I reuse my teabags at least three times and even recycle my HAIR… people judge me but my icky hacks save £9k a year
Instead, Amanda carefully squeezes the excess water from the bag and hangs it out on the washing line - to be reused twice, thrice and even eight times over.
7
Amanda Duddridge hangs out her tea bags on the washing line to reuse them twice, thrice and even eight times over
7
Amanda cuts up old undies to reuse them as rags
7
She also uses clumps of hair from the drain as a fertiliser for her plants
This is one of many frugal hacks that save 39-year-old Amanda around £9,000 year.
The part-time teaching assistant lives in Pontypridd, South Wales with partner Grafton, 41, and their three daughters, Esmee, 11, Elvie, six, and one year old Elodie.
"Instead of bunging a teabag in the bin, I'll peg it to my washing line, let it dry, and then reuse them on a daily basis,' says Amanda.
"Yes, the final couple of cups are a bit weaker, but I use less milk in those cups, and my hubby can't even tell. Most people don't realise unless they see me making a cuppa.
'I've even had compliments for my 'right posh brews'.
"I did my research, and these methods were used to save during the Great Depression in the 1920s, and they work today.
"If the teabags are on their sixth use, I'd add two to a mug. It's just like topping up a pot of tea. Use less milk and let the bags steep for longer, and it's the perfect builders' brew. A box of Yorkshire bags lasts me nine months."
Her teabag prowess doesn't stop there.
"I soak my mankiest greasiest pots and plates in water containing teabags rather than expensive dishwasher tablets," she reveals.
"The tannin in the tea cuts through the grease. Then you grab a handful of teabags and use them to scrub the grease. Ice cold wet used teabags are amazing for sunburn as well.'
Talking Money: Flipping My Way Out Of Debt
She even soaks her hair in a solution of warm water and three used teabags for extra shine before a shower.
Her other money saving grooming hacks include doing haircuts for her family.
She says: "I collect hair from the floor and the brushes to sell to companies who make hair extensions. I make between £50 and £150 for at least 16 inches of even hair."
Terrifying time
Not one to waste anything, Amanda fishes hair out of the plug-hole, too.
"I even use clumps of hair from the drain as a fertiliser for my plants instead of spending £12 on the fertiliser. I bury hairbrush clumps near my veg, and they grow like crazy thanks to keratin in the follicles.
'I scatter hair clumps in the compost bin or soak the strands in water and sprinkle it around the fence line. It's a natural fox repellent because it smells like teenagers."
Amanda was shocked into a more frugal lifestyle when the cost-of-living crisis hit in 2021. "That time was terrifying,' says Amanda, who was on maternity leave with Elvie.
'Grafton was bringing home £1,973 a month, and I was on £172 a week in statutory maternity pay.
'Once the mortgage and essential bills are paid, we're left with around £100 a week. Money was so tight I had to use a baby bank for clothes and equipment.
Money was so tight I had to use a baby bank for clothes and equipment. I felt like a failure, but the Baby Bank, just like a food bank, was a lifesaver
"I felt like a failure, but the Baby Bank, just like a food bank, was a lifesaver.
'There were mums and dads from all occupations who needed help. I realised then I was wasting thousands buying everything new. That experience changed me forever."
With more than 8 million people in the UK estimated to be using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services for purchases under £50, and outstanding credit card debt exceeding £70 billion, Amanda believes her methods offer a path to financial freedom.
7
Amanda reuses mouthwash for cleaning
Credit: Supplied
7
My super scrimping now means our family is debt-free, she says
"I reckon many people who are in debt could have avoided it by trying my frugality methods,' she explains.
'The occasional hack won't cut it. It takes commitment to be a tightwad. The savings and money for holidays and treats are worth it."
Amanda's super scrimping impacts every part of her family's daily life.
"I never throw water I've boiled veggies or pasta in," she says.
"I use it to make soup stock. I also let it cool and use it to wash the garden path or water the plants. Tricks like this cut my water bill in half."
'Every crumb counts'
She also ensures no bath or shower water goes to waste.
Amanda says: "I always have a plug in the bath, so showers and bath water are saved. I'll use the water to then wash the floors, windows, clean the car, or fill the bucket and flush the toilet with it."
