Tip Store: Household: Manchester
Labelled Pillows
If you are one of us that has many pillows for their bed, it can be frustrating and time consuming when it’s time to remake the bed… which pillow goes where, what pillowcase goes on what pillow, especially when you are being helped. So take a permanent marker and write a description on the labels attached to the pillows. Eg head, feet, arm.. or left top, left middle, left top (fancy). Whatever makes sense to you and those helping you.
Contributed by Denise Scotford
Contributed by Denise Scotford
Serviette Saver
I use napkins at every meal, and discovered that we were going through a lot of packets. So I went to the Op shop, bought 1dozen material serviettes, use for 1 day, pop into the wash and reuse. Sometimes they get an iron. Cost us $5. After 12 months they are still as good as new.
Contributed by Glenda Hymers
Editor's note: If you are a sewer, serviettes are easy to make. They can be made from just about any cotton or linen fabric. Old shirts make lovely serviettes, as do old doona covers and sheets or pillowcases. You get 6 - 8 serviettes from a shirt (depends how big you make them) and dozens from doona covers and sheets. A pillow case makes 8 matching serviettes. Cath
Contributed by Glenda Hymers
Editor's note: If you are a sewer, serviettes are easy to make. They can be made from just about any cotton or linen fabric. Old shirts make lovely serviettes, as do old doona covers and sheets or pillowcases. You get 6 - 8 serviettes from a shirt (depends how big you make them) and dozens from doona covers and sheets. A pillow case makes 8 matching serviettes. Cath
Old Towel Recycling Tip
Don't throw out old towels when they become frayed at the edges. Fold them in half and sew along the 3 open edges. You now have a fabulous mat for in the bathroom, laundry or kitchen - they can even be used at the front and back door! they are super absorbent still, and easy to wash.
Contributed by Eliza Woodruffe
Contributed by Eliza Woodruffe
Recycling Worn Bedsheets
My dear old mum taught me this one. When the middle of the sheet has worn thin and the edges are still thick, all one needs is a pair of scissors, pins and sewing machine. Cut the sheet in half and then bring the two thick ends to the centre, the thin to outer edge pin and sew the centres together and then sew a hem on the two outer edges and you have new sheets, well sheets that last a bit longer. Mum also made sheets for single beds from the good quality cotton baby nappies once her baby had grown out of them.
Contributed by Evie Foreman
Contributed by Evie Foreman
Warm Blankets to the Rescue
I feel the cold quite badly, and my room regulates temperature worse than my body does. I invested in some polar fleece blankets from Kmart (single and queen are both $10 here, I always buy queen size). I have one spread over my mattress and sheet, and one the goes over me (and under the rest of the blankets). It makes a huge difference to how warm I stay! I also buy the queen size to cut into scarves and beanies for the homeless; it keeps them warmer and works better in the rain than wool!
Contributed by Jacki Taylor
Contributed by Jacki Taylor
Easy Sheets Storage
After trying many MANY different ways to store my sheets I have discovered the easiest way for me is to fold the sets together and pop the sheet, fitted sheet and 1 pillow case inside the other pillow case. It took me a day and a half to organise the whole linen press this way but its so much easier especially if you have drop in overnight guests or small children that have the occasional accident in the middle of the night - now I'm not pulling the linen press apart in the middle of the night searching for a flat sheet!
Contributed by Rebecca Jane
Contributed by Rebecca Jane
Changing Doona Covers
This is for everyone who hates changing doona covers - This is a very simple trick that not a lot of people know about. 1. Lay Doona insert out flat. 2. Turn fresh doona cover inside out. 3. Slide hands inside opening of doona cover right up to the very end. 4. With hands still at the end of the doona cover grab the DOONA insert (left corner in left hand right corner in right hand) and pull the doona insert into the cover letting it slide off your arms as you do so. 5. Give doona a flick to straighten it out and secure ends. I hope these instructions are easy to understand. Contributed by Lynette Henderson, 7th April 2013 Editor's note: That's exactly the way I change our doona covers. As I slip them off the doona before washing I make sure they come off inside out. They are then washed and hung out to dry inside out (helps with fading too). When they come off the line they are already to be put back on the doona, or folded and put into the linen cupboard ready to use.
