Stop pouring too much shampoo

photo by flavous

It’s easy to use too much of items that are in squeeze bottles. One way to combat over-usage is to put liquids such as shampoo, dish liquid, hand soap or condiments into pump dispensers. This will distribute a pre-measured amount each time you use it. The first reader tip shares a way to make shampoo and soap pour slowly, so you’re less likely to pour more than you need.

SLOW POUR: My daughter uses WAY too much soap, shampoo, etc., in the tub. Instead of taking the whole seal from under the screw cap off of the bottle when I buy it, I just punch a hole in it so that it pours a lot slower. — Andrea, West Virginia

FIRESTARTER: Did you know that you can use steel wool and a 9V battery to start a fire? I was watching TV the other night and it showed how to pull apart the steel wool and touch the “plug” ends of the 9V battery to it, and it just lights up. You can then add paper, kindling, whatever to keep the fire going. It’s called the Joule effect. I thought that was pretty cool! — Heather, New York

HOW TO UNCLOG A TOILET: It’s easy. After a day of plunging and even trying to fish with a wire hanger, I found an easy way to unclog the toilet. You will need: 1/4 cup dish-washing soap, 4 cups hot water and a plunger. Put the soap and water in the toilet and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Plunge a few times (you may make bubbles) and flush. I couldn’t believe it worked! I hate using chemicals, so I will keep a bottle of Dollar Tree dish soap handy just for this purpose. — Jenelle, Massachusetts

CAUTION: If you buy a pressure canner at a thrift store, you should have it checked for safety. The county extension office can do that for you. — Kellie, Arkansas

MOCK GRAPE NUTS: I have made this once, and it is pretty good. Be careful not to crumble too finely. I did not measure the amount, but it was a gallon Ziploc bag completely full. Keep in mind, these aren’t flakes, they are crumbs, so it was quite a bit in there. It is also shelf stable. The last batch I made was a few months ago, and this morning it was still tasty. I have used this in lieu of graham cracker crumbs in crusts and was pleased with the outcome.

7 cups whole-wheat flour
3 cups brown sugar
4 cups sour milk or buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup margarine, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 250 F. Mix all ingredients together and spread in shallow baking pan. Bake for 1-1/5 to 2 hours. When cool, crumble and toast in a 250 F oven for 30 minutes or until dry. Store in plastic bags when cool. — Joseph, North Carolina

VERSATILE COOKER: You can cook meals, including raw meat, in the rice cooker. Borrow “The Ultimate Rice Cookbook” by Beth Hensperger from the library. It is an awesome resource on rice and rice-cooker cooking. I make oatmeal, grits and tapioca pudding in my cooker. So wonderful to not have to worry about boil overs or scorched pots. — Saule, Illinois

Posted by Sara Noel on March 6 2010. Filed under Frugal Tips.
Sara Noel owns Frugal Village, LLC and is a nationally syndicated columnist with United Media. Bio, Follow me on Twitter, Join us on Facebook.