And even rainwater is saved - a money saving and environmental tip for summer.
"I collect rain off the guttering in water butts and put out buckets in the garden as well,' she says.
'I can use that water for cleaning floors, flushing the loo, washing the car, or watering the plants. Fresh rainwater is amazing for hair washing and costs nothing.
'The kids use it for water play outside, and I save it to fill up the blow-up
pool
in summer. It cuts my water bill, and that's brilliant."
Kitchen essentials like foil and parchment paper are also given multiple lives.
"I haven't bought kitchen foil or parchment paper for at least six months,' she says. Each time I use a piece of foil, I wipe it down, flatten it, and pop it in a box to reuse.
'I reuse it for lining the oven, cooking baked potatoes in a campfire, a scrunched-up ball is great as a scrubber for the oven grill, and the kids use foil for home crafting.
'I'll also reuse the parchment paper at least four times to wrap lunches. Then it goes into the compost bin, or I use it to start BBQs or rip it up as fertiliser in the garden."
I reckon many people who are in debt could have avoided it by trying my frugality methods
To cut her grocery bill, Amanda can buy enough meat for two people and stretch it for a family of five using her DIY "magic mix."
She says: "I believe every crumb counts. So I turn used bread, half-eaten toast, and leftover crackers into a savoury crumb mixture in a blender, add in herbs and spices, and keep it in an airtight container.
"I add three cups to half a kilo mince with chopped onions, carrot, and mashed potato, and it makes four times the minced patties for burgers.
"I use leftover vegetables, pasta, grated vegetables, even the diced stalks of broccoli, as well as rice and dried beans to bulk out meat casseroles.
'Super scrimping'
'I can get at least four uses from cooking
oil
, and it's more flavourful because of the meal it has already cooked. I keep oil used for different meats in different jars in the fridge."
Amanda also takes full advantage of freebies.
'We get free breakfast and snacks at a church baby-group twice a week,' she says. "I've also signed up for the
Amanda uses the app and pays between £3 to £5 for surprise bags of food.
She says: "I get fruit and vegetables, meat, snacks, and other food. I then incorporate the food into my batch cooking or that day's evening meal. It's posh dumpster diving.'
Thanks to the app, her grocery bill, which used to be £100 a week, is now down to £60, saving her almost £2,000 a year.
A keen outdoors lover, Amanda tops up her larder with wilderness foraging.
She says: "In summer, we fill buckets with blackberries and blueberries. I turn them into jam or preserve the fruit for pies. Blackberries can sell for up to £3 for 100 grams. I get kilos for free."
Toiletries and hygiene products are a big expense so Amanda will reuse when she can
"I strain used mouthwash to get rid of food bits' she says. Then soak a paper towel in the liquid. Pop the towel into bins. It makes them smell
nice
.
My super scrimping now means our family is debt-free. A few years I was in £3000 debt
'Flushing mouthwash through the loo will leave it sparkling, too.'
Amanda also uses towels several times, hanging them on the line so the sun can 'disinfect' them between uses. And old underwear and socks are cut up and used as rags.
Despite all of these cut backs, Amanda insists she is not tight-fisted.
"I'm not just a mum who tries the occasional money-saving hack," Amanda explains. I am fighting the
cost of living
with fierce frugality. I'm not being mean; I'm economising."
Her dedication has paid off. "My super scrimping now means our family is debt-free. A few years I was in £3000 debt.'
Many Brits are stuck in "financial inertia" according to a Paragon Banks study, but Amanda says she is taking action. "I used to be lazy and just buy new,' she says.
'We've all seen hacks on YouTube and thought we'd try them. I decided to stop thinking and start doing. Commit to it for a month, and I guarantee by the end you'll be a convert."
Amanda doesn't care knowing that many people find her methods 'gross and icky.'
She says: 'I have hacked my way into a money-saving habit, and I'm also saving the planet. I don't care if I am trolled because of my super saving."
7
The mum, 39, saves around £9,000 a year with her frugal household hacks
Credit: Supplied
7
Amanda believes her savvy methods offer a path to financial freedom
Credit: Supplied
CUPPA LOAD OF THIS . . .
