I tend to get things like deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, etc for very little money by shopping the sales at C*VS and Wal*Greens. But just because I don't pay a lot for it, doesn't mean that I don't have the same regard for the product.
Meaning, I try my best to NOT be wasteful of anything. No matter how much or little it cost.
So even though I (at this time) won't pay more than 50¢ for deodorant, it still bugs me to no end looking at all the product that is left in the container when it's "empty".
So I decided to do something about it.
There are 5 of us here using deodorant, so there are almost always empty containers. I'd asked everyone to not throw them away for the week and ended up with 3.
In the two smaller ones the little plastic piece came all the way out and I cleaned it out with a toothpick.
In the larger container the bottom stayed in place, so I decided to use this one to refill.
I popped the deodorant chunks in the microwave for just a very few seconds a couple of times, watching it closely. It started to get liquid within seconds. Then I stirred it around to make it more smooth.
It started to get solid again very quickly. Almost before I could get it in the container. I used a plastic spoon and packed it as tightly as possible. Within 2 minutes I had this. 
This was actually about half of the tube twisted up, I didn't want to press my luck. This is what my husband and I have been using for over a week now.
I realize this isn't going to enable me to buy a car or home or send my kids to college. But I do believe it's how you handle the little things that mold how you'll handle the bigger ones.
My Great-Grandmother used to say, "Take care of your pennies, you're dollars are big enough to take care of themselves."
And next week I'll expound on that thought. :)
ETA - Now that I know this will work and that I'll do it regularly, I'll get a specific plastic bowl and spoon that I keep just for this purpose so as not to waste paper plates and spoons. I also wanted to point out a price comparison post that I did a couple of days ago that might be of interest to you frugal ladies.
For more frugal tips be sure to check out Crystal's Blog!
1 year ago
11 comments:
I also try to use every last bit of everything possible, which means cutting toothpaste tubes, shampoo/conditioner bottles, dishwasher detergent bottles, pouring water into every laundry detergent bottle, etc. I also save scraps of bar soap and put them into a bath "net" so I don't waste a piece. I use butter wrappers to get all the butter off, etc. But I have never done what you have done with deodorant! This will be my next "project". It gives me personal satisfaction to do things like this! :) I would love to hear more of your ideas. Thanks for this idea! I am off to check out our deodorant bottles!
Blessings,
Carla
Every penny counts!
Yet another great idea!!
Keep them coming :P
Lori
Thanks for checking out my blog and letting me know my link wasn't working. Wow, you are inspiring,
I don't think I ever would have thought of that!
My sister is NICU nurse at Vanderbilt, she thinks my 9 1/2 pound babies are huge :o)
That's a great idea - I may have to begin doing that in the near future as the kids age and we'll be using much more deodorant than we do now.
Thanks for the idea!
I've been scraping mine out and putting it in a jar and using a round makeup sponge to put it on with. I like your idea much better. I'll have to try this when I get enough together. My husband just shakes his head at some of my "tricks" as he calls them but I know he likes it when I save us money. I can't wait to hear what he will say when he sees me microwaving the deodrant! LOL
What a creative idea!
I have thought about trying one of these
http://www.crystaldeodorantprotection.com/
They are an 'investment' initially, but they are supposed to be healthier for you, and they last for years!
Michelle W.
Carla, thank you! It gives me personal satisfaction too. You sound like you do a great job!
Lori, it sure does! You're always so encouraging.
Shyla, you're welcome! And I have big babies too. My biggest was almost 10# and my smallest just shy of 9#.
Thanks Demeter! It really does add up after a while.
Carrie, my husband was just laughing about it last night! He actually showed people at work the blog! LOL But there was a little pride in his voice as he told me about it (it's what I want to believe anyway). BTW, I'm going to add you to my fav's if you don't mind. I love your blog and check it almost every day.
Michelle, how funny! I actually had a picture of mine that I was going to put up with the deodorant post, but the post was long enough as it was. Hmmm...maybe I'll add it in the next couple of days!
Michelle you're so danged smart! Not sure if it would work here in our house as I use girly deodarant and all my 5 men use manly stuff.
Oh oh oh..this reminds me: my oldest son Jon has this friend Kris who everyday kept coming over and I could swear I smelled baby powder..so I asked him if he was wearing baby powder, to which his face turned red and said "Noooo..I'm out of deodarant and so I'm using my Mom's"..this truly cracked me up,lol. At least he smelled good, ☺
Michelle, Thank you for the add. I'm honored. I enjoy your blog too so I'm going to add you tomy list as well.
Good for you!
Isn't it great that the Internet connects us to kindred spirits who don't think this kind of thing is, well, weird?
I read something the other day about dampening your underarms, tapping on some baking soda, letting it air dry, and you supposedly stay fresh and clean all day?? I wonder if that really works? (It'd sure be cheap if it does!)
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