We all hear about how to ‘detox our homes’ but in reality, how do we do this? The best ways are to simply use biodegradable cleaning products (without artificial fragrances) and use natural paint brands, leaving windows ajar when safe to do so, to allow fresh air.
If using natural scents, avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and medical conditions like asthma and epilepsy and high blood pressure). Also don’t use aromatherapy oils (including candles) near pets, air rooms before letting them back in.
Houseplants do not ‘clean the air’ (an outdated NASA myth). Many houseplants are also toxic to pets. Don’t place foliage near garden views, to stop birds flying into windows.
Home Detox is a guide to making your home a healthier place, for everyone who lives there. Written by a professional toxicologist, she teaches readers how to identify toxins with an easy room-by-room evaluation of the ‘Toxic Ten’ in each space.
She explains the connection between toxins in everyday objects, and chronic health issues like headaches, asthma, high cholesterol, skin and sleep problems. Then provides tips to eliminate toxins, with easy recipes for effective homemade cleaning solutions using baking soda, vinegar and essential oils.
From the bedroom mattress and pillows to daily cleaning for the kitchen bath, and from toothbrushes to furniture and clothing, learn what makes us sick, and how to change things. Author Daniella Chace is a clinical practitioner and educator, a leader in the field of medical nutrition therapy. She specialises in toxicology, medicine and nutrition, and lives in Washington, USA.
Other good ways to improve your home are:
- Replace Teflon cookware with safer ceramic versions (note all cookware is toxic to birds, so keep them safely away).
- Use reusable non-toxic storage to cover food like fabric or silicone, over plastic.
- Don’t use dryer sheets in your tumble dryer (also makes things flammable)
- Choose filtered tap water over plastic bottled water
- Use humane methods to deter critters over poisons (also cruel)
- Use a good vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- Switch to an eco-friendly shower curtain (free from PVC)