Cath
Cath
Making Single Sheets into King Single Sheets
Approximate $ Savings: $30+
After upgrading beds for my tall teens to king single I realized I had no sheets to fit them. I had a number of single bed sets so decided to measure the king single sheet set and combine the current sets into 'new' ones. To do this, firstly view the measurements of the sheets required -can even be done online by looking for sheet sizes. Then use the top sheet as the new bottom sheet and add material from the old bottom sheet to lengthen and widen the previous top sheet. Follow instructions for making fitted sheets off the web http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/fittedsheet.htm. You will be able to make one sheet set out of two current sets. Just make sure seams are neat and finished and sewn flat so the sheet is comfortable. You can even make them patchwork for designer sheets. This will save heaps if you have plenty of old linen in the cupboard which does not currently fit a bed.
Contributed by Julie Faint
Website: http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/fittedsheet.htm
After upgrading beds for my tall teens to king single I realized I had no sheets to fit them. I had a number of single bed sets so decided to measure the king single sheet set and combine the current sets into 'new' ones. To do this, firstly view the measurements of the sheets required -can even be done online by looking for sheet sizes. Then use the top sheet as the new bottom sheet and add material from the old bottom sheet to lengthen and widen the previous top sheet. Follow instructions for making fitted sheets off the web http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/fittedsheet.htm. You will be able to make one sheet set out of two current sets. Just make sure seams are neat and finished and sewn flat so the sheet is comfortable. You can even make them patchwork for designer sheets. This will save heaps if you have plenty of old linen in the cupboard which does not currently fit a bed.
Contributed by Julie Faint
Website: http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/fittedsheet.htm
From Bed Cover to Mattress Cover
When having a clean out recently I was folding up an old quilted bedspread that had seen better days. I folded it up with the wrong side showing. Whilst it was sitting in the corner waiting to be taken to the local op shop I suddenly realised I could use this to make a mattress cover for our bed, same size as the bedspread. I even used the elastic off of the old mattress cover. Voila, with the wrong side up on the bed, this has saved quite a bit of money for not much effort. I even used what was left of the bedspread to make some covers for our gas bottles when we go camping, so that they are cushioned during transit.
Contributed by Fran Knight
Contributed by Fran Knight
You can do it!
Approximate $ Savings: $2,800.00
Our driveway and path to the house was looking old and tired and detracted from our house. I got a few quotes to get the driveway and pathway cleaned and re-painted and the cheapest quote I got was $3,500. I decided to get the man to clean my driveway with a gurnie and paint the driveway and path myself. It cost me $500 to get the driveway and path cleaned and $200 for paint. I got covered in paint but the driveway and path look like new and have really lifted the appeal of my house.
Contributed by Tracey Mogno
Our driveway and path to the house was looking old and tired and detracted from our house. I got a few quotes to get the driveway and pathway cleaned and re-painted and the cheapest quote I got was $3,500. I decided to get the man to clean my driveway with a gurnie and paint the driveway and path myself. It cost me $500 to get the driveway and path cleaned and $200 for paint. I got covered in paint but the driveway and path look like new and have really lifted the appeal of my house.
Contributed by Tracey Mogno
First a Bath Towel, then a Bath Mat
Approximate $ Savings: $200
As far back as I can remember I have never bought a bathmat to use when getting out of the bath or shower. I may have used some I received when first married forty-two years ago. I have two "proper" ones that I have received from others. I have turned many bath towels past their "use by dates" into bathmats by doubling over and either zig-zagging or overlocking around the edges and "voila" a bathmat. I'm still using ones I've had for quite a few years, so it's time to make a few more.
Contributed by Kaye, Wyoming
As far back as I can remember I have never bought a bathmat to use when getting out of the bath or shower. I may have used some I received when first married forty-two years ago. I have two "proper" ones that I have received from others. I have turned many bath towels past their "use by dates" into bathmats by doubling over and either zig-zagging or overlocking around the edges and "voila" a bathmat. I'm still using ones I've had for quite a few years, so it's time to make a few more.
Contributed by Kaye, Wyoming
Handy Coasters Stay Dry
I've been searching for a drinks coaster that stays dry and have spent a fortune on different kinds. Most of them just get wet (especially if you have a drink with ice in it)and frighten the life out of you when they lift up with the glass and then fall onto the floor. Last week I was at our local Bunnings store and picked up a carpet tile on special for $3.50 - I then cut it up (just using scissors) and made 25 coasters which work beautifully and look good too.
Contributed by Helen, Doon Doon
Contributed by Helen, Doon Doon
Fixing Fitted Sheets
If the elastic 'goes' in your fitted sheets and you have access to a sewing machine, sew a triangle out of each corner. Pin it first to make sure it isn't too tight or loose. It should make the sheet fit as tightly as the elastic does.
