5 Easy Ways to Detox Your Home (Simple Swaps)
Detox your home with these 5 easy ways that are super effective, simple to do and will even save you money.
A lot can be said about toxins in our home environment. They seem to be everywhere. In our foods, beauty products and in many home products we trust. It can feel overwhelming to think of removing all of them at once. Even impossible. So much so, that many of us start this process and then eventually give up. The thing about this is, we don’t have to be perfect nor do we have to do this all at once. By starting small and making a few changes through simple swaps, we can make a big impact in the amount of toxins found in our homes.
The detoxification process is really just about making better choices. Not necessarily about tossing out everything we use in our homes currently. In my experience I have found that once I began making better choices for the things I used in my own home, replacing and finding better options became second nature to me.
I also realized that I was purchasing a lot of unnecessary household cleaners and began to drastically reduce my need for them. Now that I know that I can make my own dish soap, that olive oil is likely your best friend and regardless of what you might think right now. It is possible to make an incredible impact in the health of our homes by utilizing simple swaps.
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no cost to you).
These 5 Easy Ways to Detox…
- Help improve the air quality in our homes.
- Help remove harmful substances commonly found in a home environment.
- Cut down on plastic containers, environmental toxins and harsh chemicals.
- Make use of natural ingredients and help reduce indoor air pollution.
- Are easy swaps for common household items, and small lifestyle changes.
- Are small steps that can have a big impact on the overall health of an average home.
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#1 Air Fresheners
Synthetic fragrances are one of the most toxic items we bring into our homes. Incidentally, as American consumers, air fresheners are also one of the most common items found amongst households who purchase cleaning products from retail chains. Let’s face it, this is most American households. For this section we will focus on things like air freshener sprays, plug ins, scented candles and anything used for giving our homes a scent. These items are filled with harmful chemicals that directly effect our indoor air quality and health.
The best way to deal with this is to simply throw them out. But I do realize it is not always as simple as all that. After all, most of us like to have a nice scent in our home. Over the years, we have gotten quite used to it. Thankfully I have several natural solutions for you so you don’t have to go completely cold turkey on this.
Essential Oil Diffuser- One of the best ways to scent a room naturally is by using an essential oil diffuser. Diffusers provide a nice scent that diffuses the selected oil in water which can last for several hours. They are quiet, simple to refill and effective. I like to have several in my house going at the same time for a whole house smell but just having one in the main living space will provide a nice subtle scent just as well.
Stovetop Potpourri- is a great way to add a natural scent to your home using fresh ingredients from the kitchen that simmer right on your stovetop. Check out different blends to try below.
Dried Potpourri- Homemade dried flower and herb potpourri makes a beautiful homemade potpourri that works well as a natural whole room scent and makes a lovely homemade gift. This guide will show you how to make one.
#2 Natural Cleaning Products
When I first began using my own products that I’d make, I was thrown off a bit. I didn’t know what to expect and I was so used to the intense smells of clean that I had grown accustomed to smelling after a cleaning day. The pungent smell of bleach, ammonia and pine sol signaled clean to me. Going from that to a natural cleaner was shockingly different.
I felt as if they weren’t powerful enough to do the job properly. I went through so many trial and errors until I realized, that the household cleaning products I had grown up with were only that way because of all the toxic chemicals. It was the chemicals that were so pungent not the fact that it was any cleaner. Contrary to what I had thought, it was actually unnatural to be inhaling these scents in our homes.
Natural Wood Cleaner- This DIY all natural wood cleaner is just three ingredients and works like a charm. Simple, effective cleaning for a healthier home.
DIY Natural All- Purpose Cleaning Spray- This is an effective cleaner that you can use in any room in your home including mirrors. You can make a non-toxic excellent cleaner for your home with just a few ingredients. Creating a safer more natural way to clean.
Natural Floor Cleaner- This homemade natural floor cleaner is my go to mopping solution I make up right on the spot with each mopping job I do in our home. It is safe, effective and leaves my floors looking great.
