Since sharing a couple of product round-ups in the past, we’ve had lots of requests for an updated list of the household cleaners and personal care items we use to keep our home and bodies clean today. People also ask about my skin routine frequently. We try to keep our soaps, cleaners, and cosmetics simple and streamlined—fewer products means saving money, time, and space. If you’re looking to simplify what you use around the house or want an easy skin routine, here’s a concise, practical update on what works for us.
Household Cleaners
These are the cleaners we use for the whole house. We keep a bottle of J. R. Watkins lemon dish soap by the sink for dishes and a J. R. Watkins grapefruit hand soap in the bathrooms. For most surfaces we use Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Concentrate; the concentrate lasts longer and you dilute it at about 50% for everyday cleaning. A damp microfiber cloth handles counters, tabletops, windowsills, and floors—simple and effective.
A spray bottle of white vinegar diluted at roughly three parts water to one part vinegar is great as an all-purpose cleaner for windows, mirrors, and stainless-steel appliances (buff with the grain). A large jug of vinegar is inexpensive and keeps the under-sink cabinet from becoming a jumble of single-purpose cleaners.
We also keep Magic Erasers on hand for scuffs and grubby spots, and Scrub Daddy sponges for baked-on food and heavy scrubbing. You can cut Magic Erasers in half to make them last longer.
Laundry Stuff
Our go-to laundry detergent is a concentrated, Free & Clear formula that works for every load and doesn’t take up much shelf space. We’ve skipped fabric softener and spray starch for years. For stubborn stains we use OxiClean powder for soaking or an OxiClean spray as a pretreatment. We also keep a stain-remover pen in the kitchen drawer and another in the car for quick touch-ups on the go.
Freshening The Air
Some household members are sensitive to heavy fragrances, so we avoid plug-in fresheners and Febreze. We prefer soy candles with gentle essential-oil scents that aren’t irritating and even work outdoors to help keep bugs away. Lighting a lemon-verbena-scented candle in the kitchen gives the impression of a freshly cleaned space without extra chemicals.
Plants are also part of our strategy—they improve air quality and add life to rooms. For occasional stale or musty odors, a greener spray air freshener with natural mint scent does the trick. We also like charcoal odor bags: they absorb moisture and odor, and you renew them by placing them in the sun once a month.
Shower Stuff
Our shower routine is pared down: a shampoo and conditioner we both tolerate help reduce clutter, plus a curl cream applied to wet hair that tames frizz and defines texture. We use a large body wash that lasts a long time, and conditioner doubles as a shaving gel. For facial exfoliation in the shower I use a gentle scrub once or twice a week, and coconut oil from a trusted, pure brand doubles as a deep hair mask when needed—just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.
So We Don’t Smell
We aren’t big on perfume, but natural deodorants that actually work are essential. Body chemistry varies, so try a few options to see what suits you. For oral care we use electric toothbrushes for a noticeably cleaner feel and a natural whitening toothpaste that cleans effectively. Flossing is part of the routine; we skip mouthwash.
The Kids’ Stuff
Kids’ products can multiply quickly, so we keep their bathroom simple. Their counter has a kid-friendly toothpaste and a foaming hand soap they enjoy using. In the tub we use a two-in-one shampoo/body wash and a matching conditioner in pump bottles. We also keep a light peppermint hair mist in the routine during lice season as a preventive measure; it’s one small, proactive step to help deter lice transfer.
My Makeup
All of my makeup fits into one small bag: a bronzer applied with a large brush, a concealer when needed, a flattering powder under the cheekbones, a highlighter stick above the cheekbones and under the brows, a neutral brown eyeshadow on lids and brows, black eyeliner, and a reliable mascara that I love. I finish with a tinted brow product that adds definition while still looking natural. Lip balm is always Burt’s Bees. A small set of tweezers and nail clippers round out the pouch for quick grooming.
Nail Polish
I keep a modest nail polish collection in a small basket and paint my nails at home. My favorites are eco-friendly brands with a good brush for easier application; they last well and give a salon-like finish at home.
The colors I use most often include a few Butter London and Zoya shades in neutrals, pinks, and reds, plus a durable topcoat.
Face Care Approach
My face routine is intentionally simple. I don’t use many traditional products like fancy cleansers, toners, or multiple serums. Instead I rely on three staple items: raw organic apple cider vinegar, pure organic coconut oil, and a soothing witch hazel facial mist. This pared-down approach is what works for my skin type.
At night I use a light dab of pure coconut oil as a moisturizer and makeup remover. It soaks in, hydrates, and can be gently wiped off with a warm, damp cloth if you’ve worn makeup. In the morning I dilute apple cider vinegar with water (about half and half) and gently wipe my face with a cotton pad as a light toner and clarifier—use just a small amount so it dries without a strong scent. After it dries I mist on a cucumber witch hazel toner to soothe and hydrate. This routine helps with clarity, reduces blackheads, and keeps skin balanced for me.
I also use a jade roller sometimes to help products absorb and to reduce morning puffiness. Once a week I microneedle with a clean device and follow it with coconut oil; microneedling can help improve texture and firmness when done carefully and hygienically. I also do a clay mask about once a week to help with oil control and pore clarity.
More House Cleaning Advice
If you want more practical cleaning tips, look for guides on cleaning stainless steel sinks, making a simple two-ingredient window cleaner, choosing robot vacuums, getting rid of fruit flies, pressure-washing basics, and selecting an effective home air purifier. These topics cover easy, cost-effective ways to keep a home fresh and functional.
*This post previously included product links; many of the items mentioned are widely available and chosen for simplicity, effectiveness, and affordability.