When it comes to wellness, we often focus on our bodies—our diet, exercise routine, and getting a good night's sleep. But have you ever thought about detoxing your living space? Just as we embrace the power of a good juice cleanse for our bodies, it's time to think about the hidden gunk you can remove from the house. Detoxing your home is all about creating a healthier, happier space for you and your loved ones to thrive in. After all, why undo all the good things you do for yourself by residing in an unhealthy environment? Here are 8 steps you can take now to kickstart your journey to a healthier, happier home!
Use natural cleaning products. Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be downright nasty. We are exposed to enough toxins in the outside world without needing to bring ones that are harmful to our health and the environment into our homes! Read labels and stick with ingredients you recognize. Better yet, make your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Not only are these safer for your family, but they're also budget-friendly!
Air it out. You may be surprised to learn that the air in our home can be dirtier than the air outside! Indoor air can be surprisingly polluted due to dust, allergens, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from household products. The easiest way to refresh the air is to open your windows for at least 15 minutes a day, longer if you can. Let mother nature do the work! If you want to take it to the next level (or its not feasible to open the windows), you may want to invest in an air purifier to help remove particles and improve air quality.
Place houseplants. Not only are plants attractive (and mood boosters to boot), but they are actually natural air purifiers, according to NASA. Invest in indoor plants like ferns, spider plants, and peace lilies, which naturally filter the air. Place several throughout your home—the more the better!
Ditch synthetic fragrances. Those synthetic air fresheners and scented candles might smell nice, but they often contain harmful chemicals. Opt for natural, essential oil-based diffusers or Natural Coconut Wax Candles that are non-toxic and clean-burning to keep your home smelling delightful without compromising your health.
Filter your water. The water that comes out of your tap might contain impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, and contaminants. Invest in a water filter for your kitchen faucet or use a filter pitcher to ensure you're drinking clean, purified water. There are many affordable water filters on the market that can remove toxins from your drinking water. Filtering can even make your coffee or tea taste better. However, the water you shower or bathe in can pose dangers as well. Filtering shower heads are easy to install, but you may also want to consider a whole house filter. It isn’t as expensive as you may think and may even make your hair softer and shinier. Nice!
Consistently reduce plastic usage. Plastic is everywhere in our homes, from food storage containers to water bottles. Gradually replace plastic items with glass or stainless steel alternatives. These materials won't leach harmful chemicals into your food, and they're also more durable. It's a small change that can have a big impact on both your health and the environment!
Use natural textiles. When it comes to your carpets, furniture, and linens like bedding and towels, natural is better. Synthetics can contain carcinogens, especially if they are treated with fire retardants or stain-resisting chemicals. Instead, opt for natural fibers like wool, cotton, and jute. These materials are better options that won’t lower the quality of your indoor environment, and can even give your décor a pleasingly organic, cozy vibe.
Buy eco-friendly paint. If you're considering a home makeover, choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints. Traditional paints can release harmful fumes into the air long after they've dried, but eco-friendly options are much safer for your family and the environment.
Detoxing your home doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. By taking small, manageable steps, you can create a healthier, happier living space for you and your family!