A big part of saving time and money is to utilise things around your home that you already have.
From slow cookers to microwaves, the one appliance you probably haven't looked at is your freezer.
We've compiled a list of the five things you should put in your freezer that can actually help you save money in the long run. Check them out right now:
1. Stop Washing Your Jeans, Freeze Them Instead
Save yourself the agony and stop ruining your favourite pair of jeans by throwing them in the washer and dryer. The best way to clean your jeans is to actually toss them in the freezer! The below-zero temps actually kill any bacteria on your denim and removes odours. And the best part? This technique does not shrink jeans like the typical wash-and-dry method. It's perfect! Apartment Therapy has step-by-step instructions. How did we not know this before?!
2. Disinfect Pillows and Stuffed Animals in Your Freezer
The same method you can use for your jeans also works for pillows, stuffed animals, and other delicate items you don't want to put through the wash. Simply place them in large plastic bags, remove as much air as possible, and place them in the freezer for at least 72 hours. According to Mom.me, this trick is certainly easier and much cheaper than taking these things to get professionally cleaned. Plus, it will eliminate germs, dust mites, and even lice. Yuck!
3. De-Cling Your Cling Wrap
If the photo above stresses you out, you're not alone. Stop throwing away perfectly good cling wrap by turning to your freezer for help. The cold will actually prevent the plastic from bunching up while keeping enough clinging power for you to use on your dishware. If it's not as sticky as you'd like it to be, Life Hacker suggests using a rubber band for backup to help hold it down.
4. Prolong Battery Life
If you've ever found yourself reaching into a box of unopened batteries only to find that they don't work, then this hack is for you! NiMH and NiCad batteries are often used in electronics around your home. But did you know that by keeping these types of batteries in the freezer you can actually boost battery life by 90%, according to the Huffington Post. This trick puts an end to throwing away pricey batteries you haven't even used yet. We're charged up about this one!
5. Get Your Favourite Candles to Last Longer
Let's say you've stopped spending money on pricey candles and you started making your own using your favourite scents in the whole universe. Awesome. But now it's time to increase their longevity! Help them last longer by placing them in the freezer a day before you burn them. This will freeze the wax, making the candle burn nearly twice as long! Apartment Therapy has some more tips here. Now, go forth and burn those candles until the wick disappears.
