How To Create A Healthy Non-Toxic Home

Our home is our sanctuary (hopefully!). It’s where we raise our children and grow love.

So it is only natural to want a healthy, non-toxic home environment.

Toxins and chemicals are sneaky though, they can be found in many of the products that we use every day!

If you have a health issue like adrenal fatigue, an autoimmune disease, asthma, allergies, or any number of other health concerns, you may want to consider the effect that these chemicals have on your health and the burden they may place on your body (and your children or pets too!)

So what is a concerned person, such as yourself, to do?

Read on! You will find information about some of the unhealthy products we use every day and easy tips to help make your home a healthy one!

So, What Is Naturally Healthy Home?

It may not be completely possible to have a home totally free of all toxins. Our world is full of chemicals, toxins, and materials that are not necessarily beneficial to us.

But, to me, a healthy non-toxic home is one where we make an effort to improve our health and lives (think: the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products we use) by choosing non-toxic and less toxic products.

We may not have control over everything, but we do have the ability to choose what products we buy and use, and that can improve our home environment.

How To Improve Your Home Environment: Where To Start Making A Healthy Non-Toxic Home

My suggestion is to take a few days and notice the things that you use every day.

If you are making a list, you could divide items into rooms, categories, or levels of importance.

Don’t stress yourself out too much over this, it’s just a way to become aware of your home environment 😉

Let’s start creating a healthy non-toxic home in the kitchen and move on from there 😉

Create A Clean, Healthy Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of the home!

It is also a place where many chemicals can be found. Common chemicals found in a kitchen can include harsh cleaning products, plastics, non-stick pots and pans, fragrances from soaps and candles, and more!

This is concerning because we are exposed to hundreds, if not thousands of man-made chemicals each day. These chemicals have been associated with health issues such as hormone disruption, immune system problems, dementia, and certain cancers.

But don’t worry! There are easy-to-find or make alternatives that will help you have a clean and healthy kitchen!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Cookware/Bakeware

What is yours made of?

If you have pots and pans that are non-stick, you’ll want to replace them as soon as you can. Chemicals used to make pots and pans non-stick have been associated with serious health problems!

Good options include:

Dishes And Drinkware

Dishes or dinnerware often have high levels of lead or cadmium which, over time, can accumulate in your body causing a list of concerning health problems for everyone, but especially children.

If you are ready for new dishes or drinkware here are some that are free of these substances.

Water Filters

Having clean, safe water is important for an overall healthy life. Yet, many of us live in areas where our water has higher levels of contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals.

Water filters are a great way to lessen the contaminants and help create a healthier home environment.

When picking out a water filter don’t forget to consider a shower filter as well (unless you buy a whole house water filter). We may not drink the water in our shower but we do absorb chemicals through our skin.

Not only that but showering releases the chemicals from the water into the air and these same chemicals can cause skin irritation.

All good reasons to consider a shower filter too!

Here are my top water filter picks:

Berkey Countertop Water Filter– this is a great option that is fairly affordable if you don’t want to permanently install a unit under the sink or if you’re not ready for a whole-house unit. We’ve found that Berkey’s are also great to take along in an RV when you go camping!
14 Stage Biocompatible Water Purification System– this system has three purifiers, removes 99.99% of contaminants, and then restructures and remineralizes the water! You can feel great knowing that your family is getting very pure, healthy water if you choose this option.
Whole House Water Filtration– ok, I’m not gonna lie, a whole house water filter isn’t cheap. But with a system like this, you wouldn’t have to worry about the water you drink, wash dishes in, or when you shower or bathe. You would have water that is free from chemicals and contaminants but still has naturally occurring minerals. This is the one I’m saving for!

If you’re looking for shower and bath filters, here are a few great choices:

Berkey Shower Filter
Rainshow’r Shower Filter
Vitabath Dechlorination Tablets – this isn’t a filter but Vitamin C is known to neutralize chlorine and chloramines in the water. My kids love these because they are fizzy and fun! 🙂

Storage

Do you use plastic grocery bags, plastic wrap, or plastic storage containers?

They are so convenient, but not only are they bad for the environment, they are also bad for us.

Swap plastic grocery bags, baggies, and plastic wrap with these healthier and eco-friendly options:

Dish Soap/Dishwasher Detergent

Do you usually reach for Dawn or Cascade? There’s no doubt that those products get dishes clean, but the chemical ingredients are cause for concern.

Not to mention, they can really dry out your hands!

For healthier options, check out these products:

Natural All-Purpose Cleaners

Common chemical cleaners contribute to indoor air pollution and often contain harsh chemicals and VOCs that have been found to be as hazardous to people as smoking!

Instead of harsh household cleaners, you could DIY it and make your own, or switch to products that are safe and use natural ingredients.

Safe and effective cleaning products for your home include:

Transform Your Bathroom and Laundry

I mentioned above that chemical cleaners are known for increasing indoor air pollution and can be as bad for you as smoking, but did you know that chemicals can be in a product and not be listed?

A University of Washington study found, that of the products they tested, all “gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but none of those chemicals were listed on the product labels.

Now, being exposed to the chemicals in laundry products may not have a big impact if it were once or twice, but these chemicals do not get rinsed out in the washer. They are made to stay on your clothes to keep them smelling fresh and clean. And because of this, we are constantly exposed.

Interested in finding cleaner options? Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Healthy Laundry Products

Want to try making your own laundry products?
Try these quick, easy, and effective DIY recipes!

