Waste. It’s an evil word in my book. Whether I’m turning juicer pulp into soup, composting food scraps or making eco-crafts out of something I no longer use, I’m always trying to get the most out of the stuff I buy.
On a similar note, I don’t want to waste a drop of the personal care products I purchase. Especially when I’m paying a premium for eco-friendly brands and greener, safer, better ingredients. Problem is, regular squeezing and pumping of tubes and bottles doesn’t always get all the product out. Perfectly usable product is often left behind and that’s a waste.
Here’s how you can get every last drop out of your personal care products:
Squeeze it flat
Instead of giving up on a tube when it seems to be empty, put a little muscle into making sure it’s flat. Thumb muscle, that is. Start at the bottom of the tube and push the contents toward the top with your thumb as hard as you can. I bet you’ll get one more use out of it! Die-hards can buy a tube-wringer that squeezes the tube between rollers to ensure you’re getting every last drop.
Cut the tube
Call me crazy but I’m even willing to get out the scissors for a few more drops of precious product (like I did recently with my Juice Beauty hydration mask). After squeezing out as much as possible, simply cut the tube in half and use up any remaining product. Once the contents are exposed to air, you’ll need to use them up quickly.
Flip it over
Save yourself some time by leaving almost-empty bottles upside down between uses. More product will be ready to squeeze the next time you use it.
Just add water
For certain products, like shampoo and conditioner, adding a little water to the bottle will go a long way in getting it out. Even though the product is a thinner consistency, it will still be effective. Don’t try this for lotions or other products you don’t normally use with water. And once you’ve added water, be sure to use up the product quickly. Water can be a breeding ground for bacteria and you certainly don’t want that!
Do you try to get every last drop out of your personal care products?
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Lynn says
I do all of these things 🙂
Micaela says
Glad I’m not the only crazy person cutting open her tubes!
Dave says
I cut open stuff and get weeks more use out of it. I can squeeze another 15 brushes out of a toothpaste tube after my wife gives up.
Micaela says
Funny! Don’t you hate it when you see that someone has tossed a tube of toothpaste when there’s still more in there?
Dave says
This is why I stopped using bar soaps. I buy bulk plant based liquid and a foam pump bottle and never toss those little pieces of soap that are too small to use.
Meredith says
Awesome – I’ve been looking for a post like this! I’ve definitely added water to some things but appreciate your other tips! To the scissors! 🙂
p.s. I recently shared my “going green” story and what I’m struggling with: http://meredithtested.wordpress.com/2014/02/23/the-going-green-tag/ … trying hard not to compare my beginning to other people’s middle/end!
Micaela says
Glad you liked the post Meredith. Best of luck with your going green adventure! I look forward to following your blog!