In today’s fast-paced world, where pollutants seem to be lurking around every corner, it’s crucial to create a sanctuary within our own homes—a space where we can breathe easy and foster our well-being.
Did you know that indoor air quality is typically 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air? Sometimes, it’s up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Not what you want to be living in and breathing in! The good news is that there are things we can do to cut the toxicity of the air in our homes and breathe easier.
Detoxifying your home not only enhances the environment you live in but also promotes a healthier lifestyle for you and your loved ones. Here are 20 effective ways to detox your home and cultivate a harmonious living space:
20 Ways to Detox Your Home for Better Health and Well-being
1. Switch to Natural Cleaning Products
Replace harsh chemical cleaners with eco-friendly, natural alternatives. Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can effectively clean surfaces without compromising your indoor air quality.
2. Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to reducing indoor air pollutants. Open windows regularly to let fresh air circulate, and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess moisture and odors.
3. Invest in Houseplants
Plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing harmful toxins and releasing oxygen. Incorporate indoor plants such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants to improve air quality and add a touch of greenery to your home. Check out my post on the benefits of houseplants and you will find The NASA Guide to Air Filtering Houseplants, which shows the best air purifying plants for your home.
4. Filter Your Tap Water
Install a water filtration system to remove contaminants from your tap water. Investing in a quality water filter ensures that you and your family have access to clean, chemical-free drinking water. My personal favorite option and the one I use is the AquaTru reverse osmosis water purification system. They have both counter-top versions and an under-the-sink installable option. Get $100 off an AquaTru unit using my affiliate link here.
5. Use a High-Quality Air Purifier
Invest in a high-quality air purifier to capture airborne pollutants such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. Look for purifiers with HEPA filters and activated carbon filters, which are effective at trapping microscopic particles and removing odors and VOCs from the air. AirDoctor air purifiers are an excellent choice – it’s UltraHEPA™ filter is 100 times more effective at filtering the air than ordinary HEPA filters, with the ability to capture ultra fine particles as small as .003 microns in size, and combined with their Carbon/Gas Trap/VOC Filter, it works to remove dangerous gas and VOCs like formaldehyde. Get up to $300 off an AirDoctor with my affiliate link here. If you’re interested in reading and learning more about AirDoctor, check out my full post: My Favorite Indoor Air Purifier.
6. Declutter Your Space
Clutter not only creates visual chaos but also traps dust and allergens. Simplify your living space by decluttering regularly and organizing your belongings to promote a sense of calm and cleanliness.
7. Choose Non-Toxic Furniture and Decor
Opt for furniture and decor made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and organic cotton. Avoid products containing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and flame retardants, which can off-gas and contribute to indoor air pollution. Check out the post How to Find Furniture Without Flame Retardants.
8. Use Natural Pest Control Methods
Keep pests at bay without resorting to toxic pesticides. Use natural remedies such as diatomaceous earth, Neem oil, essential oils, and traps to control pests while minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals. Find out how to use Neem oil to get rid of houseplant gnats here.
9. Ditch Synthetic Air Fresheners & Candles
Conventional air fresheners and candles often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system and wreak havoc on our health. Instead, freshen your home naturally with citrus peels, simmering herbs, essential oil diffusers, or truly non-toxic beeswax candles. The AromaTru diffuser is a water-less diffusing system, allowing you to diffuse pure essential oils without contaminants that may be in water. You can shop AromaTru diffusers and get my affiliate discounts here. For better-for-you candles, check out my Non-Toxic Candle Guide.
10. Switch to Eco-Friendly Laundry Products
Conventional laundry detergents and fabric softeners may contain harsh chemicals and fragrances. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives that are gentle on your skin and the environment.
11. Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation
Clear the air in your home and minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) by keeping electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers away from sleeping areas. Turn off and unplug devices such as televisions when not in use.
12. Choose Organic Bedding
Invest in organic mattresses, pillows, and bedding made from natural materials such as cotton, wool, and latex. Organic bedding reduces exposure to chemicals found in conventional bedding materials and promotes a healthier sleep environment. My personal favorite option for an organic mattress, and the ones we sleep on, is Avocado. Read why here, and shop Avocado Mattresses here.
13. Create a Shoe-Free Zone
Establishing a shoe-free policy indoors can prevent tracking in dirt, pesticides, and other outdoor pollutants. Place a designated shoe rack near the entrance to encourage guests and family members to remove their shoes upon entering.
14. Practice Safe Cooking Methods
Avoid exposing yourself to harmful chemicals by using safe cooking methods. Choose non-toxic cookware such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic, and avoid cooking with Teflon-coated pans, which can release toxic fumes at high temperatures.
15. Limit Plastic Use
Minimize your use of plastic products, which can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your home environment. Opt for glass or stainless steel containers for food storage and reusable alternatives for single-use plastic items.
16. Generate Negative Ions
Contrary to the name, negative ions have a very positive effect on our health. Ever see those tiny particles floating in the air when sun light shines through? Those dust/dander/pollen/mold airborne particles have a positive charge. When negative ions are introduced to the equation, they magnetically attract to the positive ions, which causes the particulates to drop to the floor, allowing them to eventually get sucked up by the vacuum. Negative ions are produced in nature, most prevalently in forests, near waterfalls, or from a thunderstorm, but there are ways to produce them your home as well. Try a Himalayan salt lamp, indoor houseplants, or an indoor water feature.
17. Use VOC-Free or Low VOC Paints
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in many household products, including paint, that can off-gas and contribute to indoor air pollution. Opt for low VOC or VOC-free paints when repainting your home. These paints emit fewer harmful chemicals, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory issues and headaches associated with VOC exposure. Also, when it comes to painting the interior of your home, always try to choose a time of year when the weather is nice enough to open the windows for ventilation!
18. Change Filters In Your Furnace and Air Conditioning Units Regularly
Proper maintenance of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is essential for maintaining indoor air quality. Replace the filters in your furnace and air conditioner according to manufacturer recommendations, typically every one to three months. Clean filters help to trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating throughout your home and contributing to respiratory issues and allergies.
19. Check Your Radon Levels
Radon is an odorless gas that gets emitted from the Earth and enters homes through cracks and pores in basements and foundations, pipes, and drains. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer. Test your home for radon using a radon testing kit, available at hardware stores or through certified radon measurement professionals. If elevated levels are detected, take steps to mitigate radon entry and ensure proper ventilation to reduce health risks for you and your family. For more information on Radon and how to test your home, click here to be directed to the EPA’s website.
20. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
Lastly, prioritize creating a relaxing and stress-free atmosphere in your home. Incorporate elements such as soft lighting, soothing colors, and calming scents to promote relaxation and well-being.
By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you can detox your home and create a healthier living environment for you and your family. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in safeguarding your well-being and nurturing a space where you can thrive.
*Some of the links above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.