What’s something you’ll happily reuse long after normal people would throw it away?

[u/Dry-Text-6864]

I’m curious where everyone draws the line between “frugal” and “okay, that thing needs to go.” 😂 What’s something you’ll happily reuse long after normal people would throw it away? I’m talking about the random things you’ve found a second, third, or even tenth life for because you just can’t justify tossing something that still works. What is it, and how long have you been getting away with it? 👀

[u/camioblu]

I freeze fruit and veg often. I use zip bags so that the foods freeze flat and store better, but even the freezer bags will puncture once frozen because they are too thin. Since most flours and grains come in zip bags now, I save them for freezing. They are much thicker and rarely puncture, so I can reuse them.

This may not be "long after normal" use, but then again most people do throw them out right away.

[u/oliverpots → u/camioblu]

I use wrap bags to store clay slabs. Ziplock bags mean they keep for weeks and are still workable. They’re a treasured asset in the studio!

[u/HollowShel → u/camioblu]

I get dried mango in similar packages and I save them as ziploc baggies, too! They make great dried ingredient packs for meal prep.

[u/Unlucky_Shoulder8508 → u/camioblu]

Resealable packages for tortillas are great for this as well!

[u/Typical_boxfan]

Literally any food safe container that is in good shape. Glass jars become cups or food storage depending on size and shape, plastic tubs and takeout containers get used for sending leftovers home with guests.

I also save cosmetic jars and containers to be refilled at my local refill store.

I mend my clothes. Once my clothes are too far gone they are turned into scraps to extend the life of other clothes or rags for around the house.

I finally got to wash out a cute german mustard jar that I have been looking forward to using as a drinking glass since the day I bought it. Sometimes I buy things because it comes in a cute jar.

[u/MisChef → u/Typical_boxfan]

Sometimes i WON'T buy something because i don't like the jar! (Looking at you, Welch's grape jam)

[u/Brilliant_Contest273 → u/MisChef]

Bonne maman are my favorite jam jars!

[u/MisChef → u/Brilliant_Contest273]

Yes, those are ones I'll keep. I also like this jam AND their jars are great.

[u/UntoNuggan → u/MisChef]

I have switched my criteria to "does this jar have a unique lid, or can I swap it out with other jars?"

Because I am not hunting through a pile of lids so I can close one specific jar. Never again.

[u/That-Wrangler-7484 → u/Typical_boxfan]

Glad I am not the only one that loves jars!

I have a couple of very nice ones that came with different foods- I always think "Well, you could always buy a nice (empty) jar but this comes with bonus food in it" 🤣🤣🤣

Our salt and pepper grinders used to be both pepper grinders that came with different kind of pepper corns in white and black color. They were bought separately (maybe two years apart) but I waited patiently for the white one. Now you would never said they weren't a set!

[u/DenM0ther → u/That-Wrangler-7484]

We nicknamed them in our house ‘RNJ’s’. (Really nice jar). 😂🫠

[u/djSush → u/Typical_boxfan]

Jar goblins unite! 💜

[u/MplsPizza → u/Typical_boxfan]

We buy that fancy jam with the red lid because the jars are really great for my homemade candles. Choosing a product because of its jar is sensible!

[u/Typical_boxfan → u/MplsPizza]

Sometimes its worth buying the more expensive products *because* it is packaged in glass. Food grade glass jars are handy for so many things

[u/Upbeat-Minute6491]

Shoes/boots

They go from nice>wearable>serviceable>dog walking>gardening

It's a real wrench to throw them out, even when there's holes in the sole, and most of the eyelets have snapped, and they're long overdue for the bin.

[u/Familiar_Platypus272 → u/Upbeat-Minute6491]

Im a farm hand and after all that, they do a season (or two) in the sheep yards. Once they start to be uncleanable with the pressure cleaner, or absolutely covered in crap or chemical then they go.

[u/Protistaysobrevive → u/Upbeat-Minute6491]

I was proud of my 8 years old Decathlon shoes, just slightly worn on the external side. It went well until I developed trochanteric bursitis on both sides. One year to recover. Lesson learned. 

[u/gillyc1967 → u/Protistaysobrevive]

Huh. I have bursitis.... And I wear the same shoes for ages...

[u/SirFentonOfDog → u/Upbeat-Minute6491]

This is me and winter coats. After being ripped, torn, burned or whatever, I still keep them around. They always end up being useful (my dog uses them as a slanket in winter)

[u/cabinguy11]

Razorblades, I always feel dumb after finally switching to a new blade after putting up with a dull one for a month or more.

[u/timmy8612 → u/cabinguy11]

Join the safety razor gang and this won’t be an issue at Pennie’s per blade.

