Money matters: Lockdown hacks that will help save you some money

Are you finding you are running out of essential items at home and are not wanting to go to the shops unnecessarily at this time? It’s helpful to have an alternative in case you run out of something. Here are some lockdown hacks that will save you some pennies.

Lockdown hacks

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is an important ingredient when baking. When baking scones I use buttermilk instead of just milk and it makes my scones soft and fluffy. Unfortunately it’s not everyday that I have buttermilk in the house. The good news is you can make your own buttermilk in 10 – 15 minutes.

You will need:
1. Milk
2.Vinegar

To every cup of milk add two teaspoons of vinegar and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes until lumps form.

Homemade fabric softener

You will need:
2×100g bar of bath soap
3 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
2 litres boiling water

Grate your soap and dissolve it in the hot water. Once it has fully dissolved, add the bicarbonate of soda and let it cool before use. Add to your washing, as you would normal fabric softener.

Linen spray

We all want our linen, bedding and curtains to smell fresh.

You’ll need
1. Fabric softener of your choice
2. Essential oil of your choice

In a spray bottle, mix the fabric softener with water, then add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

Mouthwash

Having fresh breath doesn’t have to be costly especially if you make your own mouth wash at home.

You’ll need
1. A bottle
2. 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
3. 2 drops tea tree essential oil
4. 2 drops peppermint essential oil
5. ½ a cup filtered water

Mix all your ingredients in a bottle. There you have it.

Toilet deodoriser

Pour some fabric softener in the toilet tank and you’ll be flashing with scented water that will leave your bathroom smelling good at all times.

This content has been created as part of our freelancer relief programme. We are supporting journalists and freelance writers impacted by the economic slowdown caused by #lockdownlife.

If you are a freelancer looking to contribute to The South African, read more here.