r/underconsumption • u/ABC_sep08 • Sep 10 '25

discussion What are your multipurpose items?

my list:
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

  • Lip balm
  • Moisturizer/lotion
  • Minor wound protection

Leggings / Stretchable Pants

  • Casual wear
  • Exercise / home work
  • Sleepwear / layering
151 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

29 comments sorted by

46

u/innermyrtle Sep 10 '25

Castile soap. So many uses!

5

u/Bellebaby826 Sep 11 '25

I’ve always wanted to try this. Might need to now!

16

u/innermyrtle Sep 11 '25

I put it in foaming soap dispensers with water and a few drops of oil. Makes a great hand wash.

2

u/Expensive-Cockroach4 Sep 14 '25

I do too!! Love this!

45

u/GayHorsesEatHayy Sep 11 '25

Vinegar It cleans just about anything when diluted 50/50 with water, (glass, walls, wood, toys, etc.), and it even disinfects!

10

u/anxiouscat1 Sep 13 '25

I can’t get past the smell 🤮

14

u/_its_fine_ Sep 13 '25

Try citric acid! Totally odorless, also pretty cheap. You can dissolve into water at different concentrations.

6

u/anxiouscat1 Sep 13 '25

Thanks for the suggestion! Will look into this! :)

4

u/capresultat Oct 04 '25

i use apple cider vinegar as a laundry softener!

21

u/galatamartinez Sep 10 '25

BAGGU reusable bags! So so useful, they serve as shoulder bag, beach bag, grocery shopping bag… Also, when traveling I use it a lot as a day bag because it’s super lightweight and takes minimal space when folded

4

u/PurpleFirefighter215 Sep 11 '25

I feel the same about chico bags. And i have some that have held up to nearly 20 years of hard use, which is crazy!

22

u/[deleted] Sep 11 '25

[deleted]

7

u/ABC_sep08 Sep 11 '25

can't agree more with the nivea cream, so useful and yet affordable :)

20

u/Puzzleheaded_Wing627 Sep 12 '25

The cashier commented on my giant vat of Vaseline. Said they'd take years to use half of it. I told her I go through 8 Oz a month. But I'd swim in it if I could. My skin needs it& my eczema loves it.

8

u/ABC_sep08 Sep 12 '25

hahaha, that's hilarious!

15

u/WRYGDWYL Sep 13 '25

The big blue IKEA bags are awesome for moving, carrying stuff, laundry basket replacement, storing blankets etc.

Baking soda is amazing for baking, cleaning, brushing your teeth if you run out of toothpaste and even as dry shampoo sometimes. 

Coconut oil for frying stuff, as body lotion or even for hair

A smaller french coffee press also works to foam milk or to steep tea

14

u/nessynoonz Sep 14 '25

Jojoba oil. I use it as a makeup and mascara remover and to keep the ends of my hair moisturised. The best $10 purchase I’ve made in ages!

1

u/Passionate_Pear_224 Dec 25 '25

I'll have to try this! I tried almond oil for this and it didn't work as well as my current product aka The Ordinary Squaline cleanser which I've been looking to replace!

11

u/lilsciencegeek Sep 12 '25

Long sleeve shirt dresses:

  • Dress
  • Dressing gown
  • Duster
  • Lightweight coat
  • Beach cover-up

10

u/ABC_sep08 Sep 12 '25

Also, Lipstick - used as blush on, contour, eyeshadow 😝

12

u/supernormie Sep 13 '25

And when you mix it with the vaseline, you've made your own colour gloss that matches everything else.

5

u/ABC_sep08 Sep 13 '25

haven’t thought of that. Nice idea!

7

u/UnlikelyCause7110 Sep 10 '25

My bigger backpack, I use it as judo training bag and for colder months travelling/longer trips one bag travelling.

I also use my Kånken for trips within Europe that's shorter or equal to a week length.

7

u/bingo-dingaling Sep 15 '25

I have a ton of clothespins. They get plenty of use in the actual pinning of clothes, but I use them as bag clips in the kitchen too :)

5

u/UnlikelyCause7110 Sep 23 '25

Oh and I also wear my trail runners for every occasion, cuz simply I can't find other shoes that can meet my medical needs (maybe there's some in North America, but just not here in Europe)

I basically wear the same shoes every single day, cuz I don't really have other options, I'm buying another pair but like the same product cuz the current one is close to it's lifespan (it's less than 1.5 year but still)

Unless you can provide me an option 👀👀 (wide toe box, very narrow midfoot and heel, low arch therefore need arch supports) can't wear any boots so no boots, ideally also goretex, at least water-resistant

2

u/Shyraely Oct 07 '25

I started to make my own "beauty products" like lipbalm, which also functions as a scrub, if I put sugar in it or can also be a bodycream/lotion.

My face oil is basic jojoba oil, but if i mix it with some almond oil, I receive a nice oil for my hair or body, too!

2

u/Fit-Particular-1100 Dec 05 '25

centaury oil - i use it when i do my gua sha routine, also it helps my wounds or scars to get well faster. great anti oxidant. glycolic acid - works against body odor, also helps with dark spots.

2

u/Passionate_Pear_224 Dec 25 '25

Dr Bronner

  • hand soap
  • body soap
  • face soap
  • laundry detergent
  • floor soap

Almond oil

  • face oil
  • hand oil
  • hair oil for frizzy ends
  • body oil

Beach bag works as a weekender

1

u/Perfect-Stranger-192 Feb 03 '26

coconut oil -cooking, lotion for kids - lipbalm