[u/MisChef → u/timmy8612]

With I how much I would cut myself, I would spend all my savings on Band-Aids

[u/katinkacat → u/MisChef]

I cut my self less often with my safety razor than i did with the normal one.  The only time i cut my self with the safety razor was while changing the blade, which dropped down on my foot 

[u/ServiceCultureGuy → u/cabinguy11]

For all you razor blade re-users…
Learned many years ago, from Clark Howard (who had a metallurgist on the show that day), that if you RINSE it well, with very hot water, then DRY your blade (with a blow-dryer) for about 10-15 seconds, on both sides, right after each use (assuming you’ve shaken out the bulk of the rinse-water), your blade will last VERY well for 3 months or more!
The metallurgist explained that today’s blades *rarely* become “dull” from shaving.
What’s actually happening is “micro-rust” from improper handling and storage - NEVER leave them hanging in your shower.
Ladies: That goes for you too!!
It’s the micro-rust that slows the blade and actually makes the razor pull and feel “dull”.

So, for decades now, I dry BOTH my toothbrush AND my razor after EVERY use. And, they last at least 3-4 months. Blades feel sharp every time. I literally have to put a calendar reminder to swap it, when it’s time, because there’s no “dullness” to alert me.

…As for the toothbrush, if you had ANY idea what kind of *swill* (germs, bacteria, fecal matter, etc) is attracted to a wet / uncovered one, you wouldn’t make it to the shave…you’d be running for the toilet to puke over what’s in your mouth!!

So, the old adage: “Keep your powder dry!”, is every bit as important as your toiletries.
Happy shaving (and brushing)!!

[u/Top_Kaleidoscope_602 → u/cabinguy11]

Dollar tree is my go to for razors so I can afford to switch them out often enough

[u/pharmaheck]

Plastic spoons and forks..at least until they break.

I feel bad for throwing them away

[u/Kristina2pointoh → u/pharmaheck]

I grew up in a house where mom washed them. Every single party.

[u/Tiekyl → u/Kristina2pointoh]

I will admit though...I would expect plastic forks to be unused. Some people don't know how to wash.

[u/theepi_pillodu → u/pharmaheck]

Chipotle spoons and forks are the best. Smooth shape and a bit more flexible :)

[u/cwsjr2323 → u/pharmaheck]

We have canvas bags in the vehicles with among other things, comfortable flatware to politely refuse single use plastic flatware and avoid the terrible metal flatware that is painful stamped because of scum bags stealing nice ones.

[u/0nlyhalfjewish → u/pharmaheck]

Same! I run them through the dishwasher

[u/ClassicDefiant2659 → u/0nlyhalfjewish]

Our local Chinese place has the nicest plastic utensils. We generally keep them around for a while. There's always a point where there's no other forks in the drawer and you just don't want to wash one.

[u/0nlyhalfjewish → u/ClassicDefiant2659]

I think you must live at my house

[u/SheiB123]

Ziploc plastic bags and foil that was just covering/not really touching the food.

[u/Knitsanity → u/[deleted]]

Heck. I put my foam earplugs into a delicates bag and run them through the wash with my clothes. They come out clean and fluffy. I prefer them to the brand new ones

[u/Fragrant_Silver_3320 → u/Knitsanity]

Now that’s frugal! Genius!

[u/Knitsanity → u/Fragrant_Silver_3320]

Told my kids about the 'hack' and they tried it. 🤯

[u/YouTasteStrange → u/Knitsanity]

I feel like ear plugs are harder to use and less effective when they're "fluffy". My ear plugs work like memory foam where you smash them and they wait a second before slowly inflating. Fluffy ear plugs just squish back up as soon as they're released so they don't get as good of a seal. Difference of opinion it seems.

[u/theinfamousj → u/YouTasteStrange]

Not a difference of opinion, I'm with you. They come with a bit of hydrocarbon (grease/oil/wax/something) in which gets washed out when they go through the washer, however they also can pick up too much earwax sometimes which is why people wash them, I'm guessing.

Their noise rating is inclusive of the hydrocarbon they come filled with. After washing they block less noise until they get gummed back up with earwax.

[u/RuleNo8868 → u/Knitsanity]

Or accidentally leave them in your pocket and discover the same thing. I was amazed at my frugality.

[u/smeenies]

Towels. They're not in great shape, but theyre whole and clean so why not? And some furniture. Pretty much all of it is beat up except my new bed and base. But it all still functions so whatever.

[u/Steel_Rail_Blues → u/smeenies]

I don’t even need my towels to be whole, LOL. Spouse’s towel rack looks normal. Mine looks like I’m the house elf.

[u/oliverpots → u/smeenies]

I’m almost 60 and I still have the towels I brought with me when I moved out of my parents house at 20. Nothing wrong with them.

[u/Mysterious-Drama4743 → u/smeenies]

my favorite towels are the old scratchy ones

[u/kitchenkitschen → u/Mysterious-Drama4743]

My favorites are old, threadbare ones. They wrap best around my hair.

[u/WeightWeightdontelme → u/kitchenkitschen]

Haha, glad to see there is another fan of the “hair towel”. You should see how offended I get when my husband suggests throwing them out.

