Creating a Non-Toxic Home to Support You and Your Family’s Wellbeing
Here’s a shocking fact: The air inside your home is 2-5 times more polluted than outside air. And since we spend 90% of our time indoors, this matters.
The good news? You can control what comes into your home. Here’s what you need to know:
| Area | Main Toxins | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Air | VOCs, mold | Open windows daily + HEPA filter |
| Water | PFAS, metals | Install basic water filter |
| Kitchen | BPA, Teflon | Switch to glass + cast iron |
| Cleaning | Formaldehyde | Use vinegar + baking soda |
| Bedroom | Flame retardants | Get organic bedding |
Three steps to start today:
- Take off shoes at the door
- Open windows 15 minutes daily
- Replace plastic containers with glass
This guide covers:
- Room-by-room toxin removal
- DIY cleaning recipes that work
- Safe product swaps under $50
- Air and water testing basics
- Expert help when needed
"People don’t realize indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. Your home should be your safe space." – EPA Research
Skip these in your home:
- Fabric softeners (use wool dryer balls)
- Air fresheners (try essential oils)
- Non-stick cookware (pick cast iron)
- Plastic containers (choose glass)
- Chemical cleaners (make your own)
The bottom line: You don’t need to change everything at once. Start with one room, replace products as they run out, and build from there. Your body (and family) will thank you.
AVOID these 5 household items (if you care about your health)
How Home Toxins Affect Your Health
Here’s something that might shock you: The air INSIDE your home is 2-5 times more polluted than outside air (EPA data). And since we spend 90% of our time indoors, this is a big deal.
Where Toxins Hide in Your Home
You might not see them, but toxins are hiding in everyday items you use. Here’s what you need to know:
| Item | Hidden Toxins | Health Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Softeners | Benzyl acetate, ethanol, chloroform | Brain disorders, MS risks |
| Candles | Lead in wicks, benzene from paraffin | Cancer risks, behavior issues |
| Plastic Containers | BPA | Fertility problems |
| Cleaning Products | Formaldehyde, nitrobenzene | Cancer risks, asthma |
| Carpets & Flooring | VOCs | Eye/throat irritation |
| Pressed Wood | Formaldehyde | Sinus issues, eye problems |
Health Risks of Home Toxins
These chemicals don’t just sit there – they mess with your body:
| Body System | Effects |
|---|---|
| Respiratory | Asthma, infections, lung disease |
| Nervous System | Brain fog, MS symptoms |
| Endocrine | Hormone disruption, fertility issues |
| Immune | Reduced resistance, allergies |
| Cardiovascular | Heart strain, blood pressure |
Want to know who’s most at risk? Kids, older adults, and people with health conditions need to be EXTRA careful.
Key Chemicals to Watch For
These are the bad guys you need to know about:
| Chemical | Where It’s Found | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|---|
| VOCs | Paint, carpets, flooring | Liver/kidney damage, cancer risks |
| PBDEs | Flame retardants | Thyroid problems |
| Phthalates | PVC products | Birth defects |
| Heavy Metals | Water supplies | Brain damage, cancer |
| Chloroform | Hot chlorinated water | Organ damage |
"People don’t imagine that there is pollution indoors; it is perceived as a protective place." – Corinne Mandin, France’s Scientific and Technical Building Centre
Want to start cleaning up your home? Here’s what you can do TODAY:
- Swap fabric softeners for wool dryer balls
- Use glass containers instead of plastic
- Pick EPA Safer Choice cleaning products
- Replace artificial air fresheners with an essential oil diffuser
"Make your health your priority." – Angela Sisk, RN, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Memorial Hermann Cancer Center
Basic Steps for a Non-Toxic Home
Here’s how to make your home less toxic (without spending a fortune):
Clean Air Basics
The air inside your home is often MORE polluted than outdoor air. But you can fix that:
| Action | How It Helps | What To Use |
|---|---|---|
| Open Windows | Gets rid of stale air | 15 mins daily, even in winter |
| Use Air Filters | Removes tiny particles | HEPA filters only |
| Clean Naturally | Cuts out chemicals | Baking soda + vinegar |
| Check Air Quality | Spots issues fast | Basic air monitors |
Clean Water Steps
Your tap water might not be as clean as you think. Here’s what to do:
1. Look Up Your Water
Go to EWG‘s database. Type in your zip code. You’ll see exactly what’s in your water.
