January 11, 2026
Greetings!
Let's pick up where we left off in our last issue of Thrifty Tips, and explore some clever tricks our grandmothers used to keep their homes spotless.
These days, times are tough and every dollar counts, so it's worth remembering that you don't need a cabinet full of expensive cleaners to keep your house fresh and clean. From simple pantry staples to everyday tools, there are countless ways to get the job done with items you already have on hand.
Kris
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Handy Hint: Try This Instead of Burning Expensive Candles
Get rid of cooking odors, or simply sweeten up your kitchen by boiling cinnamon sticks. Cover cinnamon sticks with water in a small saucepan on the stove, and bring the mixture to a boil. After a few minutes, a sweet comforting aroma will fill your room reminding you of Grandma's house.
Mix it up, you can do this with left-over oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes.
Thrifty Tip: Start Making Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
It's simple! All you need is vinegar and water for an all-purpose
sanitizing solution that works in kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and
everything in between!
Just combine two parts water and one part distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and you have a cheap multi-use cleaning product free of harsh chemicals. And honestly, it works just as good as the expensive brands that are on the market.
If you prefer a fresh scent, just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or try fresh lemon juice!
Thrifty Tip: Save Your Lemons
Don't toss those lemon halves out after you have squeezed out all the juice. Those leftover lemon rinds can get your wooden cutting boards nice and clean.
The citric acid in their leftover juice helps remove stains, deodorize, and disinfect. Sprinkle some coarse salt over the surface of your cutting board and use the lemon half to scrub it in. Rinse with hot water, and air dry.
Got a tip of your own, Handy or Thrifty? Reply back to me, I love reading your tips and ideas!