Teabag savings: £180
Home hair cuts: £560
Selling hair: £300
Hair as fertiliser/fox repellant: £50
Too Good To Go food savings: £2,500
Reusing water: £400
Mouthwash reuse for cleaning: £40
Growing veggies: £100
Knickers into cleaning cloths: £50
Coffee grind reuse: £100
Reusing foil and waxpaper: £50
Yellow label savings: £2,000
Charity shop v new clothes: £3,000
MINIMUM YEARLY TOTAL:
£9,330
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The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I reuse my teabags at least three times and even recycle my HAIR… people judge me but my icky hacks save £9k a year
AFTER making a cup of tea most people chuck the teabag in the bin, but Amanda Duddridge would never dream of being so frivolous. Instead, Amanda carefully squeezes the excess water from the bag and hangs it out on the washing line - to be reused twice, thrice and even eight times over. 7 Amanda Duddridge hangs out her tea bags on the washing line to reuse them twice, thrice and even eight times over 7 Amanda cuts up old undies to reuse them as rags 7 She also uses clumps of hair from the drain as a fertiliser for her plants This is one of many frugal hacks that save 39-year-old Amanda around £9,000 year. The part-time teaching assistant lives in Pontypridd, South Wales with partner Grafton, 41, and their three daughters, Esmee, 11, Elvie, six, and one year old Elodie. "Instead of bunging a teabag in the bin, I'll peg it to my washing line, let it dry, and then reuse them on a daily basis,' says Amanda. "Yes, the final couple of cups are a bit weaker, but I use less milk in those cups, and my hubby can't even tell. Most people don't realise unless they see me making a cuppa. 'I've even had compliments for my 'right posh brews'. "I did my research, and these methods were used to save during the Great Depression in the 1920s, and they work today. "If the teabags are on their sixth use, I'd add two to a mug. It's just like topping up a pot of tea. Use less milk and let the bags steep for longer, and it's the perfect builders' brew. A box of Yorkshire bags lasts me nine months." Her teabag prowess doesn't stop there. "I soak my mankiest greasiest pots and plates in water containing teabags rather than expensive dishwasher tablets," she reveals. "The tannin in the tea cuts through the grease. Then you grab a handful of teabags and use them to scrub the grease. Ice cold wet used teabags are amazing for sunburn as well.' Talking Money: Flipping My Way Out Of Debt She even soaks her hair in a solution of warm water and three used teabags for extra shine before a shower. Her other money saving grooming hacks include doing haircuts for her family. She says: "I collect hair from the floor and the brushes to sell to companies who make hair extensions. I make between £50 and £150 for at least 16 inches of even hair." Terrifying time Not one to waste anything, Amanda fishes hair out of the plug-hole, too. "I even use clumps of hair from the drain as a fertiliser for my plants instead of spending £12 on the fertiliser. I bury hairbrush clumps near my veg, and they grow like crazy thanks to keratin in the follicles. 'I scatter hair clumps in the compost bin or soak the strands in water and sprinkle it around the fence line. It's a natural fox repellent because it smells like teenagers." Amanda was shocked into a more frugal lifestyle when the cost-of-living crisis hit in 2021. "That time was terrifying,' says Amanda, who was on maternity leave with Elvie. 'Grafton was bringing home £1,973 a month, and I was on £172 a week in statutory maternity pay. 'Once the mortgage and essential bills are paid, we're left with around £100 a week. Money was so tight I had to use a baby bank for clothes and equipment. Money was so tight I had to use a baby bank for clothes and equipment. I felt like a failure, but the Baby Bank, just like a food bank, was a lifesaver "I felt like a failure, but the Baby Bank, just like a food bank, was a lifesaver. 'There were mums and dads from all occupations who needed help. I realised then I was wasting thousands buying everything new. That experience changed me forever." With more than 8 million people in the UK estimated to be using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services for purchases under £50, and outstanding credit card debt exceeding £70 billion, Amanda believes her methods offer a path to financial freedom. 7 Amanda reuses mouthwash for cleaning Credit: Supplied 7 My super scrimping now means our family is debt-free, she says "I reckon many people who are in debt could have avoided it by trying my frugality methods,' she explains. 