Can taking fewer showers and re-wearing your clothes really be the secret to slashing your bills? Nikola Howard, 52, from Bexleyheath in the UK, certainly thinks so – and her money-saving ritual has sparked just about every reaction you can imagine, from applause to wrinkled noses. Grab your loofah (or don’t, as Nikola might advise), and let’s dive into her unconventional, but undeniably effective, approach to living on less.
A Quirky Path to Pennies Saved
- Showering once per week
- Wearing clothes at least five times before washing
- Spending just $45 on water for six months
Yes, you read that right. Nikola has slashed her spending to the bone with a plan that’s more Spartan than spa day. Unlike most money-saving tactics you’ll find on lifestyle blogs, her approach requires no spreadsheets, no complicated hacks – just sheer determination and a willingness to embrace minimalism.
Howard’s journey began not with a calculator, but with a health crisis. She explained that her decision to shower less came from dealing with dermatitis. “My skin is so sensitive that it became extremely scaly, and I even had body dandruff,” she recounted. While easing her skin woes, she discovered another upside: her shampoo and soap began to last up to three months. “I live alone, so I wasn’t using much water. My family-sized washer gets used only twice a month,” she added. The result? Water bills so slim they might slip under your door unnoticed – just $45 for half a year.
Wardrobe Wisdom: Function Over Fashion
Nikola is no shopaholic. In fact, she buys new clothes only when strictly necessary, which, for her, means every 18 months or so. Forget fast fashion – she seeks durability first. “I only buy clothes that will last. I have outfits I bought two to nine years ago,” she points out. Her mantra: “I buy what I need, but I also don’t feel bad spending on clothes when I truly need them.”
This philosophy spills over into her grocery shopping too. She scans for yellow labels, searching out bargains in the supermarket, and prefers buying food in bulk for homemade meals. Her focus stays on healthy eating and avoiding junk food – no processed temptations in her kitchen.
Reactions: From Eco-Warriors to Skeptics
Nikola’s ritual has not gone unnoticed – or unchallenged. There are those who applaud her thrifty, eco-friendly savvy, claiming they’ve lived that way for years. One fan wrote, “I’ve always lived like this because it’s better for the skin and more ecological. Do we really need a full wardrobe? Only buying what you need makes you appreciate things more. Happiness isn’t about owning!” Another added, “I take two showers per week and re-wear clothes until they’re dirty or smelly. I rarely buy clothes – my shoes last seven years on average. Some of my outfits are from my teens, and no one suspects a thing!”
But such minimalist hygiene isn’t winning everyone over. Skeptics warn, sometimes with a hint of horror, about bacteria, viruses, and the fragrant perils of wearing the same shirt five days in a row. “If you only wash once a week, sweat will get into your clothes, and you’ll start to smell. It’s not a good idea – your sheets and every surface will absorb the smell. This isn’t responsible advice for saving money!”
A Question of Necessity – and Values
This debate isn’t just about water bills or wardrobe size – it touches on comfort, consumer culture, and what really brings satisfaction. For Nikola and many like her, strategic restraint is practical, liberating, and even virtuous, especially as prices rise and environmental concerns grow louder.
- Shower less to save on water and skin products
- Wear clothes multiple times to reduce laundry
- Buy new items only when truly needed
- Prioritize healthy, bulk-bought food
Whether you’re inspired to cut down, or convinced you simply can’t give up daily showers, Nikola Howard’s example proves there’s more than one way to tighten your belt. Sometimes, the solutions are simpler—and perhaps a tad smellier—than you’d expect. If you’re seeking to embrace frugality, why not start small: skip an unnecessary purchase this week, or let that jumper live another day before hitting the laundry basket. Your wallet—and maybe your conscience—might just thank you.
Based in New York, Josh is the creative mind behind Lanco Handmade Furniture.
Passionate about timeless design and fine craftsmanship, he transforms high-quality materials into pieces that are both functional and artful.
With a keen eye for detail and a love for natural textures, Josh creates furniture meant to bring warmth, character, and lasting beauty to any space.
