Most households today try to economize and save money in whatever way they can. That’s why if there was a chance to make our dish sponges, household candles, and toilet paper last longer, we’d take it.
Tricks to make household items last longer
It may sound unbelievable, but there are ways to make the household items mentioned above last longer, which can save you a lot. Of course, not only these, but also 9 other daily items that we all need for our home. Read on to find out which ones:
1. Add a little salt to your candles to prolong their burning time.
Oddly enough, adding a bit of salt to a hot candle after you blow it out can slow down the burning process.
Add a pinch of salt evenly, use a toothpick to stir, and your favorite candle should burn slower next time.
2. Avoid using your sponges to clean surfaces that have been in contact with raw meat.
Many health experts say that sponges used to clean surfaces that have come in contact with raw meat should be thrown away. That doesn’t mean you have to buy a new sponge every time you clean up a mess like this.
Instead, use an antibacterial spray and paper towels to clean your cutting board. This will protect you from harmful bacteria and help extend the life of your kitchen sponge.
Bonus tip: Instead of letting your sponge sit on the bottom of your sink, get a sponge holder that hangs above the surface so your sponge stays dry at all times. Moisture corrodes the sponge, so keeping it dry is key to making it last longer.
3. Use olive oil in your nonstick pan to make it last longer
Most delicious recipes call for a bit of oil, but using olive oil can also have a positive effect on your nonstick pots and pans. The olive oil will help fill in the small holes or pores in the pan, making the surface completely smooth and even. To achieve this, just follow these steps:
- Wash the pan with hot, soapy water.
- Dry it well with kitchen paper or a kitchen towel.
- Add a tablespoon of oil and rub the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Heat for about 60 seconds.
- Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Wipe away excess oil.
Now your frying pan is ready to be exposed to high temperatures without being damaged.
4. Shake towels after washing to keep them fluffy.
Doing this improves absorbency, keeps the fibers fluffy, gives them a soft feel, and allows them to last longer.
Bonus Tip: Avoid washing too many towels at once. Instead, sort them into groups based on color, size, and how dirty they are.
This will create more space and allow your towels to rinse properly, leaving no germs or dirt on the fabric, thus extending the life of your towels.