Detoxing My Home – And My Life – One Small Step at a Time

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Life’s a journey, and mine has recently taken a turn towards simplicity. I’m not only talking about a healthier lifestyle but a lighter one. Less clutter, fewer chemicals, and yes – fewer toxic people, too. Every small shift feels like a step in the right direction, for both my space and my peace of mind.

When I started this journey, I was honestly shocked at how many toxic chemicals were hiding in plain sight around my home. You expect to find them in obvious places like harsh cleaners or bug sprays. But there are sneaky culprits you’d never guess are bringing toxins into your space. I want to hilight a few of these hidden hazards – and share a few changes I’ve made to detoxify my surroundings. (Spoiler: most of these are easy, affordable changes for anyone wanting to reduce household toxins.)

1. Scented Candles: The Cozy Glow That’ll Choking You Out

There’s nothing like the warm glow and scent of a candle, but those store-bought scented candles can be surprisingly harmful. Many are made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances, which release chemicals like benzene and toluene – known carcinogens. Over time, these can impact indoor air quality and our respiratory health. I’ve switched to beeswax candles with pure essential oils for scent, and I still get that cozy ambiance without the hidden pollutants.

(If you’re ready to swap out your candles, I’m obsessed with Serenita Candle Company , a Victoria, BC-based business offering 100% soy candles scented with pure therapeutic-grade essential oils and locally sourced flowers and herbs. Their products are designed to be clean-burning and non-toxic.)

2. Laundry Soap: The “Clean” That’s Actually Doin you Dirty

When I looked at what was in my regular laundry soap, I found ingredients like optical brighteners and synthetic detergents, which leave a residue on clothes to make them “look” cleaner. But that residue often stays on clothes, touching our skin and potentially causing irritation. Many laundry detergents also contain fragrances that can trigger allergies or other sensitivities.

Now, I make my own DIY laundry soap with a simple mix: coconut oil-based soap (I made myself), washing soda, soda ash, and a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. My clothes come out clean, smelling fresh, and free from unnecessary chemicals. This homemade laundry soap has been a satisfying little project that gives me peace of mind every time I do laundry.

3. Dryer Sheets: The Chem Cloud Clinging to Your Clothes

It’s tempting to toss a dryer sheet in for that “fresh” scent and soft feel, but many are loaded with synthetic fragrances and softening agents. Dryer sheets often contain phthalates (which can interfere with hormone balance) and quaternary ammonium compounds that can irritate the respiratory system. These chemicals can stick to your clothes, and in turn, your skin.

Instead, I’ve switched to wool dryer balls. They’re reusable, gentle on fabrics, and if I want a little scent, I can add a drop or two of essential oil. They’re a simple, eco-friendly swap, and I love knowing I’m not wrapping my clothes in a chemical cocktail. These are one of my FAVOURITE non-toxic swaps in the laundry room!

4. Non-Stick Cookware: The Slippery Poison in Your Kitchen

I used to love my non-stick pans – food just slides off, and cleanup is a breeze. But it turns out that many non-stick coatings contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which can release harmful fumes when heated. These toxic chemicals don’t just disappear; they linger in the home, where they can be absorbed over time. Now, I’m opting for stainless steel and cast iron instead. Sure, it requires a little more care, but I’d rather scrub a little than worry about breathing in those fumes with every meal.

(If you’re diving into cast iron cooking too, a good cast iron cleaner is essential. I’ve found this cast iron scrubber to be a real help -keeping my pans clean without any harsh chemicals.)

5. Carpets and Rugs: The Soft Surfaces Hiding Hard Toxins

This one surprised me: carpets and rugs, especially synthetic ones, can contain chemicals like formaldehyde, flame retardants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can off-gas over time, especially when new, and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Rugs and carpets also trap dust and other allergens, making them challenging to keep clean. I’m moving towards natural fiber options like wool or cotton rugs, which are more breathable and tend to contain fewer toxins.

6. Air Fresheners: The Sweet Smell of Silent Sickness

It’s easy to reach for an air freshener to mask a smell, but many contain harmful ingredients like phthalates and VOCs that linger in the air and can impact respiratory health over time. Some air fresheners don’t just mask odors but coat our nasal passages with chemicals. YIKES!

Instead, I make my own room sprays using essential oils. Not only do they refresh the room, but their natural, therapeutic benefits can uplift your mood and leave you feeling great mentally, too. It’s a simple, healthier way to keep the air fresh without relying on synthetic chemicals.

7. Your Couch: The Unexpected Polluter

It’s wild to think that your couch, could be bringing toxins into your home. Many pieces of furniture, especially foam-filled items like sofas and chairs, are treated with flame retardants – chemicals linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns. These chemicals can break down over time, becoming part of household dust and ultimately affecting indoor air quality. While I’m not overhauling all my furniture overnight, I’m now mindful to choose pieces labeled as free from harmful flame retardants whenever I’m ready for an upgrade.

Making these changes has felt empowering, one step at a time. I’m not looking for a perfect home free from every single toxin – just a healthier, more thoughtful approach that fits my pace. If you’re ready to make a small swap, start with one thing. Every small shift brings you closer to a cleaner, safer space, and you may be surprised at how good it feels.