Since I first shared a round-up of our favorite household and personal care products back in 2009 and updated it in 2012, lots of readers have asked for a fresh list of what we use to keep our home—and ourselves—clean. I also get tons of questions about my skin routine. We try to keep soaps, cleaners, and toiletries simple and streamlined (my makeup fits into a bag the size of a pencil case). Less stuff saves money, time, and space. If you’re looking to simplify your own supplies, here are the everyday items that work for us, plus the face routine I use. Let’s dive in.
Household Cleaners
We keep cleaning supplies minimal. A lemon dish soap sits by the sink for pots and pans, and a grapefruit hand soap lives in the bathrooms. For almost everything else we use a concentrated multi-surface cleaner that we dilute—one bottle covers counters, tabletops, floors, and more so you don’t need separate products for each surface. A damp microfiber cloth does most of the scrubbing.
A simple vinegar-and-water mix works beautifully for windows, mirrors, and stainless steel (buff with the grain). I mix about three parts water to one part white vinegar in a spray bottle. It’s inexpensive, effective, and keeps the under-sink cabinet uncluttered. For tougher scuffs and marks, Magic Erasers are handy (cut them in half to make them last), and Scrub Daddy sponges are our go-to for baked-on grease and stubborn pots.
Laundry Essentials
For laundry we use a free-and-clear concentrated detergent for all loads—compact, effective, and low on shelf space. We don’t use fabric softener or spray starch anymore. For stubborn stains we soak with an oxygen-based powder or apply an oxygen spray pretreatment. A stain-removal pen is great to keep in the kitchen junk drawer, the car, or your purse for quick touch-ups.
Freshening the Air
Because some household members are sensitive to strong fragrances, we avoid heavy plug-in air fresheners. Soy candles with essential oils provide gentle, non-irritating scent, and plants help purify the air while adding life to rooms. For stale spots, a natural spray freshener with a mint scent works well. We also use small charcoal bags in each room and inside shoe bins; they absorb moisture and odors and are recharged by placing them in the sun once a month.
Shower Basics
Our shower products are pared down. We each use a shampoo and conditioner we both tolerate to reduce clutter, plus a curl cream I apply to wet hair to tame frizz and enhance natural texture. For body wash we buy a large bottle that lasts for months, and we’ve used conditioner as shave gel on occasion. A gentle facial scrub with tiny exfoliating beads helps remove dead skin once or twice a week. Coconut oil doubles as a deep hair mask and a skin treatment when applied sparingly and rinsed thoroughly afterward.
Personal Freshness
We’re not perfume people, but we like effective, natural deodorant that works. Body chemistry varies widely, so finding the right one can take a few tries. For oral care we use electric toothbrushes and a natural whitening toothpaste; flossing is non-negotiable for us, while mouthwash is optional.
Kids’ Essentials
Kids’ products can multiply quickly, so we keep things basic: children’s toothpaste and a foaming hand soap (the foam is fun for them). In the tub we use a two-in-one shampoo and body wash with a matching conditioner. We also mist a light peppermint spray on their hair before brushing as a preventive measure against lice; it’s part of our routine and has helped so far.
My Makeup
My entire makeup collection is compact. I use a bronzer applied with a large brush, a concealer occasionally under my eyes, a versatile blush/cheek powder, a favorite highlighter stick, a neutral brown eyeshadow for lids and brows, eyelash curler, black eyeliner, and a mascara I love. Brow gel is a game-changer for an effortless polished look. For lips, I stick with a trusty natural lip balm. Tweezers and nail clippers live in the pouch for quick grooming.
Nail Polish
Nail polish is my one indulgence. Everything fits in a small basket and I paint my own nails and toes. I prefer eco-friendlier formulas with good coverage and durable finish. A quality topcoat makes polish last much longer between touch-ups.
Colors we use include a mix of classic reds, neutrals, and seasonal shades that apply smoothly and last well.
Face Routine: Simple and Natural
I don’t use an elaborate lineup of toner, eye cream, or commercial face washes. My routine centers on a few natural products that cover cleansing, moisturizing, and clarifying.
At night I remove makeup and moisturize with a small amount of pure coconut oil. It works as a makeup remover like a cold cream—massage on, wipe with a warm damp cloth, then apply a light dab as a moisturizer. Coconut oil hydrates skin, can help reduce dryness, and has antibacterial properties that have helped my skin feel calmer and clearer.
In the morning I cleanse with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution—about half water, half ACV—applied with a cotton ball. Use a light swipe; it should not smell when dry. After it dries, I mist a witch hazel-based facial toner to refresh and soothe the skin. This combination helps reduce breakouts, clear blackheads, and keeps skin tone balanced for me.
If my skin feels dry, I add a very light layer of coconut oil over the toner. I also use a jade roller to help product absorption and reduce puffiness in the morning. Once a week I microneedle and follow up a few days later with a clay face mask; both have become part of my more experimental anti-aging toolkit. Always keep microneedling tools clean and follow instructions carefully.
More House Cleaning Advice
If you want more tips on cleaning specific surfaces, try focused guides on cleaning stainless steel sinks, making a two-ingredient window cleaner, evaluating robot vacuums, getting rid of fruit flies, pressure-washing basics, and choosing an air purifier. Streamlining supplies and focusing on multi-use, affordable products will simplify maintenance and save you time.
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