Craving less is easy: less to buy, less to clean, less to store, less to choose from, and less to throw away. We get a thrill from consolidating two items into one and from earning extra space in a drawer or closet, so simplifying household products is our idea of a good time. Why buy ten bottles to do ten things when one product can do them all? Three years ago I wrote a post about keeping life simple in small ways, and after many requests for an update, here’s an extended list of what’s still working for us. With a third person in the household now, our approach to Project Simplify has stayed steady: we own fewer cleaning, grooming, and hygiene products than before. The “magic products” that work for our family might differ from what works for you, but this can give you ideas for simplifying your own routine.
Back in 2009, John and I realized we didn’t need separate bottles of shampoo and conditioner. We both use Avalon Organics, and we share a single bottle of body wash (we currently use Say Yes To Cucumbers). Instead of six or seven containers in the shower, we keep three: one shampoo, one conditioner, and one body wash. When something runs low we replace it. That simple rule keeps our shower shelf uncluttered and shopping trips fewer and less stressful.
Our eco-conscious changes made other reductions automatic. We use Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent across all laundry—no fabric softener—and that single choice simplifies shopping and storage. We tried experimenting with other detergents and diaper soaps in the past, but having one reliable product for everything made life easier. We stopped buying fabric softener after trying a few loads without it and noticing no difference.
For dishwashing we keep one dependable detergent on hand. We’ve talked about trying homemade laundry and dish soaps, and may share recipes if we do. In the meantime, a single, effective product is our go-to for dishes.
For surface cleaning—floors, counters, tubs, tile—we rely on two main cleaners most of the time, supplemented occasionally with a homemade recipe. No separate window cleaner, tile cleaner, and floor cleaner. We dilute Mrs. Meyers all-purpose cleaner for most surfaces and use a damp microfiber cloth for scrubbing. For glass, a simple solution of five parts water to one part white vinegar does the job. This approach keeps cleaning supplies minimal and effective.
Dr. Bronner’s castile soap is another multi-use staple. We dilute it (the bottle suggests diluting it) and use it for hand washing throughout the house and even for washing my face and removing makeup. One part soap to one part water makes it mild enough for daily use and gentle on sensitive skin. We also use it to bathe our dog, so it truly pulls double duty.
My makeup routine is intentionally compact. I keep all my makeup in one small bag—my only makeup bag—which makes getting ready fast and portable. It lives in the car much of the time so I can apply quickly on the go. The bag holds a few tried-and-true items I’ve used for years:
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear bronzer/blush
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear two-toned eye makeup
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear concealer stick
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear mascara
- An eyelash curler
- A blush brush
- One spare contact, because I’m prone to losing them
This simplified kit makes application quick and keeps me from accumulating impulse purchases. Using a small selection of gentle, organic products has helped my skin and reduced the urge to try trend-driven items that end up unused.
John and I share some grooming basics: similar razors so blade refills are simple, Tom’s of Maine deodorant and toothpaste, and Burt’s Bees shaving products for him. I shave using a bit of conditioner in the shower when needed. We keep sunscreen and lotion on hand, but only one container of each at a time: Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Organic Lotion and a reliable SPF 30 sunscreen. A single lotion and a single sunscreen, stored conveniently in travel and car kits, means we’re always ready without hoarding products.
When our daughter Clara arrived, we resisted the urge to register for dozens of baby products. Instead, we started with three essentials and added only if needed:
- California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash
- Badger Baby Sunscreen
- California Baby Calendula Cream (for face, body, diaper rash, cradle cap, eczema, and dry skin)
Those three items have served us well for nearly two years. One multipurpose diaper cream, one gentle wash, and one sunscreen keeps her routines simple and storage minimal. When a product runs out, we replace it—no overstocking.
Adopting a minimalist approach to personal care and cleaning has brought tangible benefits: less clutter, more space, fewer impulse buys, and extra time and money. It doesn’t feel like deprivation; it feels like gaining freedom. I’m always curious what other families do to simplify: sharing products, making things at home, or buying specific items in bulk. Hearing practical ideas helps inspire new ways to streamline daily life.