Thursday, March 12, 2009

Thrifty Thursday--That One Product

We all have one. That one product we love. The product that can save us time and money. The product we can't live without. It could be that perfect skirt that goes with everything you found on a discount rack at a Last Call Neiman's sale. It might be the great bread you get from your bakery after 4 for half price. Whatever it is, you feel good buying  it, and your wallet does too!

My product is Bon Ami Cleaner



Yes, a cleaner. I buy it for $1.75 at Whole Foods and it lasts me about 6-8 weeks. What do I use it for? Pretty much everything: the counters, the stove, the sink (all things stainless steel), the toilets, the pots and pans, crystal, fine china, dishes that didn't make it to the washer, the kitchen table, the tub and the shower. And again it lasts me at least SIX weeks!

Growing up, I remember my mom always had the golden 'hasn't scratched yet' can by the sink. She used hers for all the dishes and the counters. I always wanted to be like the other kids with the spray cleaner and not the hot wash cloth with the Bon Ami powder. So when I went to school, I tried the spray. My first issue was the smell of the spray--Bon Ami has no perfumes; then there were all the chemicals that damaged some things--Bon Ami has no chemicals, and finally the price--well duh Bon Ami is much cheaper.

So I went back. And I haven't looked backed since. 

And that my friends, is my very favorite product. I am not receiving any endorsement from the company--I just love this cleaner!

Now it's your turn. What product can you not live without? The product that saves you money and makes your life easier?

7 comments:

Gretchen said...

I have this one product that I love and it is amazing. It is called "OFF cleaner". It is only sold at one grocery store chain in St. Louis. My mom has used it for as long as I can remember.

It comes in a tube, like toothpaste. It is greasy feeling, like Vaseline, but it actually takes grease OUT of fabrics, carpets, and removes all kinds of stuff. Here's what the tube says:
"Removes wet or dry paint, grease, tar compounds, chewing gum, grass stains, floor-tile cement, food stains, shoe polish, creosote, caulking, and most inks."

It cleans and conditions leathers (coats, shoes, furniture, upholstery). It removes tar/grease from car exteriors.

Also on the tube: "Removes finger marks, smudges, crayon and cellophane tape residue from woodwork, walls, and appliances. No water or rinse necessary. Wipe clean with paper tissue, cloth, or damp sponge.

This stuff is awesome. I think it's like $4 for a 7 oz. tube.

Brian and Staci said...

Bon Ami sounds similar to BarKeeper's Friend that I use!!! Can use it on everything...I think :) It's so cold here in OK...I think you guys are getting some of this yuck too :( I thought Spring was here for certain last week....silly me!

EatPlayLove said...

Gosh I have to pick that up. I love Chore Boy, yellow fleece dish scrubbers (counter, stuck on anything scrubbers)! They are hard to find, but fabulous.

mah-meeee said...

oh boy... thanks for that tip! i've been looking for a good all around cleaner that does not have those chemical smell.

as to something that is cheap and i love ....

we have hardwood floors at home that tends to get stuff on it with two young kids. i buy this thing called goo-gone from my local hardware store. works like a charm!

Unknown said...

My favorite product (although not sure it saves me money) is the Magic Eraser. There would be crazyon everywhere if it wasn't for that thing. Ok, so I guess it saves me money by not having to repaint! ; )

Anti-Supermom said...

Lisa, endorsement or not, I'm sold. I'm always looking for an expensive cleaner because I'm ALWAYS cleaning.

My favorite - I really like Magic Erasers, but not a MUST have. I'll have to think about that one...

Amanda said...

We don't have a product like that over here, but it does sound a bit like Bicarbonate of Soda.
I like to use Vinegar to clean my Windows/toilets ~ it leaves them really shiny.
love,
Amanda x