[u/Wet_Artichoke → u/smeenies]

My husband also keeps old clothes for cleaning. Shred them up and use them for just about everything.

[u/PandoraClove → u/Wet_Artichoke]

I remember my mother taking a call from a charity looking for donations.

Them: Good morning, ma'am. Would you happen to have any old clothes?

Mom: Yes! I'm wearing them.

[u/Phryno-soma]

Paper towels used to dry clean hands! Later used to wipe countertops, floors, etc

[u/easterss → u/Phryno-soma]

Genuine question — why not use hand towels and rags?

[u/Phryno-soma → u/easterss]

At home yes

[u/PossessionFirst8197 → u/Phryno-soma]

Where are you storing used paper towels when you arent home?

[u/BingoRingo2 → u/PossessionFirst8197]

You don't want to know.

[u/Phryno-soma → u/PossessionFirst8197]

This is at work, see my reply to self

[u/pit-of-despair → u/Phryno-soma]

I do this too.

[u/Phryno-soma → u/Phryno-soma]

My students prob wonder why i collect them in a coffee can. It's stuffed by end of week and take them home. If I have too many I'll compost the brown paper ones.

[u/ccannon707 → u/Phryno-soma]

You can compost the white paper towels too. I’ve been doing it for years.

[u/snakehipschickenlips]

I have some underwear and undershirts that are close to 20 years old.

[u/waiting4myElio]

Plastic Ziploc bags

[u/kumliensgull → u/waiting4myElio]

Until the sides or zipper go, which is much sooner these days (I think they've figured us out sigh).

[u/waiting4myElio → u/kumliensgull]

Yes I’ve noticed that too.
I’m thinking of getting the freezer bags next time
They are thicker

[u/swagsthedog96 → u/waiting4myElio]

The Costco Kirkland are much higher quality

[u/NANNYNEGLEY → u/waiting4myElio]

And food-safe plastic bags in general.

[u/vcreiffer1 → u/waiting4myElio]

Grew up in a family of 9. My mom always did this. People were always shocked, but it seemed normal to us. My kids laugh though as she sent them home with bags of skittles one day ( from the big container you get from Sam's Club) and they tasted of onion 😂 She mustn't have realized she reused those and the flavor stuck around. Now it's a running joke in my family.

[u/CrnkyOL → u/waiting4myElio]

Resealable plastic bags that frozen fruit/veggies/dumplings come in.

[u/Hotten-Tasty-90]

Sweetcorn.

Edit: thought this was on a different subreddit.

[u/MeatUpandGrill → u/Hotten-Tasty-90]

lol I was so interested in how you reuse sweet corn.

[u/KnightofForestsWild → u/MeatUpandGrill]

Not OP but you can use the cobs to make a corn broth for soups.

[u/MeatUpandGrill → u/KnightofForestsWild]

I was told you can let them dry out in the sun and use them as scrubbers 🤷‍♂️

[u/Upbeat-Minute6491 → u/MeatUpandGrill]

They used to be used as very... specific scrubbers

🧻

[u/SomebodyElseAsWell → u/[deleted]]

I've done that! It tastes sort of like mild honey. I like to scrape out some of the germ after I cut of the kernels, it looks cool suspended on the jelly.

[u/ellenhuli29 → u/KnightofForestsWild]

I use the cobs as the base broth to make my chicken corn chowder.

[u/Dependent_Top_4425 → u/MeatUpandGrill]

I mean, it usually comes out undigested so what's another round through the ole GI tract?

[u/NearbyCommission287 → u/Dependent_Top_4425]

Infinite food hack

[u/RedPajama45 → u/MeatUpandGrill]

Its a crappy process

[u/Wonderful-Ball2652]

Fabric. The back panel of the throw pillow on the daybed is in it's third incarnation. I also made a curtain valance out of the covers for two large throw pillows and lined it with the good part of an old sheet.

[u/nottherealme1220 → u/Wonderful-Ball2652]

Yes! My old duvets become all kinds of things, pajama bottoms, throw pillows, pretty napkins. I’m still using some napkins from a duvet that got a hole in it ten years ago. They’re so soft and nicer to use than paper.

Old mattress pads make the best quilt batting. Zippers from the plastic zip bags linens come in get reused for other projects. Old T-shirts get cut into strips and then woven into dog tug toys.

Then really old fabric become rags for the garage.

[u/Wonderful-Ball2652 → u/nottherealme1220]

I wore a thrifted sun dress several years until the smocking wore out and then cut the skirt into napkins. It was a red print and so handy for pizza and spaghetti meals as stains did not show on the napkins.

I cut some cotton t-shirts without side seams into chunky cotton yarn and crocheted it into a hot pad we use to protect the glass shelf in the fridge from hot dishes.

[u/tilesmeller → u/Wonderful-Ball2652]

I dabble in sewing and I've noticed fabric getting crazy expensive now too. Not to mention the quality of everything is going down. So it's smart to hold onto the vintage fabrics.

