Unfortunately, many of the common household products used in American homes are actually harmful to human health and the planet. Having a chemical-free home doesn’t have to be complicated. There are numerous products available on the market that are clean, green, and provide the same level of cleaning power as their potentially harmful counterparts.
It’s also important to consider that your health is heavily impacted by the world around you, especially within your own home. Since most people spend a significant amount of time at home, what you come into contact with there can have an even more noticeable effect. From the foods you eat to the household products you choose to purchase, your daily decisions affect both your personal health and wellness as well as the environment.
Tips for Having a Chemical-Free Home
The benefit of green cleaning supplies is that they are designed and tested to provide the sanitary and cleanliness outcomes you want while providing peace of mind that their use will not harm you, your family, or your environment. Still, navigating this world in the market for the first time can feel overwhelming since you may not be sure what hazards exist in your home currently or what products to look for to address them. You also must be mindful of brands that are misleading with their packaging and their claims in an attempt to capitalize on the green product trend.
Once you have a better understanding of the potential hazards in your home, as well as the brands and products you can trust, you’ll love knowing that you are reducing your carbon footprint and taking additional steps to improve your physical and mental health.
Here are some general tips for identifying hazardous chemicals in your home.
Consider the Air Quality
You may be familiar with air quality warnings that inform citizens that the air outside is not optimal. These warnings can arise from things like a spike in allergens to heavy pollutants or even fires, which can carry smoke for miles. What most people don’t realize is that the air quality within your home can be worse than the air outside.
Poor indoor air quality is indirectly and directly related to nearly four million deaths 1 worldwide each year by causing what’s known as “building-related illnesses.” Your air quality can be impacted by several factors, such as emissions emanating from building supplies, gas and smoke, dust, pet dander, aerosol sprays, and chemicals in cleaning supplies.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to improve the quality of your indoor air. First, make some of the swaps listed below to eliminate the source of many of the toxins polluting your indoor air. Then, take these actions:
Open your windows – When the weather is nice, you can open your windows to allow fresh air to circulate through your home.
Purchase plants – Plants are another great resource for improving air quality, as they release oxygen and naturally filter toxins. Plants are also great for your mental health, providing visual stimuli as well as an opportunity to care for a living thing.
Consider natural purification – There are plenty of natural remedies that can help with seasonal and other allergens. Natural options for improving air quality include diffusing essential oils and placing Himalayan salt lamps, which may help draw pollutants from the air and neutralize their negative effects.
Use mechanical purification – If your home has a high likelihood of poor air quality, including if you have pets, investing in a quality air purifier can also be beneficial.
What you put into your body can directly impact your health, not only through the food choices themselves but also via the cookware, dishes, and storage containers you use. One helpful tip for having a chemical-free home is to avoid non-stick pans coated in Teflon. This type of cooking surface contains chemicals known as per- or poly-fluoroalkyl compounds, which are highly toxic if inhaled and moderately toxic if ingested. Recent research has uncovered that many industry leaders involved in the production of this cookware were aware of the potential dangers and would often hide or discredit information that demonstrated the risk and could impact financial gain.2
When pans created from this form of Teflon get scratched, the chemicals within are released into the food. While the companies involved claim to have eliminated PFOAs since 2013, it’s still important to avoid unnecessary chemical contaminants. Swap your non-stick Teflon baking pieces with glass or ceramic, and use stainless steel, ceramic-coated, or cast iron pans on the stovetop.
You will also want to consider ditching your old plastic storage containers and swapping them for glass containers. Plastic food storage containers can be made with bisphenol A plastic (BPA), which can disrupt the endocrine system and may cause unwanted effects in unborn babies and newborns. These containers can release toxins at a higher rate as they age and especially when heated.3 Switching to glass or BPA-free plastic containers is a great way to eliminate the issue. Then, wait to store until the food has cooled, and warm the food in a safe, non-plastic container or plate.
