Do-It-Yourself
By Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide
DIYers know that a little handy-work can lead to big savings. Explore our library of frugal recipes, home repair and maintenance tips, homemade cleaner recipes, craft and gift suggestions, and reuse/recycling projects; and put your do-it-yourself skills to the test.
Frugal Recipes
Frugal recipes can be good to your budget and your waistline. Cook your way through our collection of simple, healthy meals that cook up fast.
- Main Courses
- Side Dishes
- Breads and Baked Goods
- Snacks and Desserts
- Make Your Own Ingredients
- Condiments, Spices and Seasonings
- Mixes
- Drinks
- 5-Ingredient Meals
- Recipes by Ingredient
- Recipes that Use Up Leftovers
- Recipes for Preserving Foods
- Foraging Recipes
Make Your Own Cleaners
Frugal cleaning tips and recipes to help you clean your home without a lot of expense or chemicals.
- Cleaning with Vinegar
- Cleaning with Baking Soda
- Powdered Laundry Detergent Recipe
- Nearly-Free Stain Removers
- View All Cleaning Recipes
Make Your Own Health & Beauty Products
Recipes for all those must-have health and beauty products.
- Liquid Hand Soap Recipe
- Foaming Hand Soap Recipe
- Hand Sanitizer Recipe
- Homemade Deodorant
- Aftershave Recipe
- Acne Home Remedy
- Homemade Mouthwash
- Frugal Teeth Whitener
- Homemade Dandruff Shampoo
- Make Your Own Hair Spray
- Leave-in Conditioner Recipe
- Make Your Own Hair Gel
Home Repairs and Maintenance
A well maintained home is a frugal home. Learn how to handle basic – and not so basic – home repairs and maintenance on your own.
- How to Repair Anything
- Home Repairs You Shouldn't Put Off
- Home Maintenance Checklist
- How to Clean and Maintain Your Refrigerator
- How to Clean Your Washing Machine
- How to Clean and Maintain Your Dishwasher
- Homemade Drain Cleaner
- Homemade Wallpaper Remover
- Get Rid of Roaches Naturally
- Get Rid of Ants Naturally
- Home Remedies for Moths
Crafts and Gifts
Frugal craft and gift ideas to keep your fingers busy and your wallet happy.
- Frugal Crafts and Recipes for Kids
- Frugal Sewing Projects
- Thrift Store Bargains for Crafters
- Make a Sweater Bag
- Make a Wine Cork Wreath
- Make a Button Bouquet
- Make Popsicle Soap
- Make a Bundt Cake Candle
- Gifts from the Kitchen
- Homemade Gifts Ideas
- Gifts in a Jar
- More Frugal Crafts and Gifts
Reuse/Recycle Projects
Turn old into new with these clever and frugal reuse/recycling projects.