#3 Non Toxic Cookware
Cookware is a big topic when it comes to finding the best options. Over the years we have learned that many companies have been selling incredibly harmful cookware. This sadly has led to very preventable negative health effects for a lot of people. So it important to do the research and to be informed with the materials you are using in your kitchen, among other places. Here are some of the top choices for a healthier kitchen.
Cast Iron
One of the best options for the kitchen as far as cookware goes is cast iron, at least in my opinion. Cast iron is non toxic, durable, affordable and provides superior even heating. There is a little bit of a learning curve to using and caring for it. Here are my best tips if you are new to cast iron and my favorite cast iron skillet.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for cookware. It is durable, great for sautéing and of course a non toxic option. My set has lasted for several years now and is still in great shape.
Non Stick Option
A few months back, I was sent a fantastic non toxic, skillet that I was at first reluctant to try. Since my my cast iron had served me so well, I didn’t see a need for a nonstick skillet. However, to my surprise my Caraway non stick pan is hard to beat. Not only is it well made, and beautiful to cook with but every thing slides right off the pan with ease. It is so easy to clean and gives fantastic results which has made me a forever fan. I plan to add more pieces to my kitchen as needed. These pans are a great non toxic option for any level of cook.
#4 Healthier Laundry Options
Laundry is an area that is heavy with synthetic fragrance and again, the smell is what we feel is clean. When in reality, in laundry the smell is only added in for the sake of smell and not a factor as to the cleanliness of the actual laundry. Once, I realized this and well the fact that every whiff I was potentially inhaling harmful toxins. It became a lot easier to let go of all those scents I had enjoyed while doing the laundry.
Detergent- You can certainly make your own laundry detergent or buy a natural detergent however, another option is to buy gentle, fragrance free detergents. I even purchase laundry detergent made for newborns as it cleans well and has a lot less harmful additives over standard detergents.
Vinegar as Softener- Easily one of the best tips I have found when it comes to laundry is this quick and easy tip for a healthier fabric softener. Simply add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar to the softener dispenser for each load of wash. This will help pull out unwanted odor from the fabric and leave your clothes wonderfully soft from the dryer.
Wool Dryer Balls- If you are wanting a scent in your laundry, you don’t have to completely do away with one. Getting a wool dryer ball and adding a few drops of essential oil to it before tossing it into the dryer will give your clothes a scent during the drying cycle. I have used lavender, sweet orange and grapefruit, all of which leave a light subtle scent to the laundry.
Natural Fabric Refresher Spray- For years, I used Febreze to freshen the fabrics in our home. I’d spray the rugs, curtains and even our pet beds not realizing this was actually bringing in harmful toxins for all of us. Once I realized this I quickly found a natural solution. This fabric refresher spray works and if you are using it around pet beds, make sure to check the essential oils you choose first as many are toxic to our pets. Lavender is my preferred scent for this.
#5 Fresh Air
Some of the simplest things can be the most effective. Simply opening up the windows in your home from time to time to allow the fresh outdoor air in can be beneficial. Our homes are filled with so many scents, and debris from things we are using on a daily basis that it should be aired out. Some fresh air can go a long way. When doing this, open up multiple windows and allow for air flow.
Air Purifier
To take it a step further, you can add an air filter to the main living spaces of your home as this will help filter out any pet dander or harsh chemicals that negatively effect the human body. Filters are easy to install and even work well to help reduce odors in the home.
Beeswax Candles
I love beeswax and I even love to make my own beeswax candles. You can make them in a rolled taper, hand dipped or even hand poured style of candle. All are beautiful and easy to make. You can also purchase beeswax candles and enjoy them just the same. The significance of beeswax candles above other choices is not just the fact that these are a naturally resourced option. But they actually help clean the air in the area that they are burned in. Any dirt or dander will drop out of the air from ions within the wax itself. Making them my top choice and amazing candles to have in your home.
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