Tip: Shout Color Catchers and a Free Sample

A reader tip:  Use Shout Color Catchers to keep clothes looking great. "They soak up any dye that might come off your clothes so it doesn't bleed onto other items. I've even mixed reds in with other items and not had a problem."

I have limited experience with these myself, having only used them once or twice when washing new quilts, particularly ones with red. I've been quite pleased with the results.

Of course, I searched for a "make your own" solution and found nothing. I did find a link for a free Color Catcher sample so you can try it yourself.

Tip: Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

These things are the bomb. They clean grout, walls, stoves, crayon, pen, paint, EVERYTHING. I can't recommend them highly enough for both everyday and off-the-wall cleaning tasks.

We cut our magic erasers into 1/4's. That's usually plenty for a quickie cleaning task and doesn't waste the rest of the eraser.

According to Homemade Mama's, Magic Erasers are actually just melamine foam, a soundproofing material and can be purchased at Amazon.com for much less than the original Magic Erasers cost, making them an even better frugal choice.

Tip: Men's Shirts

Hang men's shirts on clothes hangers to dry. They will dry with fewer creases, making them easier to iron and you won't have to use the clothes dryer to dry them.