'The occasional hack won't cut it. It takes commitment to be a tightwad. The savings and money for holidays and treats are worth it." Amanda's super scrimping impacts every part of her family's daily life. "I never throw water I've boiled veggies or pasta in," she says. "I use it to make soup stock. I also let it cool and use it to wash the garden path or water the plants. Tricks like this cut my water bill in half." 'Every crumb counts' She also ensures no bath or shower water goes to waste. Amanda says: "I always have a plug in the bath, so showers and bath water are saved. I'll use the water to then wash the floors, windows, clean the car, or fill the bucket and flush the toilet with it." And even rainwater is saved - a money saving and environmental tip for summer. "I collect rain off the guttering in water butts and put out buckets in the garden as well,' she says. 'I can use that water for cleaning floors, flushing the loo, washing the car, or watering the plants. Fresh rainwater is amazing for hair washing and costs nothing. 'The kids use it for water play outside, and I save it to fill up the blow-up pool in summer. It cuts my water bill, and that's brilliant." Kitchen essentials like foil and parchment paper are also given multiple lives. "I haven't bought kitchen foil or parchment paper for at least six months,' she says. Each time I use a piece of foil, I wipe it down, flatten it, and pop it in a box to reuse. 'I reuse it for lining the oven, cooking baked potatoes in a campfire, a scrunched-up ball is great as a scrubber for the oven grill, and the kids use foil for home crafting. 'I'll also reuse the parchment paper at least four times to wrap lunches. Then it goes into the compost bin, or I use it to start BBQs or rip it up as fertiliser in the garden." I reckon many people who are in debt could have avoided it by trying my frugality methods To cut her grocery bill, Amanda can buy enough meat for two people and stretch it for a family of five using her DIY "magic mix." She says: "I believe every crumb counts. So I turn used bread, half-eaten toast, and leftover crackers into a savoury crumb mixture in a blender, add in herbs and spices, and keep it in an airtight container. "I add three cups to half a kilo mince with chopped onions, carrot, and mashed potato, and it makes four times the minced patties for burgers. "I use leftover vegetables, pasta, grated vegetables, even the diced stalks of broccoli, as well as rice and dried beans to bulk out meat casseroles. 'Super scrimping' 'I can get at least four uses from cooking oil , and it's more flavourful because of the meal it has already cooked. I keep oil used for different meats in different jars in the fridge." Amanda also takes full advantage of freebies. 'We get free breakfast and snacks at a church baby-group twice a week,' she says. "I've also signed up for the Amanda uses the app and pays between £3 to £5 for surprise bags of food. She says: "I get fruit and vegetables, meat, snacks, and other food. I then incorporate the food into my batch cooking or that day's evening meal. It's posh dumpster diving.' Thanks to the app, her grocery bill, which used to be £100 a week, is now down to £60, saving her almost £2,000 a year. A keen outdoors lover, Amanda tops up her larder with wilderness foraging. She says: "In summer, we fill buckets with blackberries and blueberries. I turn them into jam or preserve the fruit for pies. Blackberries can sell for up to £3 for 100 grams. I get kilos for free." Toiletries and hygiene products are a big expense so Amanda will reuse when she can "I strain used mouthwash to get rid of food bits' she says. Then soak a paper towel in the liquid. Pop the towel into bins. It makes them smell nice . My super scrimping now means our family is debt-free. A few years I was in £3000 debt 'Flushing mouthwash through the loo will leave it sparkling, too.' Amanda also uses towels several times, hanging them on the line so the sun can 'disinfect' them between uses. And old underwear and socks are cut up and used as rags. Despite all of these cut backs, Amanda insists she is not tight-fisted. "I'm not just a mum who tries the occasional money-saving hack," Amanda explains. I am fighting the cost of living with fierce frugality. I'm not being mean; I'm economising." Her dedication has paid off. "My super scrimping now means our family is debt-free. A few years I was in £3000 debt.' Many Brits are stuck in "financial inertia" according to a Paragon Banks study, but Amanda says she is taking action. "I used to be lazy and just buy new,' she says. 'We've all seen hacks on YouTube and thought we'd try them. I decided to stop thinking and start doing. Commit to it for a month, and I guarantee by the end you'll be a convert." Amanda doesn't care knowing that many people find her methods 'gross and icky.' She says: 'I have hacked my way into a money-saving habit, and I'm also saving the planet. I don't care if I am trolled because of my super saving." 7 The mum, 39, saves around £9,000 a year with her frugal household hacks Credit: Supplied 7 Amanda believes her savvy methods offer a path to financial freedom Credit: Supplied CUPPA LOAD OF THIS . . . Teabag savings: £180 Home hair cuts: £560 Selling hair: £300 Hair as fertiliser/fox repellant: £50 Too Good To Go food savings: £2,500 Reusing water: £400 Mouthwash reuse for cleaning: £40 Growing veggies: £100 Knickers into cleaning cloths: £50 Coffee grind reuse: £100 Reusing foil and waxpaper: £50 Yellow label savings: £2,000 Charity shop v new clothes: £3,000 MINIMUM YEARLY TOTAL: £9,330