Contributed by Trish, Mosman
Contributed by Trish, Mosman
All Seasons Quilts
I have 3 teenagers who have been hounding me for new doona inserts as they say that the ones they have are not fluffy enough. I have looked in my overstuffed linen and come up with 6 old thin doonas. I went to spotlight and got some clips that snap together and sewed them on, allowing two doonas to fit together. This makes it thick and fluffy for winter and clips apart to use as a summer doona. The kids are thrilled with their new doonas and it didn't cost me a thing!!!As i am not the most handy mum the kids thought i had lost the plot, but now realise it was a great idea they got a new doona and mum is happy..... - Contributed by Petrena, Arana Hills, 31st July 2009 Editors Note: I do this too with the kid's doonas. Once the nights start to cool down I pin two summer weight doonas together, using nappy pins (four to a side, so sixteen all round). The nappy pins are large enough to keep a good hold and have the safety cover to prevent them coming open and causing an accident. If the winter is really cold it's a simple matter to add another layer to the doona and washing is easy, they just unpin.
Cath
Cath
New Handtowels from an Old Favourite
Approximate $ Savings: $10 each time
My children have grown up now but their kids beach towels were still in the linen press as good as new so I decided to make some bright and colourful kitchen hand towels and wipe cloths from them. Just cut each towel in half across in the middle and with one half cut it lengthwise to form two pieces. Run the unfinished sides through your sewing machine to stop fraying. With the other towel half cut it into four to create some kitchen and bathroom wipes. You can still wash and bleach if necessary and you don't have to spend on hand towels or bench wipes.
Contributed by Sue, Moss Vale
My children have grown up now but their kids beach towels were still in the linen press as good as new so I decided to make some bright and colourful kitchen hand towels and wipe cloths from them. Just cut each towel in half across in the middle and with one half cut it lengthwise to form two pieces. Run the unfinished sides through your sewing machine to stop fraying. With the other towel half cut it into four to create some kitchen and bathroom wipes. You can still wash and bleach if necessary and you don't have to spend on hand towels or bench wipes.
Contributed by Sue, Moss Vale
Heat Kills Bedmites
To get rid of mites you need to wash your bedclothes in hot water as this kills the mites ,you can place the mattress in the sun on a hot sunny days for a few hours and if you cannot do that then you can use your hair dryer on high heat and go over the mattress surface. Open up the bedroom windows and let the sun into the bedroom when ever possible and everywhere else you may have a problem such as the lounge.
Contributed by Chrissy, Luddenham
Contributed by Chrissy, Luddenham
Budget Bedding Brings Instant Relief From Allergy
My 4 year old son also suffers badly from eczema with dust mite and grass allergies. I purchased his bed linen from both Spotlight and Kmart for a lot less than the so called good quality ones. We use a Bonds Clean and Fresh doona, Tontine pillow protectors (these come in a 2 pack which is good for sleep overs as you have a spare cover to take along), Tontine pillow with bio-guard protection, and a Tontine mattress protector. We had immediate results using these...no more stuffy nose in the morning, no sneezing, and not as much itching. I purchased all these for less than $200, and would highly recommend them. Watch your catalogues for linen sales..places like Kmart often have 15% off which will save you even more. Good Luck
Contributed by Jodie, Rutherford
Contributed by Jodie, Rutherford
Some Simple Eczema Solutions
We found our son, now 6, a mattress manufactured by Select-O-Pedic (Victoria and Queensland) with Ultra Fresh treated fabric. It carries the Asthma Foundation logo. I find that airing his mattress and washing the bedding weekly greatly reduces his reaction to dust mites. We also find that using pawpaw cream is fantastic on his eczema as it gives a protective barrier and helps the skin from drying out and becoming itchy. We also bandage arms and legs when they are bad to stop scratching in his sleep and found it helps the affected areas heal faster.
Contributed by Jacqui
Contributed by Jacqui
Mattress Protectors for Toilet Trainers
Rather than pay a small fortune for water-proof mattress protectors for my girls when they were toilet training, I simply bought them a picnic rug each, yes picnic rugs! They cost just $5 each from a cheapie shop! They are water-proof one side, soft and warm on the other, so they are much more comfortable, as well as a whole lot cheaper, than the expensive ones! To wash simply throw in the machine and hang over the clothes line soft side up to dry! We had no smelly mattresses to clean and air EVER!!!
Contributed by Jessica, Port Fairy
Contributed by Jessica, Port Fairy
Finding Really Cheap Quilts
Approximate $ Savings: $150+
I'm replying to Eliza's fantastic rug hint. She mentions paying $20 - $30 for queen size quilts. Two weeks ago I picked up three queen size quilts, two for $4.99 and one woollen one for $7.99, at a second hand place near wear we live, called Value City. They are in fantastic condition, washed and clean. Two are for our new dog's bed, the wool one is for our daughter's bed. I have sewn up covers. They also have many cotton blankets, and old style frilly bed covers too.