Swap Your Cleaning Supplies
Another great tip for having a chemical-free home is to ditch toxin-laden products and switch to green cleaning supplies. It’s no surprise these cleaning products find their way into many homes. While public awareness of the harmful nature of many chemicals commonly found in cleaning products is on the rise, there is still a significant lack of testing and knowledge regarding how these chemicals affect us.
Buy Consciously
When you want a chemical-free home, it is helpful to take the time to consider what is in all products you are purchasing. For example, common items such as candles, plug-ins, and air fresheners can be full of hundreds of harmful chemicals. Recent studies have shown that burning a candle can release the same lung-damaging carcinogens as smoking a cigarette, including toluene and benzene.4
Beauty products can also contain a number of chemicals that can be harmful to yourself and your environment. When purchasing products for your home, take the time to ensure that the product is green-certified. With a little practice, you’ll soon be able to quickly tell what brands are truly committed to green. Popular brand names such as Thrive and Grove have long-established their commitment to providing authentic products that are better for people and the environment.
Look at the Safety Ratings
While many brands are truly committed to healthier, sustainable options, other brands use generic advertising terms to trick consumers into assuming their product is more eco-friendly than it really is. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Safer Choice Program to certify products containing ingredients that are truly safe for your health and the environment. You’ll also want to look for the Design for Environment (DfE) label on products such as disinfectants and sanitizers.
Check the Ingredients
If there isn’t a clear safety label on a product that will be making contact with your skin or your food, you can always check the ingredients. While this list will be long, complex, and will consist of many chemical names, you can still keep an eye out for certain things. In general, a shorter list of ingredients is often a good sign, as natural products tend to have fewer ingredients since they rely on the power of plants or non-toxic compounds. Try to look for ingredients you can recognize, and look for products that don’t contain dyes or artificial fragrances.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
When it comes to green cleaning supplies, you not only want a product that is more sustainable and eco-friendly, but you must also ensure that it can still get the job done. Try swapping your regular household cleaners with these green options.
Vinegar and Water
If you are someone who enjoys DIY, you’ll love how much you can accomplish with just white vinegar (or cleaning vinegar) and water. With a simple 1:1 ratio, you’ll be surprised at how much quality cleaning these two natural substances can accomplish. Vinegar is easy to obtain, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.
You can use this solution on windows, countertops, stovetops, sinks, floors, and so much more. Keep in mind: if you want to reduce bacteria growth, you’ll need to let the mixture sit on the surface for as long as thirty minutes before wiping it away. 5
CleanWell Bathroom Disinfectant
CleanWell is a leading name in disinfecting and cleaning products. This broad range bathroom disinfectant is plant-derived and free of the harmful chemicals typically found in disinfectant products. You can rely on this product to handle the toughest bathroom grime without fear of harmful residues that can get onto your skin.
CleanWell Multipurpose Disinfectant
If you are looking for a quality cleaning product that is chemical-free and FDA-tested, you’ll want Cleanwell Multipurpose Disinfectant. This all-purpose cleaner is proven to eliminate up to 99.9% of household germs, so you can clean, disinfect, and deodorize in one go. It can handle tough stains such as sinks, countertops, tiles, floors, and so much more. You’ll love the clean and the peace of mind that your simple swap provides.
Dr. Bronner’s Salsuds Multipurpose Cleaner
This product works like magic for so many items in your home. Powerful and versatile yet gentle, this cleaner can cut through the toughest dirt and grime. Salsuds uses organic ingredients that are free of synthetic chemicals, fillers, preservatives, or foaming agents, replacing them with plant-based oils that are all-natural. It’s gentle enough not to irritate the skin but powerful enough for laundry, floors, dishes, furniture, and so much more.
Method Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Most people walk barefoot on the floors of their homes without giving a second thought to what they are absorbing through the bottoms of their feet. Unfortunately, chemicals used to clean floors can be especially dangerous to pets and small children, as they are more inclined to come into contact with the floor surface via paws, hands, and mouths. Method Hardwood Floor Cleaner is green-approved and cruelty-free. This product is wax-free, non-toxic, and biodegradable and will leave your hardwood looking and smelling fresh and clean.
