While going through my morning routine, a rush in the bathroom to get ready, I realized that I was wasting products and money. Here are some changes I’ve made in the bathroom to save money.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste commercials show models using globs of toothpaste. This is not necessary and it is wasteful. A pea-size amount is all you need to keep those pearly whites clean. Some people have given up on toothpaste and instead brush with baking soda, which is much cheaper.
Deodorant
Like toothpaste and shampoo, learning what is the right amount for you is a must. If you are not in high-stress situations, you may just need one swipe. I prefer to stay away from cheap deodorant as my skin is sensitive, but if it the dollar store brands work for you, then go for it. Deodorant is one toiletry item you can get for $1 or less if you combine a coupon with a sale.
Toilet Paper
A couple months ago, I read that singer Sheryl Crow had apparently stated that she only used one squares per bathroom visit, except during the – um – other times when she needs to use three squares. I thought this was ridiculous and then I read Bargain Babe’s tissue to toilet paper comparison where she found out it was cheaper to use tissues to blow your nose than toilet paper. Her post made me rethink my toilet paper usage and although I won’t be using as few as two squares anytime soon, I am more conscious of how much paper I use and stick to a box of tissues when I get sick.
Water
There are many ways to save water in the bathroom. Bargain Babe suggested collecting the water that runs off when you are waiting for the shower to get hot and using it for a greener way to flush the toilet. Don’t forget to turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth and scrubbing in the shower. Keeping your showers short also helps, something I’m still working on. If you are really dedicated to saving water consider this: if it’s yellow, let it mellow – if it’s brown, flush it down.
Shampoo
A lot of people tend to overuse shampoo causing their hair and scalp to dry out. To save money on shampoo and keep your scalp from drying out, try washing your hair every other day or use dry shampoo. Not only will you stop spending so much money on shampoo, you’ll spend less time in the shower, saving water! If you can’t go without washing your hair, use the right amount of shampoo for your hair length.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
I recently started washing my hair every other day sometimes even every 3 days. Although it was hard at first I’ve saved on shampoo and I’ve cut the time in the shower on those days that I dont wash my hair.
Good article. I am all for saving money. I just wrote an article on bottled water at PennyPinchersPal.com
I use a special concentrated Flouride toothpaste that was medially prescribed and use just a pea size dollop and leave it on overnight to increase the flouridation effect. My wife does the same thing with her regular toothpaste. Wake up with minty fresh breath.
And don’t forget to turn off the faucet while your brushing. There is a really neat device you can buy to put on your faucet that turns it into a drinking fountain if you want an easy way to rinse. No more paper cups or glasses to worry about breaking.
I find that I need an antiperspirant more than a deodorant so I like and use baby powder instead.
Toilet paper use is dependent on a lot of factors obviously. One major factor is the quality of the TP. Some is so thin you have to wrap your hand in it, while other brands you could get away with just a few squares per wipe. I personally like the soft, fluffy type followed with a moist flushable wipe. TMI?
Want to save money while taking your shower, but don’t like to rush? Maybe you can have your “long” shower and save on water used by using a water restricter shower head or like tooth brushing turn the water off when you really don’t need to have it running. Soap up and do all the srubbing and then rinse off.
I use very little shampoo because I keep my hair cut short, but you make an excellent point. I think most of us use way to much of everything thinking that it will be better or just not knowing how much will really do the job.
P.S. Did you know that Shampoo/Conditioner when left on a stain in the shower basin will dissolve the old soap residue?
Don’t forget to come visit me at PennyPinchersPal.com for some more money savings tips.
FrugalFather
If you want to try making your own soaps, shampoos, etc try the webiste titled Pioneer Thinking. They have great ideas that help us to save money.
I make my own laundry soap that cleans better, makes my clothes smell nice, and soften them so I don’t need dryer sheets. I use two parts shaved Fels Naptha soap to 1/2 part washing soda and 1/2 part boraxo.
Seriously? Who pays for toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant? Between coupon deals at the markets and freebates at Rite-Aid, etc., I haven’t paid for any of that stuff for a couple of decades.
Grab the deals when they’re available and stockpile. Then, when you need the stuff, go shopping in your own garage, closet, basement instead of paying the ridiculous prices at the stores. We date each item and then rotate usage so nothing goes bad/stale.
We’ve saved thousands of $$$ over the years doing this. You can, too/1.
To save money on deodorant, I recommend using a crystal deodorant stone. There are a couple of brands on the market. They work better than most deodorants, on lasts for years, & they are hypoallergenic…
the toilet paper issue is soo crazy—if you have to limit use to 1 square/etc—you have lots of problems!!! i’m sure you can find other ways to save–instead of having to do that & in that case—go out & use old leaves from a tree!!! that makes more sense!!!!!! How cheap can you be!!!!
Water is what makes soap and shampoo foam. When people don’t get the foam that they are expecting from their shampoo, most people use more shampoo. I always add an ounce or 2 of water to my new shampoo and liquid soap bottles as soon as there is enough room. I then shake to combine.
You won’t notice a difference in consistency but you will notice more foam.
I also add some extra water to seemingly empty bottles and shake it up. There is always product left on the sides of the containers that could extend usage for an extra few days.
I’ve been brushing my teeth in the shower with one hand and using the other hand to clean my body with a washcloth. Saves time! Yes, I am the master multi-tasker. LOL! 🙂