Contributed by Ida, Regent
I'm replying to Eliza's fantastic rug hint. She mentions paying $20 - $30 for queen size quilts. Two weeks ago I picked up three queen size quilts, two for $4.99 and one woollen one for $7.99, at a second hand place near wear we live, called Value City. They are in fantastic condition, washed and clean. Two are for our new dog's bed, the wool one is for our daughter's bed. I have sewn up covers. They also have many cotton blankets, and old style frilly bed covers too.
Contributed by Ida, Regent
Fresh Linen Without the Cost
Approximate $ Savings: $3 per bottle of softener.
Like your linen to smell fresh, do you use fabric softener? Well instead of pouring it into the machine buy the sachets that you need to add water to make up. Instead of making them up place them in between your sheets in the linen closet and the fresh scent will scent all your linen without the cost. I also find they work well in husband's smelly sneakers. No mess no fuss.
Contributed by Jodie, Wantirna South
Like your linen to smell fresh, do you use fabric softener? Well instead of pouring it into the machine buy the sachets that you need to add water to make up. Instead of making them up place them in between your sheets in the linen closet and the fresh scent will scent all your linen without the cost. I also find they work well in husband's smelly sneakers. No mess no fuss.
Contributed by Jodie, Wantirna South
Sleeping on Eggshells
I had trouble sleeping due to sinus problems, plus the onset of early stage arthritis. We were looking for an underlay, until a friend suggested we buy an "eggshell" overlay. Clark Rubber have them in two thickness, we chose the thickest one, and for $158.00 both my husband and I have had the best sleeps ever since. Not only that, it keeps you much warmer underneath as well, plus I don't wake up with all the aches and pains that I used to. Hope this helps.
Contributed by Claire, Bli Bli
Contributed by Claire, Bli Bli
Feather Quilt Keeps Bed Warm
We bought a 100% down (not feather) quilt that we use as an underlay under our bottom sheet. This keeps us very warm and is so nice to snuggle down in and is great on the back. We purchased it off ebay for less than half the price in the shops (we paid around the $100.00 mark). This is so much cheaper than buying an underlay and any sort of quilt would be fine even a woollen one if you wanted woollen. Happy sleeping zzzzzzz.
Contributed by Linda, Kurri Kurri
Contributed by Linda, Kurri Kurri
Woollen Bedding is the Best
I love my woollen bedding - I have a woollen underlay, doona and pillows. Unlike feather/down, the wool stays in place and provides a consistent and comfortable warmth. The woollen products are also good for anyone with allergies as they do not attract dust mites. I'm not sure if the products will stop tossing and turning but these products are definitely a worthwhile purchase. Significant savings on woollen underlays, doonas and pillows can be found on the Internet. I purchased mine several years ago from the Factory Shop of Jadee Quilts located in Victoria. They now have an online store at www.jaydee.com.au The products are Australian-made using Australian wool and free shipping within Australia! Another website to try is www.aussiewool.com.au which is a family-owned business on the Sunshine Coast. Prices at both websites are significantly cheaper than quoted retail prices.You can also buy the Mini Jumbuck products on line at www.minijumbuck.com.au.
Contributed by Karen, Surrey Hills
Contributed by Karen, Surrey Hills
Long Lasting Quality and Comfort is Worth the Price
My Husband purchased a Mini Jumbuck Doona and Underlay 11 years ago when we were married. We really can't live without it. The doona is a double layer that valcros together so you can have a summer or winter weight doona. The underlay is fantastic and really helps to even-out your temperature. My husband suffers from Asthma and has found it a real help. We have it cleaned regularly and have noticed not quality deterioration at all over the 11 years from doing this. Even the fabric that goes over the sides of the mattress to keep the underlay on is still in great condition without any holes or worn bits! It is worth the $$ Even at $700 when you calculate that over 11 years and the hours you spend in bedůit works out really cheap!
Contributed by Krissy, Glen Iris
Contributed by Krissy, Glen Iris
Give an Old Mattress a New Lease of Life
An alternative which is a lot cheaper is a foam "egg crate" mattress which is put on top of your existing mattress. It makes your bed a lot warmer for one thing, which will help if you are aching due to arthritis, or bone pain. It also gives your mattress a new lease of life and so will stop your back aching from a bad bed. They are available from Spotlight or a shop which sells foam and rubber products and costs less than $100 for a queen size.
