If you’re anything like us, you know the pain of watching your hard-earned dollars disappear with every squeeze of a nearly empty lotion bottle. With the cost of everyday essentials climbing higher than a cockatoo on a powerline, it’s only natural to want to get every last bit out of your moisturiser, shampoo, or conditioner. After all, who wants to throw away good product (and good money) just because the pump’s given up the ghost?

Traditionally, we’ve all tried the classics: cutting the bottle in half (messy and a bit risky for the fingers), or the old 'bottle whip' – flicking it up and down like you’re trying to start a lawnmower. Sure, you might get a few more uses, but you’ll also get a sore elbow and maybe a splatter on the bathroom mirror for your trouble.

But what if we told you there’s a clever, easy, and surprisingly fun way to get every last drop out – and it involves a tool you might already have at home?

The Unexpected Hero: Your Massage Gun

That’s right! The humble massage gun – usually reserved for soothing sore muscles after a long walk or a day in the garden – is the star of this ingenious hack. A savvy Reddit user recently shared this tip, and it’s quickly become a favourite among thrifty Aussies.

An online content creator shared her way of finishing off lotion bottles. Image Credit: Reddit/finthun

Here’s how it works:
1. Take your nearly empty lotion bottle and open it up.
2. Hold it upside down over a clean, empty container (an old moisturiser tub or a small jar works perfectly).
3. Grab your massage gun and gently press it against the outside of the lotion bottle.
4. Turn it on and let the vibrations work their magic.

Within seconds, the stubborn, thick lotion that was clinging to the sides will loosen up and flow out easily into your waiting container. No more waiting for gravity to do its slow work, and no more wasted product!

Why Does This Work? The Science Bit (Don’t Worry, It’s Interesting!)

Moisturisers and many other household products are what scientists call 'non-Newtonian fluids.' That’s a fancy way of saying their thickness (or viscosity) changes depending on how much force or stress you put on them. When you shake or vibrate the bottle, the lotion becomes runnier and flows more easily. The massage gun’s vibrations are just the ticket to get things moving – much more effective than just waiting or shaking.

Other Handy Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Products

If you don’t have a massage gun, don’t worry! Here are a few more tried-and-true tricks to help you stretch your products further:

• Store bottles upside down: Use a rubber band or a cup to keep them standing on their lids, so gravity does the work for you.
• Use a spatula: Cosmetic spatulas (or even a clean butter knife) can help you scrape out the last bits from jars and bottles.
• Add a little water: For shampoos and conditioners, a splash of water can help loosen the remaining product so you can use every drop.
• Cut and scoop: If you’re careful, cutting open tubes and bottles can reveal a surprising amount of leftover product inside.

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Why Every Drop Counts

With the cost of living on the rise, every little saving helps. Not only does this hack save you money, but it’s also better for the environment – less waste means fewer bottles in landfill and less need to buy new products as often.

Have you tried this massage gun trick, or do you have your own clever ways to get the most out of your household staples? Maybe you’ve got a secret for getting the last bit of toothpaste, or a nifty way to reuse old containers? We’d love to hear from you!

Share your tips, tricks, and stories in the comments below – let’s help each other save a few dollars and a lot of frustration. And if you give this hack a go, let us know how it worked for you!

Key Takeaways

• Aussies are looking for ways to make their expensive lotions last longer, with a new hack using a massage gun making the rounds online.
• Instead of the usual messy or strenuous methods, using a massage gun on the outside of an upside-down lotion bottle helps get the last bit out quickly and easily.
• The hack works because the vibration from the massage gun changes the texture of thick moisturisers, making them flow more freely.
• This clever trick can save you a few more days’ worth of moisturiser and avoids wasting any leftover product in the bottle.

Happy saving, SDC members–and remember, every drop counts!

 

[Leenie]

Oh for gods sake turn the bloody thing upside down ,you will be surprised how much is left , that’s what I do.