You know the frustration. You're trying to get that last bit of peanut butter stuck to the bottom of the jar, or that last dab of lotion. Not only is it annoying, it's money wasted. So how do you squeeze out more value?
Ask people what containers are hardest to empty and you'll get a variety of answers from ketchup bottles to toothpaste tubes. Consumer Reports ShopSmart has some really handy maneuvers to get out every last drop.
"We found the cut-it-in-half trick works wonders," said ShopSmart's Jody Rolena.
She demonstrates that you can take lotion -- cut the tube in half and scoop out the rest- there's plenty left. This works for toothpaste, too.
Down to the bottom of your favorite lipstick? Have no fear. Rolena suggests using a chopstick to scoop out whatever's left. Then transfer it to a small jar or travel-size container. You'll need a lipstick brush to apply it.
And here's a tip for getting that last bit of olive oil out of the bottle. "Save yourself the agony of watching it drip out in slow motion and make a salad dressing right in the bottle. Just add vinegar, herbs and shake," recommends Rolena.
A set of different-sized spatulas is a must for scooping out that last bit of mayo and peanut butter.
As for that last drop of honey and molasses, put the jar in hot water. Once warmed up, it will flow out easily.
And with cleaning products use less -- way less -- than the manufacturer recommends. With our soft water you only need to use one-third to one-half of the recommended laundry detergent.
The same goes for dishwasher detergent -- if you use tabs -- half is enough. Same for powders.
And with toothpaste -- a pea sized bit is all you need.
And for getting that last bit of shampoo out of the bottle --take the lid off -- add a little water -- give it a shake and you're good to go for the next few days.
