hold the pieces in place. Let the bond harden.”

–Victor G., California

 

Thank you, Victor, for the fantastic tip on repairing broken terra-cotta pots. It’s such a practical and eco-friendly solution, and I love that it gives new life to something that might otherwise be thrown away.

This reminds me of the beautiful Japanese art of kintsugi, which involves repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer. It’s a wonderful philosophy that embraces flaws and imperfections, turning them into something even more special. If you’re interested, here’s an article that dives deeper into the art of kintsugi and its inspiring message about resilience and beauty in the broken.

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Share Your Tips with Us!

Got a great time or money-saving or DIY tip? We’d love to hear it! Send your tip to mailbag@everydaycheapskate.com with the subject line “Reader Tip Submission.” In the email, clearly describe your tip and any relevant details. Include your first name and last initial (or a preferred nickname), your location (state, province, or country). Here’s an example: –Mary H., Colorado “Cheapskate”

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Note: All submitted tips become the property of Everyday Cheapskate and may be used or reproduced in any manner. By submitting, you grant exclusive rights to use your tip.

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