Whether we realize it or not, we’ve been conditioned by manufacturers to use a specific quantity of any given household product. But in reality, most of the time, we only need to use a fraction of the suggested amount.
Here are 6 examples of products that we habitually use too much of:
Toothpaste
Toothpaste manufacturers will often advertise their product by showing someone generously applying toothpaste the whole length of their toothbrush’s bristles. This is way more than needed. In reality, all that is necessary is a pea-sized dollop. Use more than that and you are literally throwing it down the drain, along with your money.
Laundry Detergent
Ever notice how quantity guidelines on laundry detergent cups are difficult to read and sometimes outright confusing? This might be because manufacturers are counting on you, the consumer, to get discouraged and to throw in a cupful without taking the time to figure it all out. Don’t be fooled. Instead, take out your measuring spoons because all you need is anywhere from 2 teaspoons to 3 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent for a full load, depending on whether it is concentrated or not.
Fabric Softener
Aside from saving money, there’s another good reason to cut down on fabric softener: it can sometimes harm your clothes. According to Good Housekeeping, in an article by Lauren Smith Mcdonough, fabric softener can cause some fibres to loose their specific properties. Such is the case, for instance, of microfibers, sportswear, water-repellent and flame-resistant fabrics. Surprisingly, towels can also be altered negatively by too much fabric softener, as this causes them to lose their absorbency.
Shampoo
Though many shampoo manufacturers instruct us to “rinse and repeat” on their bottles, this is usually unnecessary. Many experts say that unless your hair and scalp are very oily, or contain lots of residues, you can skip the repeat part of your hair washing routine.
Conditioner
Also unnecessary is using conditioner all over your hair. According to Prevention, in an article entitled “8 Biggest Mistakes You’re Making With Conditioner”, since your scalp contains sebum, which naturally enriches your roots, conditioner need only be applied to the bottom three inches of your hair and/or to the tips.
Liquid Soap
Though liquid hand soap bottles are practical, their pumps dispense up to four times the amount you need. Curb waste by wrapping a rubber band several times right under the nozzle. This should prevent it from going all the way down, and you will get just the right amount of soap.
So there you have it. Six household products most of us overuse. Follow the tips given here and you’ll be needing to replace them much less often, thus saving you a whole lot of money.