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Shoppers go wild for Primark's £16 ‘summer vibe' trousers that are perfect for a round belly and bloat-friendly
SHOPPERS have been left in a frenzy over a pair of Primark trousers that are "summer vibes" and bloat-friendly. The bargain retail giant's Striped Seersucker Trousers have been hailed as the ideal buy for fashionistas with "round bellies". 2 Shoppers have hailed these 'bloat-friendly' Primark trousers as perfect for 'round bellies' Credit: Primark 2 The trousers are a relaxed fit with a drawstring waist And the best part? They're only £16. So if you're looking for a comfortable new buy to get you through the summer months without breaking the bank, you've come to the right place. The trousers, which come in sizes XS to XL, are available in blue or green stripes. They have a drawstring waist for extra comfort and are described as a "relaxed fit". In the online description, the Primark team adds: "Add a little texture to your wardrobe with these striped seersucker beauties. "Cut in a regular fit with a mid-rise waist, they're designed with a comfy drawstring fastening and easy wide legs for that laid-back feel. "Pair with the matching waistcoat for an effortless co-ord look or mix it up with a simple tee or tank. A fit that can take you from day to night? Sorted!" Unsurprisingly, shoppers have been racing to their nearest store to get their hands on the flattering trousers. Most read in Fabulous In a She added: "WELL WELL WELL, Primark brought the belly friendly GOODS this summer and I'm so here for it. Primark's mini dress is a copy of a £135 designer version - it'll give you a gorgeous hourglass figure & perfect for date night "As someone who struggles to find smarter pieces that work for my belly/body this gave me HOPE again. "Finding pieces that look smart but don't leave you feeling uncomfortable and angry at your body is the BEST FEELING!!" Another social media user chimed in: "I have these and got a M I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant and usually a 14/16. I'd definitely size down as they seem to run large and have sooo much stretch." A third cried: "Stoppp! I have to go to Primark now!" "Need some trousers like that for the school run", wrote a fourth. Meanwhile, a fifth said: "I picked up the trousers yesterday! Super comfy." Elsewhere in store, shoppers have found a winning summer dress that's floaty and great quality - and there's a mini-me version too. Amanda, the self-proclaimed "confidence queen' and size 14 fashionista, who regularly shares high-street fashion content online, has praised the Primark frock that's super floaty and cool. She modelled the sleeveless V-neck Thrilled with the white trapeze frock, which features an elegant tiered shape, the content creator beamed: 'This one might just win me over girls, because there's a mini-me. Read more on the Irish Sun 'The quality of this feels absolutely fantastic. It's lovely and floaty and oversized.' The mini dress is available not only in white, but green too and is priced at £20. Why Primark is great for looking expensive on a budget By Clemmie Fieldsend, Fabulous Fashion Editor AS someone who's no stranger to grabbing a last-minute outfit from Primark for a night out, it's about time that celebrities started catching on too. For as long as I've been heading out, Primark has been my go-to for those 'I have nothing to wear' moments, rushing in at the last minute to find something perfect. And I'm definitely not alone - on any Friday or Saturday night, you'll find plenty of shoppers doing the same thing, right before closing time. But no matter what, Primark always delivers. Now, Rita Ora is leading the charge, showing that you can snag a designer-worthy look without spending a fortune at high-end stores. While Rita's not rushing in last minute for a red carpet outfit, she's proving you can achieve the same high-impact style for much less. Looking stunning in her tailored suit alongside her mum Vera, Rita fit right in among the other A-listers dripping in Prada, Dior, and Victoria Beckham - if anything, she looked even better than some of the guests at The Fashion Awards. With Myleene Klass and Roxy Horner already jumping on the Primark bandwagon, I'm sure more stars will be following suit soon enough.
