It's been a while since I told my readers about my coffee filter challenge. By mistake, I bought a supply of filters that turned out to be the wrong size. And I mean so wrong they could not be altered to fit because they were just too small. And I didn't realize this until I opened the package -- the economy-size package, I might add.

Since then, I've been looking for unique ways to use coffee filters. I really believed I'd thought of every possible use. That is until I heard from Amy W. of Michigan.

MAKE A TEA BAG. My English mother-in-law sent me some "proper" loose English tea with a tea strainer, but I didn't like the mess of the strainer and felt as if I was wasting a lot of tea. So I scooped about a tablespoon into a coffee filter, used a twist-tie to close it (which doubled as a dunking string), and made my own tea bag. Even though it took a few extra minutes to steep, I got my tea fix. -- Amy W., Michigan

LEATHER SCUFFS. To repair scratches on leather furniture, I have had terrific results with shoe scuff cover in an appropriate color. Sponge it on, and wipe the excess off immediately. -- Julie, North Carolina

PAN LINER HELP. I use a few wooden spring-loaded clothespins when I am trying to line a pan with wax paper, parchment paper or even aluminum foil. I anchor the paper across one side with two or three pins, and then my hands are free to help mold the paper across the bottom and up the other side. I do this when I make fudge so I can pour the fudge in without the paper moving. After you fill the pan, just remove the pins, and it all stays in place. -- Terry, e-mail

CRAYON MARKS. The easiest and cheapest way to clean crayon marks from walls is to use baking soda on a wet rag as you would use a powdered cleanser. This also works to clean countertops and the backsplashes behind your stove. -- Sue I., e-mail

SAVING WATER. In my house, it takes about 30 seconds for the hot water tap to change from cold to hot. Instead of wasting the cold running water, I fill up watering cans, the kettle, the coffee maker, spray bottles, ice-cube trays, pitchers -- whatever is handy. -- Carol, e-mail

PASTA JARS. I save the large plastic jars that mayonnaise comes in and use them as storage for pasta and rice. I just empty the contents of the plastic bags or boxes of pasta and rice into the jars. The jars keep the food fresh without any moisture problems. They are a great size; they're so easy to store; and they're free! -- Emily A., 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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