2. Get the Right Filter
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Metals | Reverse osmosis system |
| Chlorine | Carbon filter |
| Bacteria | UV light filter |
| Dirt/Sand | Basic mechanical filter |
3. Keep Testing
Check your water twice a year. Don’t wait if it starts tasting or smelling weird.
Safe Materials for Your Home
The stuff in your home can make you sick. Here’s how to pick better options:
| Item | Skip These | Buy These Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | High-VOC types | Clare Paint (zero-VOC) |
| Floors | Vinyl, fake wood | Real wood, tile |
| Walls | Old drywall | New U.S. drywall |
| Insulation | Foam boards | Greenguard-certified |
"People want homes that won’t make them sick – and they’ll pay more for them." – Builder Magazine
Start With These Swaps:
- Glass containers instead of plastic
- Cast iron pans over non-stick
- Real wood furniture (not pressed)
- Low-VOC paint (under 50g/L)
Here’s something scary: The EWG found 84,000+ chemicals in cleaning products. The FDA tested just 200 of them. Start small – fix one thing at a time.
Room-by-Room Safety Guide
Making Your Kitchen Safer
The kitchen is where most families spend 400+ hours each year. Here’s how to make it safer:
| Area | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware | Non-stick coatings | Cast iron, stainless steel |
| Storage | Plastic containers | Glass snapware, silicone bags |
| Water | Tap contaminants | AARKE filter ($150) |
| Cleaning | Chemical products | doTERRA Abode Cleaner |
| Produce | Pesticides | Organic, local options |
Want to make your kitchen safer TODAY? Start with these quick switches:
- Swap plastic bags for Stasher bags (they last 3,000+ uses)
- Ditch plastic wrap for Beeswrap
- Get wooden cutting boards (zero glues/resins)
- Use wooden dish brushes instead of plastic
Creating a Healthy Bedroom
You spend 1/3 of your life in bed. Here’s how to make those hours count:
| Item | What to Skip | What to Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress | Chemical treatments | Avocado Luxury ($2,499) |
| Air | Stagnant air | UV air purifier |
| Bedding | Synthetics | Organic cotton |
| Air Quality | Dry air | Essential oil humidifier |
Non-Toxic Bathroom Tips
Your bathroom might be full of hidden toxins. Here’s how to fix that:
| Product | Better Choice | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Tiles | Glass/porcelain | No chemicals release |
| Shower | Culligan NSF filter | Blocks contaminants |
| Bath Mats | Natural rubber | Zero toxic materials |
| TP | Bamboo-based | No chlorine/BPA |
| Products | Beautycounter, Honest Co. | Clean ingredients |
Four changes to make NOW:
- Add a bathroom fan (stops mold)
- Get a humidity meter
- Switch to EVA shower curtains
- Test old tubs for lead
Make Your Own Safe Cleaners
Want to make effective cleaners at home? Here’s what you need to know.
