As you run a household for a decent length of time, there are certain things that become automatic. Like the shopping list—stuff runs out, you buy it again. But what if you didn't? Could life go on just fine without a few of those things you're always buying at the store? And could you save a little money in the meantime?
Here's the challenge: next time one of these 8 things runs out at your house, instead of automatically putting a refill on your shopping list, try for just two weeks to go without. I wonder if you'll really miss...

1. Dryer sheets? Of course we can all agree we love the way our towels smell after they come out of the dryer. But when something's gotta budge in the budget, surely the scent of dryer sheets can be the first to go.
2. Trash bags? You get so many from the supermarket—enough to last you through the week—why buy more? If your trash can requires a larger liner, here's an idea: convert that can to a liner-less one for recycling and buy a smaller, store bag-sized can for regular household waste.
3. Ziploc bags? Large Ziploc bags can be handy for freezing, but if you are buying them to take to work every day, consider using a lunchbox or other reusable container.
4. Paper towels? Making the switch to washable rags and sponges will both save you money and be better for the natural world in which you live.
5. Coffee pods? With the amount you get per pod, coffee pods end up costing about $50 per pound of coffee. That's madness when you consider how much better French press coffee tastes. Not sure if you could make the switch? Read suggestions offered by The Kitchn readers here.
6. Soda? Yes, soda is delicious. Yes, it is bad for you—even diet soda. Your body and your bank balance will thank you if you take a break from it for a little while.
7. Air-fresheners? Did you know lighting a match will do the job just as well? Or opening the window? And if you want something to smell pretty, bring in some flowers from outside, or buy a candle from a local all-natural candle supplier.
8. Pads and tampons? This one requires some investment, but could save you big bucks in the long run. Are you aware there are alternatives out there now, like this and these? It might seem a bit much, but, it's 2016! Do we really need to keep doing things just because that's the way we've always done them?


Original Article: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/need-to-find-some-extra-money-this-month-8-things-you-can-stop-buying-today-227921

.When your apartment has a bad smell, it can permeate every room quickly and can give guests the wrong impression of you. Don't make the mistake of simply covering up a bad smell with a heavy scent. To get your apartment smelling really good, first deodorize it. Then introduce a pleasing scent to make your living space appealing to every nose.

1. Sprinkle baking soda onto the surface of your fabric furniture, carpets and rugs. Leave the baking soda overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. The baking soda absorbs odors trapped within the fibers, so when you vacuum it up, the smells disappear, as well. Then, open all the windows and let your apartment air out for at least an hour.

2. Make a 1 to 10 mixture of bleach and water, then use it to clean all the hard surfaces in your apartment. Use a cleaning rag to apply the bleach mixture to counters, cabinet fronts, walls, baseboards and doors. The bleach mixture will remove dirt and grime and leave a clean, crisp scent throughout the apartment.

3. Light candles to scent the air in your apartment once you've deodorized it. Department stores, dollar stores and even thrift stores carry scented candles in a range of colors and scents. Candles also last for several weeks at a time, making them an economical choice. Look for beeswax or soy candles over paraffin for a more delicate scent. Before you light the candle, place it on a sturdy surface far from normal traffic.

4. Create a stove-top deodorizer in place of candles. Place 3 cups of water to simmer on the stove top. Add a handful of whole cloves or a cinnamon stick. Slice an orange into eight wedges and add to the mixture. Leave the stove-top deodorizer simmering for 30 minutes, then turn it off. You can heat the deodorizer periodically throughout the day or evening for 30 minutes each time.

Things You Will Need

• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner
• Bleach
• Cleaning rags
• Scented candle
• Whole cloves or cinnamon stick
• Orange

Tips

• One quick way to scent your apartment is to dab a few drops of vanilla onto the light bulb in your lamp. Turn the lamp on and within a few minutes, you'll smell warm vanilla in that room.

Warnings

• Don't use scented candles if you have pets or children living with you; children and pets could easily get burned or knock candles over and start a fire.
• Never leave candles unattended. Always extinguish them whenever you leave the apartment.

Author:  Jenna Marie
Origin: ​http://homeguides.sfgate.com/make-apartment-smell-good-cheaply-44089.html