Cheapism; Amazon
There are items you like, items you want, and items you need. The good news is that there are items you need that also won't break your budget. Here are some standouts that you should snap up (if you haven't already) without worrying that you'll feel a financial pinch.
This cleanser is cheap, but even better, it works well (and yes, it's pink). While you can buy the spray version, the paste works just as well and may even be slightly more cost-effective. And where to use it? Amazon reviewers say pretty much say everywhere. "The Pink Stuff tackles tough stains and grime effortlessly. I’ve used it on everything from kitchen appliances to bathroom tiles, and it leaves surfaces sparkling clean. It even removed old, stubborn stains that other cleaners couldn’t handle."
If you aren't already flossing your teeth, start. And if you are, go ahead and invest in some dental tape (it's under $10 for a two-pack, so it's not much of an investment). Thicker and stronger than regular floss, it seems to get out more yukkiness in the same amount of time.
Unless you love cleaning the inside of your microwave, a cover saves you from splatter and mess. Sure, you could grab a plate or something else to plop on top of whatever you're heating, but a microwave cover is a $5 investment you'll definitely use.
Pssst. The secret to fresh breath isn't brushing your teeth. It's getting the stinky stuff off your tongue. And how do you do that? A tongue scraper, of course. Get one that will last, as the disposable ones are an ongoing expense and just add to the landfill — plus you can get a two-pack for under $10.
These seem like a useless office supply until you take them home. A Redditor gushed over them, stating, "Handy for closing chip bags. Handy for anchoring picnic tablecloths to the table. Handy for posting things prominently so you remember to do them. I keep some in multiple rooms of my house and in my vehicles."
Wondering what those fabulous Magic Erasers really are? They're not made of cleaning fairy dust, but melamine sponges, to be exact. You can buy generic versions for a fraction of the branded thing, and you should. You can get a 10 pack of big, thick sponges for $7 (and a sad little six-pack of Magic Erasers for $6) or even a 50 pack for $15. You're welcome.
It seems pretty basic, but a pair of warm slippers can make your morning (or make a run to the bathroom in the middle of the night much more tolerable). They're around $20 for a pair, but keep your eyes peeled for sales to grab them cheaper.
This seems like something you already have, but if not, it's time to get one. You can put it in the shower to clean the doors while you're in there, wipe down foggy mirrors or windshields, and use it to clean windows, too. You can get one for under $10, but they also show up at Dollar Tree on the regular.
Dawn has a reputation for tackling tough crud on dishes, and their Power Wash is up to any task you throw at it. It's also fast at getting the job done, so it's worth the minor outlay of funds (roughly $8) for it.
The water beading technology is RainX doesn't seem like a big deal until you get stuck in a rainstorm that would otherwise make it impossible to see through your windshield. As one Redditor explained, "The difference driving in rain is night and day."
The combination of cellulose and cotton makes these far better than paper towels (and unlike paper towels, these are reusable). The combo makes them possess the best attributes of a sponge and a towel, so they wipe up messes and scrub, too. They're more expensive than paper towels at $16 for 10, but you can use them for years.
Once you've gone bidet, it's hard to remember using tiresome and messy toilet paper. While not the cheapest item on this list (Tushy brand is $100 and up), what you save on toilet paper might make this pay for itself sooner than you think.
Sleep quality is a big deal to anyone who has tossed and turned even ocassionally. Cities with high levels of light pollution make it harder to sleep deeply, increasing your risks of obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes and breast cancer. Blackout curtains solve the problem (at least for humans) and can be had for $16.
If you ever get chapped lips, you know what a relief it is to grab some lip balm. While you can get something expensive, unless you have medically chapped lips, a tube from ChapStick, Aquaphor, Burt's Bees or Carmex will probably do the trick for under $5 per tube or stick.
When you have an itch you can't reach (and no one around willing to scratch it), a cheap ($4 or less) back scratcher is a lifesaver.
As if you needed a reason other than the smell, lavender is naturally calming, can help treat acne, reduce anxiety, and is anti-inflammatory. Whether you apply it to the skin or add it to a diffuser, it's a cheap (around $9) way to improve health and induce sleep, too.
Though "as seen on TV" is usually the sign of weird junk to store in your attic once the shine has dimmed, the Scrub Daddy seems to live up to the hype. Soft in warm water and tough in cool, this little sponge doesn't scratch or get stinky. It's also pretty cheap (three for $14) so you don't have to worry about wasting money if you try it.
The powder is weirdly effective at scouring out burnt-on stains in your cookware, and the liquid version is just as effective and scratch-free. It's also $10 for a bottle that will last longer than you think.
Given how much money people are willing to spend on coffee, the better choice is to make it at home. Not only is it much cheaper, you can get exactly what you want — even fancy coffee drinks. A frother ($7) costs about the same as a Starbucks grande and you can use it over and over again to make convincing lattes and cappuccinos.
Epsom salts may remind you of some weird bath your grandma used to take, but it turned out she had a good idea. Epson salts are just another name for magnesium sulfate, which can soothe muscle cramps or aches and, when ingested, can ease constipation. It's also a good fertilizer for your plants and promotes heart health. And it's cheap. You can get a 3-pound pack for $4, which some Amazom reviewers called too expensive.
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