Basic Safe Cleaning Items
These simple ingredients pack a punch:
| Item | Uses | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| White Vinegar | Disinfecting, deodorizing | Mix 1:1 with water |
| Baking Soda | Scrubbing, absorbing odors | Make paste with water |
| Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds | Base for dish soap | Use sparingly – concentrated |
| Essential Oils | Natural scents, cleaning boost | Tea tree, lemon, lavender |
| Glass Spray Bottles | Storage | Protects oils from degrading |
Simple Cleaning Recipes
Here are 3 DIY cleaners that ACTUALLY work:
All-Purpose Cleaner
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| White Vinegar | 1/2 cup | Cuts grease |
| Baking Soda | 2 tbsp | Gentle scrubbing |
| Tea Tree Oil | 10 drops | Kills bacteria |
| Water | Fill bottle | Dilutes mixture |
Bathroom Cleaner That Works
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| White Vinegar | 1 cup | Deep cleaning |
| Baking Soda | 3/4 cup | Tough stains |
| Lemon Oil | 5 drops | Fresh scent |
| Lavender Oil | 10 drops | Disinfects |
Dish Soap That Cuts Grease
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Distilled Water | 1/2 cup |
| Kosher Salt | 2 tsp |
| White Vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Sal Suds | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tsp |
"Making your own cleaners is just like following a recipe. It’s that simple!" – Keeper of the Home
Save Money & Stay Safe:
- Buy in bulk
- Start with small batches
- Label everything
- Keep away from sun
- Make fresh batches every 3 months
Quick Safety Tips:
- No bleach + vinegar (ever!)
- Test in a small spot first
- Keep away from kids
- Wear gloves while mixing
- Label all bottles clearly
More Ways to Remove Toxins
Let’s look at how to make your home cleaner and safer – without using harsh chemicals.
Plants That Clean Your Air
NASA found that some plants are AMAZING at cleaning indoor air. Here’s what works best:
| Plant Name | Removes These Toxins | Care Level |
|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia | Easy |
| Snake Plant | Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene | Very easy |
| Spider Plant | Formaldehyde, xylene | Easy |
| Boston Fern | Formaldehyde, xylene | Medium |
| Golden Pothos | Formaldehyde, benzene | Very easy |
"Plants do more than just clean your air – they boost your mood, help you focus, add moisture to dry rooms, and make your space feel alive." – Lisa Muñoz, Interior Plant Designer
Natural Pest Control
Here’s how to keep bugs away without chemicals:
| Method | Target Pest | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Citronella Oil | Mosquitoes | Mix with carrier oil for skin application |
| Chalk Lines | Ants, Slugs | Draw lines around entry points |
| Vinegar Spray | Ants | Mix 1:1 with water, spray trails |
| Basil Plants | Flies | Place near doors and windows |
| Beer Traps | Slugs | Bury containers in garden |
Stop Pests Before They Start:
- Fill holes with caulk
- Fix drips and leaks
- Keep food in containers
- Clean up messes fast
- Block gaps under doors
Safe Storage Tips
| Item Type | Storage Method | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Products | Glass containers | Prevents chemical leaching |
| Food | Glass or stainless steel | Avoids plastic exposure |
| Leftovers | Glass containers | No chemical transfer |
| Papers/Documents | Metal filing cabinets | Reduces dust collection |
| Clothes | Cotton garment bags | Prevents moth damage |
Safe Home Decorating
Check out these brands that make clean, safe decor:
| Brand | Products | Materials Used |
|---|---|---|
| Ten Thousand Villages | Artisan decor | Locally sourced natural materials |
| West Elm | Home goods | Fair Trade certified materials |
| Our Place | Dinnerware | Non-toxic ceramics |
| Brightly | Home goods | Eco-friendly materials |
Make Better Decor Choices:
- Pick cotton or linen fabrics
- Use zero-VOC paint
- Buy wood that’s been recycled
- Choose natural fiber rugs
- Shop second-hand stores
Keep Your Home Clean and Safe
| Time Period | Tasks | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Quick wipe-downs, dishes, sweep | Kitchen, bathroom |
| Weekly | Vacuum, mop, laundry | High-traffic areas |
| Monthly | Deep clean, filter changes | One room at a time |
| Seasonal | Major tasks, maintenance | Whole house |
Here’s how to keep your home spotless without getting overwhelmed:
Morning Quick Hits:
- Wipe kitchen counters
- Clean bathroom surfaces
- Make beds
- Sweep floors
Evening Must-Dos:
- Wash dishes
- Put everything back in place
- Quick vacuum
- Empty trash
What to Clean Each Season
| Season | Key Tasks | Safety Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Clean windows, screens | Check smoke alarms |
| Summer | Clean AC filters, fans | Test water quality |
| Fall | Clean gutters, heating system | Check CO detectors |
| Winter | Clean chimneys, check seals | Test air quality |
Check Your Indoor Air
Here’s something that might shock you: The EPA found that indoor air is often 2-5 times MORE polluted than outdoor air.
