From switching utility providers to clearing out your attic, our members offer more cunning money saving tips for frugal families.

1. Give it away. Use Freecycle to get rid of large items you'd normally pay the council to take away and you might pick up a freebie or three.

2. Cash in the attic. Sell all the stuff in your attic! If you haven't used it in the past year, you're unlikely to really need it.

3. Clean machine. Instead of buying expensive dishwasher cleaners, fill a small heavy bowl with sterilising fluid and place it in the bottom of the machine (be sure it is small enough to be out of the way of the rotors). Run it on the hot cycle for the same effect, but a fraction of cost. Same goes for your washing machine.

4. Compare and contrast. Use comparison sites to see if you could save money on your utility bills. Often paying by direct debit can save you money as well.

5. Pet project. Save money on buying bedding for pets by bringing home shredded paper from the office.

6. See-through. Use vinegar and water instead of expensive glass-cleaning sprays. Reuse an old bottle and save even more money.

7. Air dried. Don't use tumble driers to dry your family's clothes – it costs a fortune in electricity and isn't good for your clothes either.

8. Brush up. Stretch wire across the top of your paint can when you're painting and use that to scrape off the paint into the tin – less wastage and it's a lot less messy!

9. Magic carpets. If you're having a carpet fitted, get the fitters to make up rugs out of any offcuts and whip the edges and put them in the areas of maximum use.

10. Best bedding. Recycle duvet covers and old duvets. Fold the duvets into rectangles or squares (depending on size and tog value) and stitch together with string and a mattress needle (a mattress needle is about 10" long with a large eye, very strong!). Insert the folded duvet into the cover, tuck the excess cover in and then stitch with ordinary cotton and needle to seal the whole thing. They make absolutely super floor cushions or sleepover mattresses.

11. Budget baby. Don't buy special sheets for your Moses basket – use pillowcases instead.

• More money saving tips: clothing
• More money saving tips: shopping
• More money saving tips: food
• More money saving tips: general
• Budgeting for baby