Since sharing earlier round-ups in 2009 and 2012, we’ve had a lot of requests to update the list of household cleaners and personal care items we actually use. People often ask about my skin routine, too. We keep our soaps, cleaners, and cosmetics intentionally simple—less product means less spending, less time fussing, and more space. Below is a straightforward overview of what’s in our cabinets now, why we like it, and a few tips for keeping your routine minimal and effective.
Household Cleaners
These are the cleaners we use around the house. A lemon dish soap lives by the sink for dishes, and a grapefruit hand soap stays in both bathrooms. For most other surfaces we rely on a concentrated multi-surface cleaner that we dilute (about 50%) and use with a damp microfiber cloth. One bottle covers counters, tabletops, baseboards, and other surfaces, so we don’t need separate products for each task. The concentrated formula lasts longer and saves space.
White vinegar diluted with water is our go-to for windows and mirrors and works well for stainless steel when buffed along the grain. A typical mix is three parts water to one part vinegar. It’s inexpensive and reduces the clutter under the sink.
We also keep Magic Erasers on hand for scuffs and grubby spots, and Scrub Daddy sponges for stuck-on food in pots and pans. Cutting some erasers in half makes them last longer, and the Scrub Daddy shape is surprisingly useful for heavy-duty scrubbing.
Laundry Stuff
For laundry we keep things simple: a free-and-clear concentrated detergent for most loads. We don’t use fabric softener or spray starch anymore. For tough stains, we reach for oxygen-based stain removers—powder for soaking and spray for pretreating. A stain-removal pen lives in the kitchen and the car for quick spot treatment when you’re on the go.
Freshening The Air
Because some household members are sensitive to heavy fragrances, we avoid aerosol and plug-in air fresheners. We prefer soy candles scented with essential oils for a gentle, pleasant aroma. Lighting a scent that matches our cleaner—like lemon verbena—gives the kitchen a freshly cleaned smell without extra scrubbing.
Plants help purify the air and add a touch of green to every room. For occasional stale odors, a spray air freshener with natural ingredients works well. We also use small charcoal bags in rooms and shoe bins to absorb moisture and odors naturally; placing them in the sun monthly “recharges” them.
Shower Stuff
Our shower collection is minimal. We each use a shampoo and conditioner we both tolerate, which keeps bottles down to a minimum. A curl cream tames frizz and enhances natural texture when applied to wet hair. For body wash we use a large pump bottle that lasts for months, and we often use conditioner as a shaving lubricant—one less product in the shower.
A gentle facial scrub with small exfoliating beads is part of our routine once or twice a week to remove dead skin. Coconut oil is a multitasker for us: a deep hair mask when used sparingly and a nightly moisturizer for face and body.
So We Don’t Smell
We’re not big on perfume, but natural deodorants that actually work are essential. Body chemistry varies, so what works for one person may not work for another—try a few to find your match. For oral care we use electric toothbrushes for a noticeably cleaner feel and a natural toothpaste that helps brighten without harsh chemicals. We skip mouthwash but floss regularly.
The Kids’ Stuff
Kids’ products can multiply quickly, so we keep theirs simple: children’s toothpaste and a foaming hand soap they enjoy. In the tub we use a two-in-one shampoo and body wash with a pump to make bath time easier. We also mist a light peppermint spray through their hair before brushing during the school year; some parents swear it helps deter lice as a preventive measure.
My Makeup
All my makeup fits in a small pouch. I keep a bronzer, a powder blush, a highlighter stick, a small eyeshadow palette, eyeliner, mascara, and a tinted eyebrow product that does the heavy lifting. On most days it’s just a little brow product, lip balm, and maybe mascara—quick and polished without a lot of fuss. I always carry good tweezers and nail clippers for quick grooming.
For lip care, Burt’s Bees is my go-to; it’s simple, reliable, and I use it daily. The right tools and a few multipurpose products help me stay minimal while still feeling put together.
Nail Polish
Nail polish is my one indulgence. It all fits in a small basket and I do my own nails at home. I prefer eco-friendlier brands that apply smoothly and last—good polish and topcoat make a huge difference and save money over salon visits.
The colors pictured are a mix of neutrals and brights from brands we like; having a small, curated selection covers both everyday and special occasions without clutter.
Simple Face Routine and Anti-Aging Approach
I keep my face routine intentionally minimalist. I don’t use multiple serums, toners, or eye creams every day. My core routine relies on a few natural products that work together: organic apple cider vinegar diluted as a morning toner, high-quality coconut oil as a nightly moisturizer and makeup remover, and a calming witch hazel facial mist for extra hydration and clarity. These three items cover cleansing, moisturizing, and toning in a low-cost, low-fuss way.
At night I use a small amount of coconut oil to remove makeup if needed, wiping it away with a warm, damp cloth, then apply a light dab of coconut oil as a moisturizer. In the morning I swipe a cotton ball lightly soaked in diluted apple cider vinegar across my face, then mist with witch hazel when my skin is dry. The vinegar should be diluted to avoid strong odor or irritation. This combination has helped with hydration, reducing breakouts, and improving skin clarity for me.
I occasionally use a jade roller for circulation and a microneedling tool weekly; those are optional, more targeted treatments rather than daily essentials. If you try active tools, sanitize them well and consider a soothing serum or moisturizer afterward. A simple clay mask weekly also helps with oil control and clarity.
This pared-down approach keeps my routine affordable and effective. If you want to see demonstrations of these steps, there are short social posts where I show my quick makeup routine and some skin-care tools in action.
More House Cleaning Advice
If you want more tips for keeping a tidy home, we’ve written guides on cleaning stainless steel sinks, making a two-ingredient window cleaner, choosing a robot vacuum, eliminating fruit flies, pressure-washing basics, and selecting an air purifier.
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