The Latest Frugal Living Tips

Here's a sample of the latest tips we have received and some questions for the frugal community. 

Cheryl-Anne from Auckland has this question. "I am wondering if anyone has a tip on how to get blue nail polish off a light coloured carpet? Thank you."

Warren from Tauranga is asking for tips to clean shower tiles. "I am after an effective shower cleaner – as in cleaning glass, tiles, and a black mould build-up on silicone grout between floor and wall tiles."

Carolyn from Perth asks, "I would love to create a family cookbook – so many memories of mum’s cooking and baking, smells and tastes! To use a website that creates it for you is pricey. So I am looking for ideas on how to create a fun, easy recipe collection full of memories, photos and food to share with close family. Any ideas or thoughts would be most welcome. Thank you!"

If you can help Cheryl-Anne, Warren or Carolyn, please send in your suggestions via the oilyrag.co.nz website.

Marie from Rotorua has this composting tip. "If you are not careful a compost heap can become a great smelly heap of sloshy muck. You are supposed to turn it over which is hard work, especially for old folks. Here is a tip. Get an old 40 gallon drum. Make a hole in the bottom. Put a piece of scrunched up wire netting over the hole to keep it clear, and perhaps a couple of broken pots.  Prop it up on bricks till you can easily slip a bucket in under the hole. Put vege scraps and weeds in the top, put a lid on if you have one, and the moisture that will run out the bottom into the bucket is wonderful liquid manure. This method is especially good for grass clippings which can go really soggy. When worms start appearing in your liquid you will need to pull it over and empty it out. It will be full of lovely compost."

PB from Auckland writes, "When fruit and veg are in season, and therefore cheap, buy extra and freeze. I do this, for instance with brussels sprouts so that I have them for Christmas dinner." 

Ramenkia from Papakura has this tofu tip. "Tofu is important protein for vegetarians. It is commonly available in Chinese grocery shops. Tofu is available in single and two-piece packs. If you have a small family, buy the single pack which costs about $1 a box instead of the 2 piece pack because once opened, it will only last for 2-3 days – if the water is changed every day. You can buy 2 packets of the single pack tofu and keep it in the fridge until needed. It can keep for 2-3 weeks if unopened."

Anonymous from Whangarei has this tip for cleaning rust marks from clothing. "Simply squeeze lemon juice on the stain then liberally coat with plain salt. Then place out in strong sunlight. You might have to repeat the process, but most times once does the trick."

Sue from Christchurch has this suggestion for low-cost Xmas giving. "For the last few years all the adult family members decided to enjoy the food, wine, and company for Xmas. The gift buying is only done for the children, grandchildren etc. That is what makes it a great day – watching their faces!"

A reader from Whangarei is having a "make it" Xmas. One lucky family of relatives will be receiving a custom-made chicken coop made from left-over building materials. It features Ritz style nesting boxes and perches to cater for every rung on the pecking order."

Gaynor from Paraparaumu has various tips to share. "Wrap the tops of old panty-hose around the bristles of a soft broom and use with a little detergent if necessary to clean the car or windows. Hosing down first helps, then dry off with a clean rag. Cut sections off the legs of tights or knee highs to use over lower trouser legs to stop them being caught in a bike chain. Pieces of old tights make effective cleaning cloths. Old tee shirts and skivvies make good pyjama tops. Get the last of the contents out of tubes by cutting them in half. "

You can send tips and join the Oily Rag mailing list by visiting www.oilyrag.co.nz – or you can write to us at Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag, PO Box 984, Whangarei.

Read more from Frank and Muriel Newman here