You asked for it, and you got it! This is my first post of a new “column” on Green Penny Pincher called…

Many of you are, like me, completely hooked on Pinterest, feverishly pinning this, that, and everything else, for future research… which may or may not ever happen, especially as your pin count jumps into the hundreds, then thousands!

Looking through Pinterest is like looking for gold nuggets in a bin full of fools’ gold, especially now that it has gotten huge, and, in my opinion, slightly abused and spammy.   It’s really the least I can do to test some of these pins out and share them with you, right?

PinterTest #1:  DIY Fabric Softener

I’ve been trying to cut back/out on fabric softener for years, ever since learning of the very dangerous ingredients store-bought softeners contain.  It hasn’t been easy, though, with very hard water and lots and lots of static cling in our house. For the most part I stuck with adding white vinegar to a Downy ball in my wash, but certain seasons and fabrics still required something more.  I did swear off dryer sheets many years ago, after slipping on one too many that had fallen on the floor and seeing my life flash before my eyes, but I always had the liquid on-hand.

This recipe adds a key ingredient to the vinegar idea:  hair conditioner.  And it makes all the difference! (more…)