Here’s what you need to test:
| Test Type | Cost Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Radon | $10-30 (DIY kit) | Every 2 years |
| VOCs | $200-300 | Annually |
| Asbestos | $287-585 | As needed |
| Carbon Monoxide | $15-50 (detector) | Monthly check |
Keep Your Water Safe
| Test Type | When to Test | What It Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Kit | Every 6 months | Bacteria, pH |
| Full Panel | Yearly | Heavy metals |
| Well Water | Every 3 months | Contaminants |
| Municipal | Annual report check | Quality report |
"If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by your cleaning, then I highly recommend creating a home cleaning routine." – Adored By Alex, Lifestyle Blogger
Want to make cleaning easier? Pick ONE room each weekend instead of trying to tackle everything at once. It’s that simple.
Getting Expert Help
Here’s how to get professional support for creating a non-toxic home:
Home Testing Options
| Test Type | What It Tests | Price Range | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced City Water | Metals, minerals, chemicals | $290 | Tap Score |
| Essential Well Water | Basic chemistry, heavy metals, bacteria | Basic package | Tap Score |
| EMMA Test | 10 toxic molds, 15 mycotoxins | Contact for pricing | RealTime Labs |
| Green Home Inspection | Energy, air quality, sustainability | ~$350 | Local inspectors |
Working with Experts
Here’s what you’ll get with different consultation options:
| Service Type | Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Min Consultation | $99 | Basic guidance and recommendations |
| 60-Min Consultation | $197 | Full assessment + email follow-up |
| Deep Dive Package | $829 | 5 sessions + 15 follow-up questions |
| Healthy Home Coaching | $125/hour | Personal or group coaching |
Product Safety Labels
Look for these on product labels:
- Third-party certifications
- Full ingredient lists
- Chemical-free materials
- Non-toxic manufacturing processes
"Building a new house is very overwhelming but building a non-toxic house is ‘crazy’ for most people, especially for contractors." – Paula A
Help from Healthy Holistic Homes
What you’ll get:
- Non-toxic product picks
- Water purification help
- Home goods guidance
- Natural lifestyle advice
"Corinne was an indispensable resource in designing, sourcing and building my chemical-free, mold-free tiny home." – Belle T
"Corinne is incredibly knowledgeable, resourceful, practical and accommodating." – Dr. Ann Cohen
When to Test Your Home:
- Get water quality tests once a year
- Check for mold if you smell mustiness
- Keep tabs on air quality where you spend most time
- Test BEFORE big home updates
Special Family Needs
Here’s how to make your home safer for every family member:
Keeping Kids Safe
Kids love to explore. But common cleaning products can be dangerous. Here’s what to swap out:
| Area | Ditch This | Use This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Bleach cleaners | Vinegar + water mix |
| Bathroom | Ammonia products | Baking soda paste |
| Floors | Chemical mops | Steam cleaner |
| Windows | Chemical sprays | Vinegar solution |
Pet Safety Tips
Your furry friends need protection too. Watch out for these common dangers:
| Product | Problem | Better Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet Cleaners | Toxic if drunk | Rocco & Roxie Cleaner |
| Laundry Soap | Causes skin problems | EcoMe Floor Cleaner |
| Air Fresheners | Hurts breathing | Open windows |
| Surface Sprays | Gets on paws | DIY vinegar mix |