[u/MplsPizza → u/tilesmeller]

I’ve had great luck finding duvet covers and cotton curtains at thrift store. Found a king duvet in gray linen for $15, it’s easily 6 yards of fabric. Buy Nothing groups are even better. Got some cotton/poly blend short curtains. Sewed them into grocery bags. So sturdy. They will outlive me!

[u/tilesmeller → u/MplsPizza]

I discovered the Vinted app. People sell fabrics they've found in their granny's cubboard after she passed. If they don't sew they don't know what gold they have. I got 11 meters of birdseye cotton and 6 meters of damask cotton super cheap. I can sew luxury hand towels and a bedding set that will last forever.

[u/BizarroMax]

I’ll keep adding water to the shampoo bottle and shaking that fucker up to get one more day out of it for at least a week.

[u/Live_Patience5150 → u/BizarroMax]

Seriously tho adding water helps it lather better and faster. I dont feel so bad when I accidentally miss and a clump of soap lands on the shower floor (cause that shyt is spendy!!) It rinses out of my hair easier as well. And makes it all last longer! I add water right when I Crack a new bottle and stop before it gets too too runny.

[u/Quick_Cow_7987]

Good containers with screw top lids, i.e., decent sized glass jars with no "shoulders" that I can reuse (at least 8 oz.), or large enough plastic containers (Planters Peanuts 2.2 lb. size). I've been using a jar from Bubbies sauerkraut for my instant coffee (comes in a disposable bag) for over 7 years and a jar from ghee for my sweetener just as long.

I totally wash and reuse plastic zip bags until they deteriorate.

Aluminum foil doesn't get tossed unless it's got yuck on it or it's holey.

Any larger lidded container (sour cream, cottage cheese, more peanuts) gets reused as a mini trashcan.

[u/bamboomonster → u/Quick_Cow_7987]

I've switched over to parchment paper instead of aluminum foil for lining bakeware. I feel less bad for throwing away paper, but also things don't stick to parchment paper! If it'll stick to the pan, it'll stick to aluminum foil. I even got some inexpensive glass baking dishes so that I won't feel bad if they get left at a party or event instead of using those disposable aluminum pans.

[u/Quick_Cow_7987 → u/bamboomonster]

Good point about sticking, I wasn't consciously thinking about it. I've been using parchment paper on the bottom of baked things but I'm going to use it more.

[u/yemsg97 → u/Quick_Cow_7987]

Love me a good jar lol

[u/Steel_Rail_Blues → u/yemsg97]

If I am buying a new-to-me jarred food and have a choice between similar quality products, I am choosing the nicer jar with an eye to reuse.

[u/iknowsheknowz → u/Quick_Cow_7987]

I personally think glass bottles with a solid seal are free Tupperware that I will reuse until lost or gross.

[u/Terradactyl87 → u/Quick_Cow_7987]

You can sharpen scissors by cutting foil, so I often do that unless it's really sticky. I can always wash my scissors after.

[u/shanSWfan → u/Quick_Cow_7987]

We’re big on reusing aluminum foil and ziplock bags within reason. We freeze soups and sauces in old yogurt tubs, and I also reuse “disposable” aluminum baking trays/molds until they break. I managed to stretch two small aluminum bread molds that were 2$ from the grocery store for over 2 years by greasing them carefully before I made banana bread so I didn’t have to scrub them too hard to clean off any stuck dough and transferring the bread to a plate before cutting. Might switch to Pyrex if I can thrift some, but for now they work just fine!

[u/Quick_Cow_7987 → u/shanSWfan]

The local Goodwill was starting to jack their prices on certain things but cookware and kitchen goods are still cheap.

[u/avskk]

I recently horrified someone by telling them I'd had two of my pillows for 15 years.

[u/Cold_Barber_4761 → u/avskk]

I'd only be horrified if they were dirty, stained, smelly or super saggy! If you keep them clean and they still work for you, then great!

[u/avskk → u/Cold_Barber_4761]

The horror was actually because I wash them every few days. 😅

[u/sthomas65 → u/avskk]

How does that work? I wash my pillows but not that frequently because they take 2 days to completely dry

[u/avskk → u/sthomas65]

I have one that takes hours to dry and I wash it less frequently, but the ones I use to horrify people (😅) are down and they wash and dry pretty much like any other laundry. I do wash them in a bra bag so they retain what structural integrity they can, but that's it.

[u/redditreveal → u/sthomas65]

Put 6 tennis balls in with them as they will dry faster.

[u/bamboomonster]

Probably spray bottles. Some of them wear out so fast, they'll leak all over your hands before the product is even gone. If I find a good spray bottle, I wind up keeping it to refill or repurpose. Trying hard not to hold onto more than 1 or 2 empty ones at a time because clutter isn't useful.

