Is your cash disappearing faster than it should be? Sometimes, what we buy for our homes ends up being a waste of money. It’s tempting to fall for clever ads or products that look cool on the surface but aren’t actually doing much for you. Such purchases might not seem like much – but they really add up. By identifying what household items are a waste of money, you can save more for what’s truly important and spend less on other things. Here are some common money-wasters and how to avoid them.
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Fancy Cleaning Products
We are all tempted by ads that tout “magic” cleaners for every surface in our homes – a cleaner for your counters, a cleaner for your bathroom walls & a cleaner for your windows. But you don’t really need them all. Most high-priced cleaners are diluted versions of the same substances. Vinegar and water – for instance – will clean the windows as well as a high-priced glass cleaner. Baking soda also works magic on stains. These simple, cheap products are safer too — as they don’t have harsh chemicals in them
Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets
There are many people who buy kitchen gadgets that seem clever but they never use them. Consider avocado slicers, pineapple corers or garlic peelers. They are made to do one thing — and most of the time you can get it done with any old knife. Yes, they are handy at first, but then they clutter your life and cost you money. Instead, invest in a sharp knife and good cutting board.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is one of the biggest money wasters. One bottle can cost a dollar or more – if you buy one daily that amounts to hundreds of dollars a year. Sometimes, bottled water is no better than regular water. A simple water filter can freshen the taste of your tap water and filter out dirt. Reusable water bottles are also a good idea. They’re healthier for the planet and save you money in the long run.
Name-Brand Pantry Staples
Buying the name-brand flour, sugar or pasta can be a good option, but most store brands are just as good. There are the same ingredients in both — only the price can be different. Big name brands have more marketing and prettier packaging, and you are paying for it. Going with store brand on the basics will save you a ton of money without sacrificing quality.
Expensive Air Fresheners
It is easy to fall for those air fresheners that promise to make your home smell good. But they are expensive, and a good number of them don’t actually eliminate odors but cover them up. They also wear out very fast and you spend more to get them replaced. Better to keep your house clean, use something natural like baking soda to absorb smells or make your own air freshener from essential oils.
Designer Trash Bags
It sounds crazy, but some companies sell their trash bags as “luxury” or “designer”. These bags tend to be more expensive — though they’re just meant for garbage collection. Generic trash bags are almost as good and dependable. Don’t overpay for something you are literally throwing away. Read reviews or try smaller packs of off-brand options and see which works for you at a fraction of the cost.
Pre-Packaged Produce
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables will save you some time, but they’re a great deal more expensive than fresh produce. For instance, one bag of pre-cut carrots is almost twice as much as a whole bag of unpeeled carrots. Plus, ready-to-eat produce is short on shelf life, so you may be wasting money if it gets spoilt before you even open it.
Premium Paper Towels
Premium paper towels might be super strong or super absorbent but you’re wasting money on advertising. In fact, regular paper towels get the job done just fine. You can use washable cloths for most cleaning. They are reusable so you save money and make less waste. Only buy paper towels when you really need them, and stick with the low-cost brands.
Trendy Home Decor
Trendy household accessories such as seasonal throw pillows, candle holders or adornments can look nice to buy. But trends pass, and these things often get replaced. They end up cluttering your home, and maybe you won’t like them after a while. Rather — spend on classic, high-quality designs that are never outdated. This way, your house stays tidy and you don’t spend money on replacing everything constantly.
Overpriced Laundry Detergent
There are detergents that promote themselves as “better” due to scented extras or enhanced cleaning performance. But most generic or cheap ones are also great for regular laundry. You’re paying for all the extra fancy packaging and marketing claims. To save even more, make your own laundry detergent. It’s super simple, less expensive, and great for most loads.
Subscriptions for Convenience Items
Services that send razors, coffee beans or snacks sound like a great idea — but they’re very expensive. These subscriptions are an additional expense for you – you may get more items than you can use. The same items can often be obtained at lower costs at stores or online. So look at your subscriptions and cancel those that aren’t really saving you time or money. You’ll save space in your house and more money in your pocket.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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