"Don’t let your pets ingest anything you wouldn’t eat!" – Anthea Schick, veterinary dermatologist
Safety for Older Adults
The CDC says 3 million older adults end up in the ER each year from falls. Here’s how to prevent them:
| Space | Fix | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Grab bars + higher toilet | $200-500 |
| Stairs | Non-slip strips + rails | $150-300 |
| Hallways | Motion lights | $50-100 |
| Floors | No throw rugs + non-slip wax | $30-75 |
Help for Sensitive People
For people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), these changes make a big difference:
| Area | Must Have | Must Remove |
|---|---|---|
| Floors | Cotton rugs or wood | Carpet, particle board |
| Air | EnviroKlenz system | Scented products |
| Furniture | Plain solid wood | Processed wood items |
| Cleaning | Natural solutions | Store-bought cleaners |
"The first project of this type which we took on was one we very much wanted because the client, in addition to manifesting serious sensitivities, also had refined taste and a robust budget." – Oliver Drerup
Making Changes That Last
Want to create a non-toxic home? Here’s how to do it without getting overwhelmed:
Simple Swaps That Work
Here’s what to change first (and how much it’ll cost):
| Week | Change | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glass food containers | $30-50 |
| 2 | Force of Nature cleaning kit | $70 |
| 3 | Entry mats | $20-40 |
| 4 | Shower filter | $50-100 |
Cut Costs While Cutting Toxins
You don’t need to spend big to make your home safer:
| What to Do | How Much You’ll Save | Quick Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Make your cleaners | $200/year | Mix lemon + vinegar |
| Shop secondhand | 50-70% off retail | Pick solid wood |
| Buy in bulk | 30% less | Stock up on basics |
| Go natural | $150/year | Switch to wool dryer balls |
Daily Steps That Work
Small changes = big results:
| When | What to Do | Why Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 10-min window open | Gets rid of indoor pollution |
| Pre-cooking | Use glass storage | Stops plastic chemicals |
| Shopping | Check Yuka app | Know what’s safe |
| Night | Take off shoes | Keeps dirt out |
Stay Smart About Safety
Know what’s in your stuff:
| Tool | What It Does | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| EWG Database | Rates product safety | Check before buying |
| THINK DIRTY App | Shows ingredients | Scan while shopping |
| Healthy Holistic Homes | Shows new research | Read weekly |
| Product Labels | Lists chemicals | Look for USDA seal |
"Indoor air packs 2-5 times more toxins than outdoor air. Bad ventilation and everyday items are the main culprits." – Environmental Working Group
Quick Tip: Pull out your phone and use Yuka while shopping. It’s the fastest way to spot safer products.
Tools and Resources
Here’s what you need to make your home safer:
Testing Kits and Apps
The Clearya app is your shopping buddy – it spots harmful chemicals while you browse online. Just install it and shop like normal.
For home testing, here are the must-haves:
| Test Type | Kit Name | What You’ll Find Out |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Tap Score Advanced City | Checks 111 things in your water, including lead |
| Mold | RealTime Labs EMMA | Spots 15 mycotoxins and 10 types of mold |
| Air | Airthings View Plus | Measures CO2, VOCs, tiny particles, and radon |
| CO2 | SAF Aranet 4 | Gives exact CO2 numbers |
Want to check your outdoor air? Grab the EPA’s AirNow app – it’s free.
