Things you do without

[TheBeesKnee]

Fabric softener. I stopped using it because DP had itchy skin and we were trying to eliminate possible causes. Have not used it for 6+ months and it's brilliant. I don't need to clean the washing machine drawer as often either!

Rice cooker. Used to rely on it heavily but when it packed in I just started cooking rice on the stove and let it steam at the end with a tea towel. Space is limited in my kitchen so I won't be replacing it, but I don't miss it as much as I thought I would.

Would love to hear what others "do without"

Dishwasher. Have never had one and don’t see the need. People say they’re more environmentally friendly than washing up but with the manufacturing process involved I can’t see how that’s true. I use very little water for washing up and I actually quite enjoy it.

Same for a tumble dryer. Have never had one and manage to keep on top of washing for a family by using a heated airer and line drying in summer.

Fabric conditioner. Again, I don’t see the need and I think clothes last longer without using it.

Kitchen gadgets - no drink machine or food processor.

A second loo. We just have one in the house, and we manage.

Slow cooker (never understood why everyone loves them so much), microwave, fabric softener, loo brushes.

My favourite though was ditching duvets and using sheets and blankets instead total game changer for me!

I was told many years age by a Bounty rep that we don’t need fabric softener, as washing powder has softeners it in anyway. I’ve never used softener since.

I’ve not ironed for years, just used to do the kids school uniforms.
In fact I was looking at my ironing board the other day , wondering why on earth I keep it.

Tumble drier. Dry outside all year round.

We didn't have a microwave for decades as had no room. We have one now in the new house, but it's mostly used for popcorn and baked beans

Never use fabric softener, never iron (we do own one though as DH occasionally needs to wear his dress uniform).

Mobile phones bemuse me. I dont understand the obsession with upgrading every 2 years and having the latest model. We buy our handsets outright (just cheap Samsungs) and dont replace them till they die. But then we dont play games or anything on them to need updated operating systems or anything.

@GoodnightGrandma

I’ve not ironed for years, just used to do the kids school uniforms. In fact I was looking at my ironing board the other day , wondering why on earth I keep it.

I haven’t either - I don’t even iron the school uniforms though they look fine without. We still have an iron though, just in case.

@Contactmap

Is there a reason why toaster ovens are not a thing in the UK? I use mine for everyone from making toast to baking bread. As a 2 person household we have never used the big stove oven in 25 years.

I have wondered the same thing (except in Canada). Our "toaster oven" is actually an air fryer. It gets used for that, as well as baking and broiling. I like to melt cheese on toast with tomatoes for breakfast.

It save energy for things like pizzas or chicken as we don't have to turn on the big oven.

We don't use it for toasting. Have a toaster for that.

We don't have toaster ovens, but most UK kitchens nowadays have a double oven with the upper one doubling as a grill. Is that similar?

I wouldn't cook a pizza in it because it doesn't get hot enough (dial only goes up to 8 and it doesn't have a fan).

@LoveFall

I have given up liquid fabric softener because my neighbours complain about anything scented.

Also we had a no scent policy at work that was strictly policed.

I use unscented drier sheets now.

As for a dishwasher, ours broke down. Hand washing took much much longer. Dishwashers also save water and the energy used to eat water for washing dishes as they use very little by comparison.

Your neighbours complain about anything scented? They must live very close to you!

Like a PP no gadgets really - no coffee machine, hot water tap, blender, tumble dryer etc

Yes to a dishwasher tho

Very few bits of makeup - basically one mascara, one eye shadow, one foundation etc on the go at any one time

@FreeFrenchHens

Wow *@KissedintheDark* your cooker, that's hardcore.

This thread is not helping me choose between buying a rice cooker and an instant pot . My argument against the instant pot is it looks a pain to clean compared with a saucepan!

For coffee I just have a Hario drip filter thing. I cook a lot but I find my food processor does most things, so I don't own a stand mixer, hand held mixer or stick blender.

I don't own a spray mop. I use a spray bottle and a microfibre mop.

You just lift the inner pot out, and wash it. The lid can be washed by hand or on the top rack of the dishwasher.

I really want to know about plates on the grass!
I can't understand using a hairdryer either? Either you have room to stack them on racks or you need the space so wipe with a tea towel?!

@PintOfBovril

Dishwasher. Never had one and don't really understand the appeal. We just wash up. There's only 3 of us so it probably takes less time than stacking and emptying etc.

Our dishwasher broke recently and I thought I'd see how I got on without it.

I lasted about a month but I could never get the glasses as sparkling when washing them by hand.

I also got fed up with bits of washing up sat on the side. With a dishwasher you just put them in and hide them away!

Microwave - not had one for 12 years now, saves a lot of surface space

Dishwasher microwave tumble dryer food processor. Definitely no rice cooker or coffee maker! No TV. Only have a toaster because someone bought it for me and it spends most of its time in the cupboard.

I think a toaster oven is like a combi microwave here. I had one, it's handy, not the same as an oven though.
www.samsung.com/uk/microwave-ovens/convection/microwave-oven-convection-mc28a5125ak-eu/