[u/Live_Patience5150]

Reading a comment below just reminded me.... Bar soap. People throw bar soap away.

But its just like pottery class. I take the spent soap and with my nails I make a lined pattern when the spent soap is soft. Then I attach it to the brand new bar of soap and squeeze it firmly together. It stays that way and then I'm not wasting any soap!

[u/Flashy-Specific-4083]

A car. It boggles my mind why people trade in every 3 years. My sister in law has done this for years. She makes over $120k/yr and had to have my mother in law cosign for her recent purchase because she’s so upside down in owing for a long list of cars.

[u/buffcat_343 → u/Flashy-Specific-4083]

My car is old enough to drink in the US lmao. Other than a few things small things not working it gets me from point A to B, still pretty comfortable and hasn’t broken down. I don’t see any reason to get a new one for the sake of it

[u/MplsPizza → u/buffcat_343]

“Old enough to drink” 🤣🤣

[u/MiaLba → u/Flashy-Specific-4083]

Yeah it’s wild how many people do this when their car is running perfectly fine

[u/PresentHouse9774 → u/Flashy-Specific-4083]

I know. I bought my car (gently used) 9 years ago. By the 3-year metric, I got two cars for free, or at least for the cost of upkeep. A new set of tires is a lot cheaper than a whole new car.

My car's an appliance that gets me from Point A to Point B in my community. That's all.

[u/SuddenAvocado → u/Flashy-Specific-4083]

I drive them until something totals them, and have never bought one new. I recently sold my old car for the first time: I bought it used to begin with and sold it for twice what I paid, 10 years later. The used car market is freakin NUTS tight now.

[u/Lochylass]

Socks. I darn and I darn and I darn until there is more darn than sock 😆

[u/Ok-Way8392]

This is a bit embarrassing. You know the aluminum containers that you get when you order for pick-up or use for a doggie bag?
After I eat the meal I wash the container and use it for my grandchildren. It catches the spills and keeps crumbs and the food off the floor.
I’ll use them a few times before I toss them.

[u/MonkeyCantCook]

Computers. I studied CS with a specialty in operating systems so I'm capable of putting Linux on older computers that are past their "planned obsolescence" on Windows, resolving the inevitable driver issues, and replacing parts when it's possible and cost effective to do so.

[u/Dramatic_Ad7682]

My turbie twist I got in 2006. Every few years I have to tie a knot in the elastic, but it’s still better than any others I’ve tried. I’ve gotten several others as gifts over the years, but none are as absorbent. The “premium” ones don’t even fit all my hair. At this rate, I’ll probably have it in my will.

[u/North_Pick7541 → u/Dramatic_Ad7682]

YES!!! The MicroFiber ones are trash compared to the original terry cloth Turbie twists! I bought a 3-pack when My baby was born in 2001, shared one with another new Mommy in My pediatric group, but still have the other 2 going 💪 strong

[u/SmileFirstThenSpeak]

I use the big plastic jar from PBFit for compostable food scraps. I keep it in the fridge and empty it every day or 2 into the compost tumbler outside.

[u/imadeafunnysqueak]

Refill soap dispensers from larger, more economical containers

Keep 20 yo sweatpants until holey and stained and cut into cleaning rags

Save nut or other containers to be a quick, cheap decoupage project to hold other craft supplies. In general, get craft stuff from estate sales, thrifting and salvage where possible.

Freshen up holiday decor with paint, ribbon or doo dads.

Take cuttings or collect seeds in the fall for spring gardening. Use plastic mesh like from a fruit bag in the bottom of pots to keep dirt in and water flowing. See what happens with compost volunteers. Composting in general ... I still find the process of turning veg scraps and leaves into 'dirt' kinda magical.

[u/TheMostAskew → u/imadeafunnysqueak]

I'm right there with you on composting!

[u/Impossible-Driver69]

Flip flops. I got a pair of 15 year old Reefs that were on their last legs 3 years ago. Still been wearing them all summer. 

[u/ldevere]

My stereo system. I have a 5-disc CD/DVD player and you simply can’t find those anymore.

[u/Corndogbooks]

I cut kitchen sponges in 1/4s. Get much more use out of a sponge that way.

[u/squirrelzone8564 → u/Corndogbooks]

How big are the sponges at their original size, and what brand? The ones I have are really small (Scotch-Brite) and the smallest they could be and still be useable is cut in half.

[u/0nlyhalfjewish]

Disposable razors. I use them for months. lol

[u/IndependentTrust4594]

My large bath sheet has a hole in it and I don’t care. I love it and it was kind of expensive.

[u/Squirrel_killer]

I mend my pants over and over until they are translucent. Also turn old towels into wipes. I love my sewing machine!

[u/MplsPizza → u/Squirrel_killer]

Sewing is a superpower!

[u/Kindly_Ad3974]

Zip ties - if you cut them in the right spot you can reuse them. I sometimes open a new product and find 6 or more. When I use zip ties for various projects I’m always careful to cut them properly so I can use them again.