Contributed by Ingrid
Contributed by Ingrid
Straight from the Sheep's Back
If you really love that plush feeling, try an actually feeling a sheepskin. You can usually pick one up from a local tannery for about $60-80 for a mis-dye (the ones that aren't the right colour to be made into car seat covers)...they are torso size so they will support all the important bits of your body and you can just slip them under your sheet. If you're worried about them slipping just make a hole about 1.5 cm from the edge and run a bit of tape around your mattress (like the old electric blankets had). They will also wash well (although they dry slowly). I also use them as mats for when I get out of bed and in front of the vanity to avoid the cold tiles.
Contributed by Kate, Wendouree
Contributed by Kate, Wendouree
A Pillow Fills a Quilt
I had this problem a few years ago. Contacted doona repair places and was quoted big prices to top up the filling in the doona. Instead, I looked around at the shops and bought a feather and down pillow (they are usually on sale during summer). This was enough to top up the doona nicely, and saved a lot of money.
Contributed by Kate, Tuggeranong
Contributed by Kate, Tuggeranong
Re-fill Doonas With Garage Sale Finds
We go to garage sales and could often pick up either feather pillows or doonas and have opened these up and used to down/feathers to re-fill our doonas. We do it outside for obvious reasons!
Contributed by Sandra, Baulkham Hills
Contributed by Sandra, Baulkham Hills
Magnets Ease Pain
I have experienced lower back problems (3 slipped discs) for many years as well as arthritis in my knees. My parents had been using a magnetic woollen underlay for a while and swore it was great. They are quite expensive, so my family put in and got me one for my birthday. I have been using the magnetic woollen underlay for 3 years now and no more back pain or arthritis pain. I think they are worth every cent and am so glad to have received one as a gift. My brother has MS and we all put in to buy him one. Our family highly recommend them.
Contributed by Susan, Penrith
Contributed by Susan, Penrith
Three Feather Doonas From One
Approximate $ Savings: $300
A few years ago, my mother in law gave me two good quality feather doonas, because they smelt like poppy. So I got out the measuring tape and sewing machine, cut up the doonas a bit over half, enough to fit on a single bed, and sewed them up. The third one I had to sew the off pieces of the two doonas together to make the third SB doona. Three feather doonas for the kids beds for nothing but my time. Savings $300+ When they get a bit empty looking, off to the op shop I go to buy a second hand doona for approximately $5, get out the unpicker and sewing machine and refill to the desired thickness. Warm and toasty.
Contributed by Denise, Laidley
A few years ago, my mother in law gave me two good quality feather doonas, because they smelt like poppy. So I got out the measuring tape and sewing machine, cut up the doonas a bit over half, enough to fit on a single bed, and sewed them up. The third one I had to sew the off pieces of the two doonas together to make the third SB doona. Three feather doonas for the kids beds for nothing but my time. Savings $300+ When they get a bit empty looking, off to the op shop I go to buy a second hand doona for approximately $5, get out the unpicker and sewing machine and refill to the desired thickness. Warm and toasty.
Contributed by Denise, Laidley
Novelty Bedcovers for Less
Having had a boy and girl who both wanted the latest 'novelty' quilt cover when they came out, it was going to cost quite a bit over the years with all the different ones that the Movies etc produce every year. I had bought both of them double bed quilts right from the start so that they would tuck in to their single beds and keep them warm at night and plain coloured reversible covers. I then only needed to buy one curtain drop featuring their favourite cartoon or movie character and this was then placed on top of the quilt cover like a throwover. It saved money in that I didn't have to outlay for a new quilt cover each time the 'favourite' was thrown over for a new one and each child has a double quilt all ready to take with them when they move out of home.
Contributed by Julie, Elizabeth Downs
Contributed by Julie, Elizabeth Downs
Great Smelling Linen
Buy packets of fabric softener when on special and place in linen cupboard your linen will smell great.
ontributed by Michelle, Kelso
ontributed by Michelle, Kelso
Wanting to Co-ordinate Towels Saved $34.50
I went to buy new towels the other day and found really nice lemon coloured towels for $6.00 each. I wanted to get the matching hand towels and face washers however they didn't have any in the colour that I wanted and the ones that they did have in the other colours were priced $3.00 for the face washers and $4.50 for the hand towels. So I decided that I would buy an extra towel and make my own. I just cut them using one of my own face washers/hand towels as a template for the size and I sewed the edges with my overlocker. If you don't have an overlocker you could just fold the edges twice and sew with your sewing machine or hand stitch the edges. Anyway, I was able to make 9 face washers and three hand towels, saving me a total of $34.50 and now I have enough to last me ages! Contributed by Brooke, Revesby