Safe Products We Love
Here’s what works (and why):
| Product | Name | What Makes It Good |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Cleaner | AspenClean | EWG checked, no bad stuff |
| Dish Soap | AspenClean | EWG checked, made from plants |
| Laundry Detergent | AspenClean | EWG checked, won’t harm you |
Where to Learn More
These resources help you dig deeper:
| Resource | Use It For | What’s Inside |
|---|---|---|
| EWG Database | Checking Products | Info on 112+ cleaners |
| Tap Score | Water Info | Lab tests + fixes |
| RealTime Labs | Mold Help | Expert videos + advice |
| Healthy Holistic Homes | Weekly News | Latest research |
When to Call the Pros
Some jobs need experts:
| Who to Call | When | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Tap Score Labs | Once a year | Test your water |
| RealTime Labs | If you spot mold | Run pro-level tests |
| Enthalpy Analytical | Air problems | AIHA-approved testing |
| EWG Program | Product checks | Expert-reviewed items |
"At Clearya, we help people pick safer products for their families." – Chen Rosner Orbach, Clearya Co-founder
Wrap-Up
The numbers don’t lie: indoor air packs 2-5 times more toxins than outdoor air. And here’s the kicker – we spend 90% of our time inside.
Let’s break down what ACTUALLY works to cut home toxins:
| Area | Quick Fix | Long-Term Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Open windows daily | Install Airthings View Plus monitor |
| Water Safety | Basic filter | Tap Score Advanced City water test |
| Kitchen Items | Switch to glass storage | Replace Teflon with cast iron |
| Bedroom | Natural pillows | Avocado Green Mattress |
| Cleaning | Castile soap + vinegar | AspenClean product line |
Small changes = big impact:
| Change | Why It Helps | Time to See Results |
|---|---|---|
| Entry mats | Stops chemicals at door | Immediate |
| Glass containers | No BPA leaching | 24 hours |
| Wool dryer balls | No dryer sheet chemicals | First wash |
| Open windows | Fresh air exchange | 15 minutes |
When to bring in the pros:
| Test | When | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Water quality | Yearly | $200-500 |
| Air quality | Every 6 months | $100-300 |
| Mold check | If you spot issues | $300-800 |
"We spend 90% of our time indoors – and one-third of that time in bed, so a key area to focus on for creating a non-toxic home is the bedroom." – McKel Hill Kooienga, MS, RDN, LDN, Founder of Nutrition Stripped®
Here’s what makes this so important:
- 84,000+ chemicals lurk in cleaning supplies
- The FDA has only tested 200 of them
- In New Zealand, indoor toxins cause asthma in 1 of every 8 kids
Here’s how to start:
- Focus on one room
- Replace products as they run out
- Check your air and water
- Add spider plants and English ivy
- Keep up with new options
Bottom line: Take it step by step. Pick what matters to your family and build from there.
FAQs
What kind of toxins can be in a house?
Let’s look at what’s hiding in your everyday household items:
| Product Type | Hidden Toxins | Health Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Products | Formaldehyde, Nitrobenzene | Cancer risk |
| Air Fresheners | VOCs, Terpenes | Respiratory issues |
| Furniture Polish | Methylene Chloride | Hormone disruption |
| Carpet Cleaners | Naphthalene, Perchloroethylene | Long-term damage |
| Drain Products | Lye | Burns, internal damage |
Here’s what you need to know:
Most people don’t realize that their home is full of these chemicals. And the scariest part? They’re in products you use every day.
"Household products are not closely regulated. They may contain formaldehyde, nitrobenzene, methylene chloride – suspected human carcinogens – and reproductive hormone disruptors and asthma inducers." – Angela Sisk, RN, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Memorial Hermann Cancer Center
What are the effects of toxic household products?
Here’s what these toxins can do to your body:
| Exposure Type | Short-Term Effects | Long-Term Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Contact | Eye irritation, Skin burns | Organ damage |
| Fumes/VOCs | Headaches, Dizziness | Respiratory disease |
| Chemical Mix | Throat irritation | Hormone problems |
| Residue | Skin rashes | Asthma development |
Want to make your home safer? Here’s what works:
- Mix 1 capful of Young Living Thieves cleaner per spray bottle
- Pick products with the EPA Safer Choice label
- Look for Green Seal or Ecologo stamps
- Buy "low-VOC" or "VOC-free" items
- Skip anything marked "Danger" or "Poison"