10 Household Essentials You Didn’t Know L’Afrique Sells
Growing up in an African home, there are things that you will think about now and have a wave of nostalgia. An example is the African broom, popularly called "igbale," which doubles as a cleaning tool and a disciplining tool, if you know what I mean 😅.
When I was younger, I always grumbled to my grandma, "Why can't we just buy a sweeping brush? Do I have to bend down to sweep this way 😭." Her response was always a side-eye and a reminder that this broom reaches places even your secrets can’t hide. Now that I'm older, I realize that the broom is the OG of brooms!
The same feeling goes for the net sponges that could practically exfoliate your entire past life, antiseptic liquids that had to go into your bath water, and creams like Skineal that were our unofficial "first aid" for every skin issue, from mosquito bites to mystery rashes or eczema.
There’s a comfort in these everyday items, a kind of familiarity that brings home a little closer, especially when living abroad. And the good news? You don’t have to wait for someone to ship them from back home anymore. You can find them all right here at L’Afrique Market.
Here are 10 household must-haves you probably didn’t know we stock—but absolutely should.
1. African Net Sponge (Exfoliating Bath Sponge)
This isn't your average sponge or washcloth. Made from an actual fishing net, this sponge is long, stretchy, and scrubs everything. Back acne? Gone. Dead skin? History. Even for Jerry curl hair styles. It's got you (if you know you know). It can even scrub your heartbreak away. It's available in bright, cheerful colors in store right now to remind you of home.
2. Dettol Antiseptic Liquid
A few capfuls in bath water and suddenly your skin is singing "cleanliness is next to godliness." Whether it's for wounds, bathing babies, or cleaning the house top-to-bottom, Dettol is the unsung MVP. One bottle, 100 uses.
3. Robb Ointment
If you didn’t grow up with this in your nose during flu season, did you even grow up in an African home? Robb was massaged into our chests, temples, and even our feet, then we’d wear socks like it was a ritual. You’ll be glad to know it’s still around and still effective.
4. Skineal Cream
If it was itchy, red, or swollen, Skineal was the answer.
Mosquito bites? Skineal. Unexplained rash? Skineal. Sibling scratched you during a fight? Guess what, Skineal. One tube goes a long way. Shop it here
5. Iron Sponge
After boiling rice or making Jollof with that perfect “party bottom burn,” the only thing standing between you and a scolding from mom is the Iron Sponge. Strong enough to scrub stubborn stains, yet trusted enough not to destroy your pots. Whether it’s burnt amala stains, smoky Jollof pots, or oily efo residue, these iron sponges are the kitchen’s secret weapon.
6. So Fine Anti-Dandruff Cream
This is one of those quiet African household staples that got the job done without the fuss. It’s designed to fight dandruff, relieve itchy scalp, and leave your hair smelling fresh and feeling soft. Whether you're wearing your hair natural, relaxed, or under a wig, this cream brings that soothing tingle that says, “Yes, I’m working.”
7. Dudu Osun (African Black Soap)
Forget chemical soaps that smell like unicorns. Dudu Osun smells like plants, ash, and honesty. It’s made from natural ingredients and gives your skin that clear, glowing, earthy finish. A skincare holy grail.
8. Funbact A Cream
Let’s call this Skineal’s cousin. Also great for spots, redness, heat rashes, and other skin irritations.
It was always at the bottom of a random basket at home, but it always came through when needed.
9. Aboniki Balm
Robb is gentle. Aboniki is her no-nonsense auntie.
This balm doesn't play. It tackles back pain, migraines, and "wahala" neck strain. The kind of balm that says “I got you” after a long, hard day.
10. African Broom (Igbale)
The icon. The legend. The disciplinarian. This broom sweeps corners that even American vacuums shy away from. Using it brings back memories of Saturday morning cleaning marathons with loud music and louder aunties.
These household staples aren’t just products, they’re memories, remedies, and little acts of self-care we learned growing up.
And now, you don’t have to miss them or beg someone to squeeze them into their bags to bring along for you. L’Afrique Market stocks all of these African household essentials right here in the U.S and delivers.
So next time you shop for egusi and palm oil, don’t forget to add a few of these OGs to your cart.
See you in the next blog