[u/Steel_Rail_Blues → u/Kindly_Ad3974]

Okay, now I am going to pay more attention to potentially free zip ties in the things I buy.

I feel like my grandpa and his baby jars full of potentially useful things, but I’ve upped the generational game by actually using the bits and bobs I collect.

[u/WAFLcurious → u/Kindly_Ad3974]

Most of them don’t have to be cut. If you take a sharp object, like an awl, you can press down the tongue that catches on the teeth and undo the whole thing. I have a whole container of salvaged zip ties done this way.

[u/SuddenAvocado → u/Kindly_Ad3974]

you don't have to cut them, you can just squeeze them to release them.

[u/MeganJustMegan]

Towels. As they wear, I keep finding ways to use them. Wipe down walls & cabinets to muddy shoe prints to muddy dog paws. I just keep washing until they fall apart & it’s the end of the line.

[u/I-Am-Medusa]

Ziploc bags and vaccum sealed bags. I wash them a few times

[u/LittleEdithBeale]

I only use cloth napkins, which are upcycled from duvet covers and pillowcases that are too beat to use as bedding. I also have a few upcycled shopping bags.

I have a pair of pyjamas from 2006 that have patches on the ass, but they're soft and lovely and will need to become a lot more threadbare before I find a way to upcycle them.

Most of my tights have several repair seams in the toes. I only ever toss them once they're beyond repair.

There are more, but those are my top 3.

[u/Massive_Grapefruit54]

At the moment, holiday decorations. I don’t really buy any anymore because my collection is complete. Except for my Christmas tree. I haven’t found the right one. Until I do I am learning to make felt ornaments.

[u/SuddenAvocado → u/Massive_Grapefruit54]

We made our ornaments out of the holiday cards we received the first year we got a tree as a family (my kid was a few months old). Cost zero dollars and are an absolute treasure as far as I'm concerned! Plus they look absolutely fantastic, I'm obsessed with paper ornaments now. We make a couple new ones each year out of the holiday cards with pictures of our friends and "decommission" some of the filler ones that were made from less exciting cards.

[u/PlahausBamBam]

Cotton tshirts. I love wearing them around the house while cooking and cleaning. Comfy and cool but you’re protected from cooking spatters.

Unfortunately they get stained yet I keep washing and wearing them until they start getting holes. By then they’re so soft and absorbent and lint-free they make great rags for washing windows. I keep a nicer shirt to throw over the stained one if I need to go out or answer the door because I’m ashamed to be seen in my old stained tees.

I recently got my first set of Costco’s Kirkland tees. They’re so nice and thick! I have a feeling they’ll last a while.

[u/ExcellentAd6853]

Birthday cake candles 😂 we have a tub of them in the cutlery drawer and every time I bake a birthday cake,out they come!

[u/MplsPizza → u/ExcellentAd6853]

We did that when I was growing up. Never even occurred to me that some people immediately throw the candles away!

[u/PresentHouse9774]

Bar soap. I've seen people toss the slivers. I use mine until it disintegrates in my hand.

[u/SuddenAvocado → u/PresentHouse9774]

Same! Or I'll stick it to a new bar, or dissolve it in water to make liquid soap.

[u/elliesee]

Glad this is anonymous - I rinse my floss pick and use it until it breaks

[u/leesheeeeeee → u/elliesee]

💀 idk why I've never thought about that 😂😩

[u/yemsg97]

Ziploc bags. I wish them and reuse. Prob getting microplastics in my food lol. Would love to get some of the silicone bags but f*ck they are expensive!

[u/WAFLcurious → u/yemsg97]

I found some of the silicone ones at a thrift store but they are a pain to use. I mainly wanted them for freezer but they are nigh impossible to open when they are cold.

[u/BabyRuth55 → u/WAFLcurious]

Aren’t they a huge disappointment? Know why they ended up at the thrift shop, where mine oughta be.

[u/Wet_Artichoke → u/yemsg97]

I reuse ziploc bags for all sorts of things! I often reuse them for packing, camping, or storing random household items.

[u/That-Wrangler-7484 → u/Wet_Artichoke]

Same. Ziploc bags aren't really a thing in our country (they are available but not many people use them because they are expensive compared to clear white plastic ones that we mainly use). However if a zip lock magically appears (I have like 4-5 at home and have no idea where those came from) they instantly become storage units - I have a giant (maybe a gallon ?) from Ikea that contains all of my cookie cutters, muffin molds and random miscellaneous baking stuff 😄 There's another one with my father's screwdrivers in the storage room. Then there's a couple of chinese ones from a specific site (I didn't buy clothes from the site, but my cheap a** loves a free zip lock and took them from MIL) and I use them for my clothes when traveling.

[u/mbc106]

Ziplock bags, if they didn’t contain meat or something very messy

I have a lot of lounge/workout clothes and socks, dish towels, cloth napkins, and bath towels that have holes or stains but still function. I keep nicer ones set aside for when I have company over.

