10 Things You Don’t Want in Your Home
1. Air Fresheners
We all want a nice smelling home, but do yourself and your family a favor and don’t use air fresheners and perfumes. Air fresheners are chemicals mixed with fragrance in a can (or plug-in). When the chemicals get sprayed out, they fill the air in your home, and in-turn, end up on your skin and in your lungs. Yuck. Toss out any air fresheners you may have in your home, even if they claim to be “natural.” Opt for using essential oils in your home instead – not only do they smell wonderful, but pure essential oils have health benefits as well.
2. Non-stick pans
The coating on non-stick pots and pans (such as Teflon), is made up of a synthetic polymer called polytetrafluoroetheylene (PTFE). At high heat (over 500 degrees), this chemical can break down, causing toxic fumes to unleash into our food and into the air. These toxic fumes have even been referenced to kill pet birds and cause flu-like symptoms in people. If you still have non-stick pots and pans in your kitchen, now is the best time to toss them. They are made up of metal, so if you can recycle, please do so. Opt to cook with cast iron and stainless steel.
3. Conventional scented candles
I think of scented candles the same way I do about air fresheners. Sure, they make your home smell nice, and create a relaxing atmosphere, but they too are made up of chemicals, and you’re literally burning the chemicals into your air. For safer alternatives, check out my non-toxic candle guide here.
4. Old plastic food and beverage containers
Many old storage containers contain the dangerous chemical BPA. When food or liquid is stored in this plastic, and especially when heated, the chemical can seep into the food or beverage. Recycle your plastic containers and use glass, porcelain, or stainless steel as safer alternatives.
5. Harsh cleaning products
The chemicals used in cleaning products can be detrimental to your indoor air quality and health, especially in areas of poor ventilation. You’re intention may be to clean a surface, but while doing that, you end up contaminating your breathing air with toxic chemicals. Before I stopped using commercial cleaning products, I would almost always noticed a sore throat and burning eyes while cleaning, especially while using cleaners with bleach. I was really sensitive to it. I now mostly use Theives Household Cleaner (by Young Living), or make my own natural cleaning concoctions with baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice or essential oils.
6. The old kitchen sponge
That sponge could quite possibly be the germiest thing in your kitchen, if not your entire house. When using a sponge to clean dishes, cutting boards and countertops, you’re essentially picking up and spreading bacteria to each. It’s important to replace your kitchen sponge regularly, and at the very least, sanitize it regularly (like daily) by putting it in the microwave in a dish of water for one minute on high.
7. Dirty air filters
Check your furnace and air condition filters regularly, and replace them as needed to keep your units running efficiently, and to keep mold and dust particles from flowing through your home.
8. Old makeup
Bacteria love to harbor on makeup applicators, in brushes and in tubes. Mascara should be tossed after 3 months of use, and eye liner should be tossed after 6 months. Brushes and spongy applicators should be washed after every use to remove the makeup and oils from your skin. Lip gloss and lip stick should be tossed after 6 months.
9. Anti-bacterial soaps
Anti-bacterial soaps have the potential to create anti-biotic resistant bacteria, which is a huge problem in medicine. Stick with conventional soap and water when washing your hands.
10. Old toothbrushes
You should be replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or even sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Sources:
http://www.ewg.org/research/healthy-home-tips/tip-6-skip-non-stick-avoid-dangers-teflon