Frugal Living

Keep leftover paint, gasoline, and household chemicals in better condition with these simple storage tips for labeling, sealing, and safer placement.

A practical A-to-Z style index of Budget101 household recipes in the O through R range, including cleaners, repellents, laundry helpers, putties, and more.

An alphabetized Budget101 directory of homemade household recipes, cleaners, detergents, pest remedies, stain removers, and practical DIY fixes.

A handy A-to-Z style index of Budget101 household recipes D through G, including cleaners, laundry helpers, furniture care, repellents, and more.

Learn a quick at-home battery drop test for A, AA, AAA, C, and D batteries, plus practical 9-volt storage and disposal tips.

Browse 400+ homemade household recipes for cleaners, detergents, stain removers, laundry care, pest control, pet care, glue, and more.

Try this simple kitchen tip to reduce eye irritation and tears while slicing or chopping onions for your favorite recipes.

Stop messy trash bag leaks with a simple junk mail trick that absorbs drips at the bottom of the bag and helps protect freshly cleaned floors.

Track down musty basement smells, fix the moisture problem, and use simple low-cost remedies like onions, vinegar, and charcoal briquettes.

Make this homemade all-purpose wood stain with boiled linseed oil, turpentine, Japan drier, and dry pigment for a customizable finish.

Make this homemade mosquito deterrent with a white paper plate, lemon Joy dish detergent, and 2 teaspoons of water.

Make simple moth repellent sachets with whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and black peppercorns to hang in closets and storage areas.

Make a simple newspaper clipping preservative with one white antacid tablet and club soda to help treat treasured newspaper keepsakes at home.

Make your own biodegradable newspaper seed starter pots with scrap paper, a simple flour paste, and a spice bottle or small can.

Make your own nicotine plant spray with tobacco and water to help control caterpillars, aphids, and destructive worms in the garden.

Remove stains from nonstick cookware with baking soda, water, and vinegar. Boil the mixture in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then re-season.

Make this homemade no-rinse wall cleaner with 4 simple ingredients. Wash walls quickly without a second rinse step and save money, too.

Mix this easy no-wax linoleum cleaner with 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 gallon warm water for a quick, budget-friendly floor wash.