Boulder Clean Laundry Detergent
Your clothing, sheets, and towels are in direct contact with your skin throughout your day. Unfortunately, laundry detergents are often full of chemicals that can be irritating to the skin, especially for those with sensitivities. Many popular brands are now offering green laundry options to appeal to their consumer base.
One well-established name in the green laundry space is Boulder. Their laundry detergent relies on plant-based enzymes to lift stains and provide a deep clean. The fragrance is naturally derived, with no added fragrance as well as no bleach, ammonia, or optical brighteners. This product is designed for whites, colors, and delicates and works well in standard and high-efficiency machines, as well as in hot and cold temperatures.
Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets
Many consumers are surprised to learn that dryer sheets can be one of the most toxic items in your home since the government does not require disclosure regarding the specific chemicals in fragrance blends. In addition to the potential chemicals you’re infusing into your clothing, the exhaust from your dryer could be full of contaminants that could harm the environment.
Swap out your current dryer sheets with Seventh Generation dryer sheets from one of the most recognized natural brands on the market. These dryer sheets are a USDA-certified biobased product. They are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist tested.
Lavender Linen Spray
Lavender has been used for centuries as a treatment for insomnia, restlessness, depression, and anxiety. When used as a part of a bedtime routine, lavender may help you achieve more restful sleep. 6 You can purchase lavender linen spray from a reputable brand, or you can create your own. To make your own, you’ll need 1 part distilled water, 1 part witch hazel, and 10-20 drops of organic lavender essential oil.
Your mental and physical health can suffer due to the various chemicals and additives found in many common household products. These chemicals can irritate the skin and trigger health problems ranging from allergies and asthma to metabolic disorders and more. From cookware to cleaning, greener alternatives help to support your health and protect the environment.
Fortunately, there are plenty of safe alternatives for household cleaning products and other household items. Due to the increased consumer awareness and a stronger desire for sustainable options, choosing to incorporate green choices into your lifestyle has never been easier. Plant-derived products can deliver the same cleaning power as their chemical-heavy counterparts. Once you know what to look for, shopping for greener options will be a breeze.
For more information about how eliminating toxins from your environment, diet, and medication regimen can improve your health, follow the Alternative to Meds Center blog.
Resources :
Tran, V. V., Park, D., & Lee, Y.-C. (2020). Indoor Air Pollution, Related Human Diseases, and Recent Trends in the Control and Improvement of Indoor Air Quality. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2927. MDPI AG. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082927
Gaber, N., Bero, L., & Woodruff, T. J. (2023). The Devil they Knew: Chemical Documents Analysis of Industry Influence on PFAS Science. Annals of global health, 89(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4013
Konieczna, A., Rutkowska, A., & Rachoń, D. (2015). Health risk of exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA). Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny, 66(1), 5–11. Retrieved June 26, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25813067/
Al Khathlan, N., Basuwaidan, M., Al Yami, S., Al-Saif, F., Al-Fareed, S., & Ansari, K. (2023). Extent of exposure to scented candles and prevalence of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms amongst young university students. BMC public health, 23(1), 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15001-6
Cortesia, C., Vilchèze, C., Bernut, A., Contreras, W., Gómez, K., de Waard, J., Jacobs, W. R., Jr, Kremer, L., & Takiff, H. (2014). Acetic Acid, the active component of vinegar, is an effective tuberculocidal disinfectant. mBio, 5(2), e00013–e14. https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00013-14
Lillehei, A. S., Halcón, L. L., Savik, K., & Reis, R. (2015). Effect of Inhaled Lavender and Sleep Hygiene on Self-Reported Sleep Issues: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 21(7), 430–438. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0327
Lyle Murphy is the founder of the Alternative to Meds Center, a licensed residential program that helps people overcome dependence on psychiatric medication and addiction issues using holistic and psychotherapeutic methods.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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