Recently, I challenged readers to send in their best ideas for how to use "this for that." Every now and then, something new shows up that we never have thought of before. Today's first fresh idea, which we named the Tip of the Month, is an example:

TIP OF THE MONTH. I am frugal and always have been bothered by having to throw away sticks of deodorant when there is inaccessible product remaining in the bottom. Recently, I left a used stick in my car. When I returned, I found my car faintly smelling like scented deodorant. I left the freshener there for three weeks before it finally gave out. It was infinitely better than those fresheners that hang from the mirror that smell like the inside of a public restroom. -- Meredith S., e-mail

HOT HOUSEWARMING. A fire extinguisher is my favorite housewarming gift whenever someone moves into a new home. It is my go-to welcome gift. -- Mary P., Pennsylvania

GREASY DEALINGS. If you have a grease stain in your clothing, rub a little dish detergent into the stain before washing. I have saved so many clothes this way. It even works if the item has gone through the dryer once or twice. -- Anastasia L., New York

FINGER SAVER. When I am peeling potatoes, I always seem to peel my nails or get my fingers by accident. Now I stab the potato with a fork and peel them that way. No more nicked nails! -- Katrina, e-mail

CARPET CLEANSER. I've paid fortunes for every cleaning product on the market to clean our Berber carpet, including steam-cleaning machine detergents. I didn't realize that the carpet is made of plastic from recycled water bottles. That is why it absorbs odors and soaps make it dingy. The cheapest way to clean it is by using a mix of equal parts fresh club soda and hot water. Now I use that in my steam machine instead of pricey soaps! I'm not sure whether this would work for wool carpet, but it is the best method for cleaning recycled-plastic carpet. -- Leslie L., Texas

RESCUE RESOURCE. If you get laid off, go to your state or local department of labor. To help you find a new job, some states provide valuable resources, including assistance updating your résumé, upgrading your skills, organizing your job search, and preparing you for an interview and salary negotiation. Those are usually all without charge. My county even maintains a room full of computers and printers where you can search online job listings, write your résumé and cover letter, print them on premium paper, and then drop them in a box to be mailed by the county free of charge. -- Gail G., e-mail

Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living" and "Tiptionary 2." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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