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Transitioning to a non-toxic lifestyle can feel overwhelming at first. When I first started my journey to low-tox living, I realized how many toxins are in everyday products. Researching one thing would lead to the next, and then I was deep in rabbit holes about reducing micropalstics, air quality, and overall clean living.
I was stressed because I thought creating a less toxic home would me I would have to spend a fortune. Spoiler alert: you don’t! I began making some small swaps as needed. Once I realize all the small changes add up, it became easier – and many things were completely free to do.
Here are some free things you can do today to reduce toxins in your home naturally:
Stop washing your plastic containers in the dishwasher. When you wash plastic in the dishwasher, heat can cause the spreading of microplastics on all your dishware. If you don’t want to give up plastic containers or plastic dishware, hand wash them. If buying glassware isn’t in your budget right now, start saving your glass jars from your groceries. I have collected quite a few glass jars from sauces, peanut butter, and even syrup. They are great to use for drinking out of or food storage, without spending extra money.
Keep your home clean to reduce dust and mold. Keeping your home clean is an important part of reducing toxins in your home. Dust and mold can also trigger allergies and cause irritations. Keep your house clean to limit any dust build up. Vacuuming, mopping, and wiping surfaces can help to trap the dust and remove it. This can also lead to cleaner air quality in your home. Pay extra attention to keeping your kitchen and bathrooms clean to prevent any mold growth.
You can check out some of my favorite low-tox cleaning options HERE
*commissionable link*
Open your windows and improve air quality. Fresh air is one of the simplest ways to improve your indoor air quality. Indoor air can contain more contaminants due to cooking fumes, dust, chemicals, and cleaning products. Increasing ventilation in your home can be as easy as cracking open some windows for a short period each day. This can also improve your indoor air quality by reducing airborne irritants.
Read ingredient labels. What you put in your body is even more important, in my opinion. Don’t be afraid to flip a product over while you’re grocery shopping to see what ingredients are in it. I personally stick to natural ingredients as much as possible. Even as a mom with kids, I try to purchase snacks that are minimal ingredients with no additives. If you want to take it a step further, buy organic if or when possible.
Leave your shoes at the door. Shoes can track in almost anything. This is such an easy habit that can reduce dirt, bacteria, and potential pesticides that may spread on your floors. By leaving your shoes at the door, you help reduce the dust and allergens in your home. If you like wearing shoes all the time, consider getting slippers or dedicate an indoor only pair of shoes
Ditch the fragrances. Ditch the plug-ins, the artificial scented candles, perfumes, and toxic fragrances in things like laundry detergent, soaps, and shampoos. Artificial fragrances have raised concerns regarding hormone disruption, skin irritations, asthma or respiratory irritation, headaches, and can trigger allergy sensitivities. I personally purchase unscented items most of the time. If you still want some scented items, opt for naturally scented vs. artificial scents.
You can read more about some of the first swaps I made to create a less toxic home HERE