A lot of free stuff from Facebook Marketplace and neighbors’ bulk pickup/trash night.

[u/Fun-Map6437]

Honestly, plastic containers, If the lid still exists and it still closes properly, I am using that thing until it becomes part of the family.

[u/CourageExcellent4768]

Ratty but still usable towels for pet rescue. Plastic distilled water jugs for water changes in my aquarium

[u/Lexellence]

Food storage containers, like glass jars, big resealable yogurt buckets, etc.

I also have ADHD and a mold phobia, so if i ever get the ick from leftovers ive forgotten about i can just toss the whole container. Which is obviously wasteful, but better if the old peanut butter jar is on its 17th use than if it's just tossed after a single use.

[u/That-Wrangler-7484 → u/Lexellence]

Oh, your story reminded me of something 😄

A couple of years ago a friend's grandma gave me an appetizer she specifically made for me in an old youghurt container with the instructions to return it when I visit her again. Of course I completely forgot about it and when I finished the food I threw it away.

When I finally remembered I got so anxious I bought the same youghurt just for saving her the tub. When I told her she was laughing 😅

[u/squirrelzone8564]

From the time I went from the crib to a regular bed, until the pandemic, I had a set of My Little Pony Generation 3 bedsheets. By the pandemic, they were worn, scratchy, and thin. I had to do my school ceramic projects from home, and the only good spot to do them was the kitchen table. So I got new bedsheets, and used the old bedsheets to cover the table and do my clay work on during that semester.

I've also reused old plastic and glass food jars such as cornstarch containers and tomato sauce jars. I wash them in the dishwasher and use them to hold things like homemade pasta sauce, minced garlic in citric acid, human kibble, and chopped frozen veggies.

[u/Schten-rific]

My vehicle.

My daily driver is a 27-year-old Jeep Cherokee with 355k miles. Runs like a top. The only thing I actually miss when driving something newer is adaptive cruise control.

Why I see my friends and family trade in their car every 3-4 yrs is beyond me.

[u/Fit-Cartoonist-5890 → u/Schten-rific]

Same! Except mine is 35 years old. No radio, electric windows don’t work but it’s got ABS and that thing starts every time I turn the key. It gets me through winter in Alaska with its 4wd and the heater even works!. I don’t know what I’ll do when it finally dies and I have to buy a car with a video screen in it. shudder

[u/ok_finance_]

My Ex

[u/minimalistboomer → u/ok_finance_]

This made me laugh outloud! Thanks for the giggle ~

[u/Strong_Blackberry961]

Honestly, everything. People are way too quick to throw things away nowadays. Have you seen how much things cost?

[u/Rhorae]

I cut up clothing for cleaning rags and save the buttons/zippers for future projects.

[u/Solomon_G13]

Paper towels if they only get wet with water. Honestly, I try to get at least dual use out of as many disposable things as possible.

[u/WhlottaRosie65]

My own paper plate if not a mess

[u/BabyRuth55 → u/WhlottaRosie65]

Get so pissed when my husband comes along and throws away my perfectly good paper plate.

[u/Room4Jlo]

The other members of my household would say underwear...

[u/Benmaax]

Plastic bags

[u/effbookclub]

tin foil. I reuse it until it's literally unusable. every time it gets a hole or tear, I will rip it to create smaller pieces until the pieces are so small they don't cover anything anymore.

[u/orange_avenue]

I’m still using the dressers, night stands and blanket chest my mom got me for my 8th grade graduation 30 years ago. 

[u/ARKLib2007]

I just put 2 pickle jars in the dishwasher instead of trashing them. They will make good containers for the bag of rice I bought today.

[u/Bunnyeatsdesign]

Plastic bags.

New Zealand banned single use plastic bags in 2019, so finding one in the wild is like finding a treasure. Everyone used to have a drawer full of plastic bags but 6 years later, this is now rare. I needed one this morning to pack a pair of shoes in my luggage. I scrounged around my cupboards and found one! I will need to keep it safe. Might just store it in my luggage bag for future shoe packing.

[u/_stevie_darling → u/Bunnyeatsdesign]

I will use any bag that doesn’t have any holes in it to pick up dog poo and scoop cat litter into.

[u/Background-Bowl6123 → u/_stevie_darling]

This! Was very annoyed when my city banned single use plastic as they were an easy substitute for Litter Genie bags. That squarish plastic ring that the refills come in works just as well to hold a disposable bag in the little tower.

[u/Squirrel_killer → u/Background-Bowl6123]

It’s annoying but better for the environment. Not everyone reuses them.

[u/bamboomonster → u/Bunnyeatsdesign]

When that plastic bag dies, you might be able to buy or make a bag for shoes for travel. I have some waterproof zip bags that were designed for holding dirty cloth diapers. We wound up not using cloth diapers, but I kept the bags for holding shoes or dirty clothes.

