Vegetable oil saver

Yet another use for those empty liquid dish detergent bottles: Rinse on thoroughly and put vegetable oil in it. It allows a little better control of how much you use, so it saves on oil and calories, too. And you can buy those humongous, frugal containers and won't have to drag them out every time you need oil.

"Free" cooking oil

If you buy tuna or fish steaks in oil, drain it into a container and use it in stir fry or to fry potatoes or saute other foods. No sense in wasting it; it's good oil for cooking although it might have a slightly fishy taste, so be judicious where you use it.

Homemade furniture polish

Most of the time you don't need it, (use a damp cloth) but if you want to polish your furniture, mix equal parts of white vinegar and vegetable oil and rub on the furniture. Buff with soft cloth until it shines. Olive oil can be substituted for the vegetable oil and lemon juice can be substituted for the vinegar.

Cheap dry skin remedy

Dry skin responds just as well to shortening, vegetable oil, butter, margarine or lard. While your skin is still wet, smooth on whichever fat you choose just like you would hand lotion or cream.

Buying liquid products

When you buy liquids in see through containers (dish soap, vegetable oil, etc.) check the level of the liquid. They're not always the same, so get the one that's the fullest.