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘90s are back' shoppers cry as they race to bag ‘unreal' summer top in Primark – it's only £10 & comes in three colours
FASHION fans are going wild for an "unreal" summer top in Primark - and it's super purse-friendly. So if you want to give your wardrobe an upgrade in time for warmer days, then you've come to the right place and won't want to miss this. 3 Shoppers are loving Primark's new bow summer top Credit: PRIMARK 3 It's only £10 and comes in three colours Credit: PRIMARK 3 Fashion fans say it's giving 90s vibes Credit: PRIMARK The Bow Detail Peplum Top is priced at just £10 and comes in sizes XS to XL. It comes in three colours - lemon, baby pink or white - and features pretty bow details and a keyhole front. And fashion fans have insisted the peplum silhouette is giving 90s vibes. Describing the new arrivals on the website, the Primark team say: "When sunshine calls, this top answers with all the right details. Read more in Fabulous "Designed in a soft shade, it's sleeveless for easy layering. The fitted bodice flows into a gentle peplum hem with a V-split at the front, adding shape without the fuss. "A keyhole cut out down the centre is finished with bow details for a sweet twist." The top can be dressed up or dressed down for a variety of occasions, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe. While it will look perfect paired with jeans and trainers for a casual look, it can also be dressed up with a satin midi skirt and sandals for summer days. Most read in Fabulous After spotting it in her local store, fashion fan Amy gushed on Her video quickly racked up more than two million views, 200,000 likes and 370 comments with shoppers desperate to get their hands on it. Shoppers run to Primark for new summer tracksuit hailed 'perfect airport outfit' "A Primark trip is needed asap", one cried. A second wrote: "90s are back only difference this would've been cotton." A third claimed: "Exact same as the Zara [one]." "Zara dupeeeee", echoed a fourth. A fifth added: "These are gorgeous. I love the pink and yellow." Meanwhile, a sixth said: "Oh my gosh I want every colour!!" Elsewhere in store, shoppers have found a winning summer dress that's floaty and great quality - and there's a mini-me version too. Amanda, the self-proclaimed "confidence queen' and size 14 fashionista, who regularly shares high-street fashion content online, has praised the Primark frock that's super floaty and cool. She modelled the sleeveless V-neck Thrilled with the white trapeze frock, which features an elegant tiered shape, the content creator beamed: 'This one might just win me over girls, because there's a mini-me. 'The quality of this feels absolutely fantastic. It's lovely and floaty and oversized.' The mini dress is available not only in white, but green too and is priced at £20. Why Primark is great for looking expensive on a budget By Clemmie Fieldsend, Fabulous Fashion Editor AS someone who's no stranger to grabbing a last-minute outfit from Primark for a night out, it's about time that celebrities started catching on too. For as long as I've been heading out, Primark has been my go-to for those 'I have nothing to wear' moments, rushing in at the last minute to find something perfect. And I'm definitely not alone - on any Friday or Saturday night, you'll find plenty of shoppers doing the same thing, right before closing time. But no matter what, Primark always delivers. Now, Rita Ora is leading the charge, showing that you can snag a designer-worthy look without spending a fortune at high-end stores. While Rita's not rushing in last minute for a red carpet outfit, she's proving you can achieve the same high-impact style for much less. Looking stunning in her tailored suit alongside her mum Vera, Rita fit right in among the other A-listers dripping in Prada, Dior, and Victoria Beckham - if anything, she looked even better than some of the guests at The Fashion Awards. With Myleene Klass and Roxy Horner already jumping on the Primark bandwagon, I'm sure more stars will be following suit soon enough.
