With warmer weather (finally) approaching, many of us feel the need to purge and clean our living spaces in preparation for the season ahead. While decluttering is super beneficial for mental health, spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to detox your home!
Here's why...
Common household and body-care products - while they are made for convenience and to smell pleasant - often contain harmful chemicals and ingredients known to disrupt our hormones. These substances can cause havoc to our reproductive and immune system, disrupt our skin health, and increase allergy symptoms. This intervention study highlights how removing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (chemicals that mimic hormones) in the home can positively impact health.
While swapping household items for nontoxic versions can be overwhelming, the benefits are absolutely worth it! Start slow by replacing items as they are used up (like laundry detergent and shampoo), and work your way to larger items.
If you have no clue to start, here are a few areas to focus on per room!
Kitchen
- Quality of Cookware: Nonstick cookware is often coated with polymer (Teflon) and may be dangerous to health by releasing gases into food when used at high heat. Consider using cast iron and stainless steel instead; cast iron pans also naturally increase iron in your food!
- Ditch Plastics: Do you use plastic food containers? We recommend glass over plastic because it is much safer to heat up. Microplastics can get into your food and drink when heated (like when leaving a plastic water bottle in the sun)
- Filter Your Water: Traces of toxic minerals and pharmaceuticals are often detected in tap water. Choose a filtration system that removes contaminants like chlorine and fluoride.
- Opt for Fresh or Frozen Foods: Cook with fresh or frozen whenever possible; most food cans (including liquid infant formula) are lined with bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic chemical that leaches into the food.
Bathroom
- Ditch Air Fresheners: Most air fresheners contain a number of toxic chemicals that contaminate the air you breathe. Drop a few drops of essential oil in the toilet before you flush to freshen the air naturally!
- Evaluate Fragrance in Products: Shampoos, soaps, makeup and lotions often contain “fragrance" as an ingredient, when fragrance can be a combination of up to 3,000 untested chemicals. Fragrance is often a source of allergies, migraines, and skin irritation. Look for products that are honest about their fragrance sources (like essential oils or flower petals) or ones that contain no added fragrance.
- Say Bye to Antibacterial Soap: According to the FDA, antibacterial soap has no added benefit and may, in fact, cause health problems down the line. Use gentle soaps like castile that won't damage the healthy bacteria on your hands.
Laundry & Cleaning Closet
- Are your Cleaners Green? Many cleaners have unnecessary ingredients that don't really improve cleaning power, and are harmful when inhaled or ingested. There are many green, plant-based cleaners available today that won't hinder heath. Baking soda and dish soap make a great abrasive scrub, and vinegar with water can make floors and counters shine!
- Get Rid of Dryer Sheets: Dryer sheets work by coating your clothing to avoid static. They are also disposable upon use, which increases household waste. Wool dryer balls are a great replacement as they keep your clothing static-free, increase the lifespan of your clothing by not coating it, and can last for years.
- Know Your Material: Yes, even new clothing, towels, and bedding can contribute to household toxins! Cheap, fast fashion can often contain high levels of lead and PFAs, while cheap fabrics can become a skin irritant. Become and educated consumer by knowing what brands offer quality, affordable products - and stick to them when possible!
All Around The House
- Know Your Home: Older homes may contain lead paint, asbestos, and mold, which all contribute to poor respiratory health. Consider having your home inspected and replace what you can!
- Avoid Pesticides: The Environmental Working Group dives into the dangers of pesticide use and what health problems may come up from using them. Look up natural ways to deter bugs from your garden, kill weeds, and improve lawn quality. (Your outdoor pets will thank you!)
- Improve Air Circulation: Dander, dust, and hair are common things found in our homes. Keep your windows and doors open as much as possible to ventilate, and use green plants as natural air detoxifiers. Purchase an air purifier/cleaner if affordable to help out mustier rooms.
- Keep Moisture Levels Down: Excessive moisture encourages the growth of mold and mildew. Check areas for moisture accumulation or leaks (particularly basements). Regularly clean surfaces where mold usually grows - like around showers and tubs and beneath sinks. Always use a bathroom fan when bathing and keep the bathroom door open most of the day.
Remember: detoxing your home is a marathon, not a sprint! Take it one step at a time to have a toxin-free home!
Did you know that we offer a Restorative Detox Program? This program guides you through detoxing your environment, your mind, and your body through nourishment. Reach out to your local Simply For Life to learn more!
