Living a healthier, more natural life begins at home. There is no better way to lay the foundations for this than by starting with a whole-home detoxification.
We spend most of our time at home. Days are spent doing household chores, and at night, our bodies inhale whatever is in the indoor atmosphere. Our living spaces are filled with toxins and chemicals that interact with our bodies and directly impact our health and well-being.
When you take steps to detox your home, you will make intentional and sustainable choices that will inevitably lead to a more natural way of living. Below are nine practical ways you can begin this transformation. Some will be more obvious than others, but all will lead to a metamorphosis in your natural journey.
1. Switch to Natural Cleaning Products
The average household cleaner contains a myriad of chemicals and fragrances that degrade indoor air quality and carry some real health risks. I will never forget one day years ago when we returned to a freshly cleaned home after vacation. We had hired a cleaning company to do a deep cleaning while we were away. I remember that night vividly as I awoke the next morning in respiratory distress. That’s when I decided to rid our home of as many chemicals as possible for the first time.
Studies have linked prolonged exposure to these chemicals with respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even hormone disruption. For an easy-start resource, the EPA provides guidance through its Safer Choice program, which helps consumers find products that contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.
Time-tested alternatives offer an even more natural solution to this cleaning dilemma. Replace chemicals with simple, natural ingredients you might already have on hand. White vinegar mixed with water makes an excellent cleaning solution. If you need additional scrubbing power, add baking soda to the problem area.
Here’s a recipe for an all-purpose cleaner: Mix 1 part water with 1 part vinegar and place in a spray bottle. Then, add essential oils like tea tree, which has antibacterial properties. You can also add lavender or lemon if you prefer. This combination will provide a good cleaning punch and a nice scent. Using refillable bottles is also more sustainable and cuts down on plastic waste from store-bought bottles.
2. Purify Your Air with Plants
The air quality in your home is likely worse than the outdoor air because of compounds emitted from paint, furniture, textiles, and cleaning products. Lean on your green thumb and give houseplants a try.
In 1989, NASA’s Clean Air Study showed that household plants remove toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. Many of the plants in the study are hearty and easy to grow and maintain.
Spider plants are low-maintenance and thrive in indirect light. Peace lilies are attractive and can thrive in low-humidity indoor environments. Snake plants are nearly indestructible and work overnight to produce oxygen to replenish your air. To maximize their air-cleaning potential, your target density should be approximately one plant for every hundred square feet of living space. Additionally, plants add life and bring tranquility to your home.
3. Discard Plastic Food Containers
Detoxing your kitchen starts with rethinking how you store food. Plastic food containers are convenient, but many contain BPA, which can leach into your food—especially when heated. Switch to glass jars, like old pasta sauce jars or mason jars. Glass is inert, meaning it won’t interact with your food, and it is dishwasher-safe.
If you need to wrap food, use beeswax wraps. They are made from cotton coated in beeswax and are perfect for times when a container won’t do, like wrapping cheese or covering bowls. They’re washable and reusable. They cut down on single-use plastics and store food in a more sustainable manner.
4. Filter Your Water
Tap water is a huge modern convenience, but it’s likely far from pure. Water quality varies wildly and depends on the source. Ever heard of the old adage, “garbage in, garbage out?” Depending on where you live, it might contain chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and perhaps even traces of pharmaceuticals.
Don’t leave this essential life-sustaining input in the hands of your local water authority. Even if your water leaves the plant relatively pure, aging pipes and contaminants can leech in along the way.
A high-quality water filter can have the most direct health benefit. A budget-friendly option would be a countertop pitcher like ZeroWater, which removes basic impurities. For more comprehensive filtration, I suggest investing in an under-sink reverse osmosis system for your cooking and drinking needs.
5. Grow Your Own Herbs
Store-bought produce, even organic, can carry pesticide residues and often come wrapped in plastic. Growing your own fresh herbs ensures you’ll have fresh, chemical-free flavor at your fingertips. Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and rosemary are easy to cultivate and maintain – they often grow faster than you can use them.
If you don’t already have a garden, start small with a windowsill pot. Use organic soil and seeds, water with filtered water, and place them in a sunny spot. Snip what you need for meals, and let the plants regrow. It’s a small but empowering step toward self-sufficiency and a toxin-free kitchen.
6. Audit Your Personal Care Products
Your bathroom and personal care products may contain hidden toxins. Many shampoos contain sulfates, and many deodorants contain aluminum, which can accumulate in your body over time. Detoxing in your bathroom means reading labels and choosing cleaner alternatives.
Here are some more natural alternatives: Switch your shampoo to a sulfate-free natural brand. The same goes for your toothpaste. Switch to a natural brand without artificial sweeteners or fluoride. There are also DIY options. Mix coconut oil with shea butter for a skin moisturizer.
7. Create a No-Shoes Policy
One of the most prevalent ways contaminants can enter your home is through the soles of your shoes. Shoes can carry dirt, pesticides, bacteria, and other pollutants. One study found that 40% of shoes tested positive for harmful bacteria. Removing your shoes at the door keeps these contaminants out of the house.
Here are some additional tips: Set up a shoe rack or basket near the entrance and offer slippers or socks for guests. I further suggest you have designated slippers for frequent special guests like grandparents. Sweep or vacuum entryways regularly to catch what does slip in. This habit detoxes your floors and fosters a mindful transition from the toxic outside world to your clean home.
8. Opt for Non-Toxic Cookware
Non-stick pans are convenient, but overheating can release toxins linked to health risks. Aluminum cookware can also leach into acidic foods. Here are some alternatives: Use cast iron and season it for a natural non-stick surface. Stainless steel pots and pans are versatile and durable. Some cooking techniques make them more non-stick—like not adding oil or food until the pan is heated up to the cooking temperature. There’s also ceramic cookware that is both non-toxic and easy to clean.
9. Use Natural Pest Control
Chemical pesticides kill bugs but leave residues that linger on surfaces and in your air. Natural alternatives are just as effective without the nuclear fallout. Try using food-grade diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle it along baseboards for ants or roaches.
Bringing It All Together
Detoxing your home and embracing a natural lifestyle is a journey worth taking. Pick one idea above and let it take root before moving on to the next. Stay flexible. Some natural solutions are not right for everyone. If it doesn’t work as you wish, move to another alternative until you find what works for you.