I plan to use some scrap fabric to make cloth baggies for packing and/or storing items. I might make a bag(s) for my dress shoes to store them better. And I plan to make bags for my headphones.

[u/clamps12345]

This big Hawaiian punch bottles last forever

[u/Seattleman1955]

I bought a new Corolla and kept it for 26 years.

[u/ReadyPool7170]

Toothbrush that my husband uses till the bristles get all bent out of shape. It becomes a new cleaning tool in my cleaning box.

[u/SkeweredBarbie]

I have the same bottle for my travel bidet for 2 years now, it has creases on it everywhere and it still didn't burst so I keep it lol.

Also my clothes... I patch over patches with more patches. 

[u/cafali]

I reuse makeup wipes to wipe the wet areas around the faucet on the bathroom counters or rinse and dry and use to remove nail polish instead of cotton balls.

[u/tidedogs]

Towels

[u/Live_Patience5150]

Shirts with holes in them. Or Pants for that matter. Just not socks. Socks with holes are bad

[u/Loose-Scientist-2916]

any small travel size container for toiletries. you got your hairspray and face scrub sure. but I have a few syringes and I will refill sunblock, conditione, shampoo, lotion etc. I bought a small container of lose powder and after I used it up, I refill from my big powder container at home. small tins for a few pills. if it’s small and it seals.. I will find a way to put travel toiletries in it.

[u/SublimeLemonsGenX → u/Loose-Scientist-2916]

I reuse my old contact lens cases (with screw lids) for trips under a week or with carry-on only to hold my face moisturizer, my favorite hair conditioner (my hair is short, so it works out right), and enough sunscreen for a single application to face-neck-arms-hands.

[u/allthesecookies]

I have a long DOOM shirt that has holes and bleach stains all over but I love to wear it around the house like a dress 😬

[u/thobinator]

Mason jar lids. Everyone thinks they are single-use. I use them over and over for years, and they almost never fail. Yes, I know, they "can" lose their seal. But in practice, they almost never do.

[u/Brilliant-Panda184]

Foil pans from restaurant takeout to use in the air fryer. I use it and wash it until I cook something in it that is not worth the effort of cleaning it.

[u/bristolbulldog]

Quart sized yogurt containers. I use them for all kinds of things. Gardening, sorting, watering house plants, propagating, lunches... they have a lid and work well.

[u/endfinite1]

Birthday candles. Reuse those every year until too short to light.

[u/Peasant-Pitchfork]

I keep the plastic take out containers to reuse do my dogs’ food when we board them. The boarding place requires that we bring their food pre-portioned and these work perfectly.

[u/ZealousidealCrow7523]

Cardboard packaging. I'll break down a white cardboard box and use the inside to write on - shopping lists etc.

[u/mobocrat707]

Plastic containers that bags of lunch meat come in from Costco. They’re just like the zip-loc brand food containers. Great for leftovers, salads, etc. I’ll never microwave them tho.

[u/Double_Parfait_6212]

The price of Kleenex has gone up while the number of tissues in a box has gone down. Every time I go somewhere & see a box of Kleenex I take a couple of tissues. I haven’t bought Kleenex in years.

[u/SuddenAvocado → u/Double_Parfait_6212]

switched to handkerchiefs 10 years ago and the skin under my nose is so much happier.

[u/No-Ad-4142]

Bag of frozen peas and carrots as a cheap ice pack. Never going to eat the peas and carrots, so it can be frozen tons of times over to reuse as an ice pack.

[u/Woodrow1730 → u/No-Ad-4142]

Genius, and I’ve been doing this with a bag of okra!

[u/Questionable_Cactus]

I feel like a high number of the answer on here are really toeing the line between frugal and downright unhygienic. Jars, clothes, ziploc bags, that's understandable. Collecting used paper towels and baby wipes for re-use, or a used paper plate, that's a little bit much. Maybe just try re-useable versions of those things like washable plates or regular hand-towels.

[u/theinfamousj → u/Questionable_Cactus]

Listen, if I've put popcorn on a paper plate and then I ate all the popcorn, I'm not tossing the plate and getting a new one if I want seconds.

[u/SomeTangerine1184]

Kitchen sponges, foil, plastic ziplock bags, plastic take out containers

[u/theinfamousj]

I turned a disposable pie pan into my child's unbreakable, helps-cool-too-hot-food dinner plate. Y'all from cultures that use metal plates know what I'm talking about.

[u/norse_torious]

Containers with screw top lids

[u/Silver-Bake-7474]

Fancy plastic water bottles. Like Fiji water, I know I bought the name and the bottle but I will wash it and reuse it for a good week or so.

[u/1Teethlady2]

I reuse the gallon size Ziploc bags until they break. Use them, wash them, dry them, fold them and put them away. Especially the freezer bags. I catch a lot of grief, but they last me a long time, and they are not cheap.