Detox your home
Your home environment greatly impacts your health - physically, mentally and emotionally. Just like eating clean, nutritious, whole foods feels better for you, the same could be said about your home surroundings. Toxins lurk in all kinds of places - you can’t see them but they are everywhere. Regular exposure to the plethora of chemicals we encounter in our daily lives poses a potential health hazard. So, here are our top tips to detox your space and ensure your home is a healthy haven.
Get dusting
Indoor dust can contain chemicals from a wide variety of products in the home, including phthalates, flame retardants and phenols. This is because of the different toxic chemicals released from products in our home which accumulate in dust. Dust can also result in unwanted allergies. We want to avoid this as much as possible, so preventing the build-up of dust is key. Vacuum often and use a damp cloth to remove dust from surfaces - no polish necessary - not forgetting to clean electronics such as the wifi router and TV, as flame retardants can transfer into dust settling on these items. Clear the clutter (which is a notorious dust collector) and ventilate your home daily by opening the windows for a burst of fresh air.
Look for non-toxic products
Check cleaning products to see how sustainable they really are, but be wary of greenwashing with vague terms such as ‘natural’ and ‘eco-friendly’. Choose your products like you would your food, opting for short ‘ingredient’ lists (five or less) and choosing plant-based where possible. Many chemical cleaners and disinfectants can leave toxic residue behind on surfaces. Instead you can experiment by making your own gentle versions using pantry staples such as baking soda, lemon juice or vinegar.
Consider your painting and decorating
Fumes and chemicals aren’t just emitted during the painting process, freshly decorated walls can continue to pollute long after they are dry. For the colour white, go for no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint but take note that once colour is added to it, it is no longer no-VOC. For different shades, you should therefore hunt out more natural and eco alternatives. When it comes to bedding and curtain, natural fabrics such as linen and silk are an ideal choice.
Choose alternatives to plastic
Avoid plastic where you can - it can contain thousands of chemicals. The synthetic chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in so many plastic products and can be ingested or absorbed through skin contact, potentially disrupting the endocrine system. For food storage, opt for glass jars; it’s better for you and looks more aesthetically pleasing when lined up in the pantry! Plus, it saves you money in the long run. Avoiding heavily processed and packaged food can also help to limit exposure.
Clean beauty is best
Many conventional beauty products can contain potentially harmful ingredients that can include known carcinogens, irritants and endocrine disruptors. Seek safer alternatives when it comes to your hair care, makeup, sunscreen and skin care products. Clean beauty means using products that do not compromise health for results, from your lipstick and perfume to shower gel. Prioritise products that are cruelty free and free from parabens, SLS, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, PEGs, propylene glycol, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, talc and dimethicone. Here is an in-depth ingredients glossary to help you.
Detoxing your home doesn’t happen overnight. The first step is to become aware of the potential chemicals and toxins lurking around. From there, you can make more conscious choices for your health, starting small to reduce your exposure and improve your home environment. It might seem impossible to avoid toxins in your home, but these are effective hacks to get you started.