Easy Laundry Soap Recipes
Natural Bleach Alternatives
DIY Stain Removers
Healthy Alternatives To Dryer Sheets

If making your own laundry products isn’t for you, here are healthier options that will clean your clothes without harsh chemicals!

Laundry Soap

Bleach Alternatives

Stain Removers

Dryer Sheet/ Fabric Softener Options

White Vinegar
Wool Dryer Balls

Healthy Bathroom Products

The bathroom, much like the kitchen, can have harsh chemicals from cleaning supplies but can also have harmful chemicals from sources that are not as obvious, like from your shower curtain or liner.

Cleaners

Interested in making your own bathroom cleaners?
Check out my DIY Pinterest board for great recipes and inspiration!

Shower Curtains And Liners

Have you ever noticed the strong smell that many shower curtains have when you first buy them and bring them home? That is called off-gassing :/

Did you know that shower curtains made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) have been shown to release over 100 chemicals into the air?

Not only that, several of the chemicals found in shower curtains have been classified by the EPA as hazardous air pollutants.

If you want to lessen your exposure to these harmful chemicals and choose a shower curtain that will not contribute to indoor air pollution, there are a few great options:

Cotton– a cotton shower curtain is made from natural materials but will absorb water so a liner may be a good idea with these shower curtains.
Hemp– this material is a good choice for shower curtains because it’s naturally mildew resistant and dries fairly quickly. It does, however, absorb water and the cost is a bit higher.
Polyester– although not a natural material, polyester can be used as a less harmful option for a shower curtain or liner.
Nylon– like polyester, nylon is not a natural material but is also a less harmful option, although it does seem to dry a little slower than polyester shower curtains.

Create A Non-Toxic Bedroom

We spend a third of our lives sleeping (or at least trying to!), so it makes sense to try and make this part of the home as healthy and non-toxic as possible. A room full of healthy products is going to help ensure that you are exposed to fewer chemicals, have better air quality, and in turn will help you get better, more rejuvenating sleep.

Ready to create a healthy bedroom? Let’s get to it!

Healthy Mattress Options

Conventional mattresses are often made with materials that contain toxic chemicals like foam, chemical flame retardants, and vinyl, all of which pose serious health risks.

The good news is that there are actually quite a few great mattress options!

Here are a few of my favorites:

DIY Natural Bedding– even if you’re not a DIYer, you can easily make your own, personalized natural latex bed! This company uses natural latex, wool from local farms, and has organic ticking available so you can make your perfect bed with no harsh chemicals!
Naturpedic Organic Mattress– this mattress is organic, non-toxic, and GOTS certified. No flame retardants or chemical adhesives here!
Happsy Organic Mattress In A Box– Happsy mattresses are certified organic, made in the USA, and a very affordable, healthier option.
Joy Bed Mattress– these mattresses are made with natural materials, have an organic cover, and are a good option if you are looking for healthier materials with a more affordable price.

Healthy Pillows

We don’t often think about replacing our pillows unless it is getting worn out but did you know that pillows often have dead skin cells, sweat, natural oils, and dust mites.

In fact, after just 6-12 months there could be more dust mites than not in your pillow! Yikes!!

There are ways to decrease dust mites and other unwanted materials that are in your pillow. First, regular cleaning is essential but the material you choose has an effect too.

Here are a few natural, healthy pillow options:

Sheets And Blankets

Many sheets and blankets are made with non-organic cotton which is heavily sprayed with pesticides and can contain residues from these chemicals. But just like everything on this list, there are great alternatives that can help you have a clean, healthy, and more eco-friendly home!

Here are a few options you might be interested in:

Buying tip: Watch mattress companies you are interested in for sales.
They often include free sheet sets or pillows with purchase!

Outdoor Products For A Non-Toxic Lawn And Garden

This guide to a healthy home would not be complete if I didn’t include information on outdoor products.

Many of the products commonly used for lawns and gardens have very serious health concerns associated with them!

In fact, Monsanto (the maker of the weedkiller, Roundup) is facing thousands of lawsuits from people who believe that this product caused their cancer.

Thankfully, there are natural alternatives that work just as well without serious health threats.

If you’re looking for yard and garden solutions to weeds or pests, read on my friend!

Weed Killer

If you spray chemicals on your lawn or garden for weeds please know that doing so is a threat to your health and those around you.

Non-toxic and effective weed killers are easy to make at home. I have even used straight vinegar and that has worked for many different weeds.

Here are other natural options for weed control:

Salt
Boiling Water
Lemon Juice
Newspaper/Mulch

Pest Repellent Yard Spray

It is tempting to spray our yards with bug repellents so that we can be outside without having to deal with pests like mosquitos and ticks.

If you spray your yard please consider a natural option that is kid and pet safe!

Dr. Karen Becker gives great information on safe options for pets, including this recipe by Paul Harvey.

Tips For Creating Your Healthy Home

1. Be Sure To Research

This is so important! If you are working toward a healthier lifestyle and looking to replace products, be sure that you are bringing in better products by taking the time to really look into your options.

Here are a few of my favorite and trusted sources of information:

2. Take One Step At A Time

When you first begin this can all feel really overwhelming.

My advice is to replace one thing at a time as you need it. Want to replace your dish soap? On your next trip to the store pick up the healthier version!

Taking it one step at a time can help you make small but important changes that will get you closer to your goal of a healthy, non-toxic home 😉

3. Stay Inspired and Connect With Others

If you are looking for helpful information, have questions about healthier living, or need encouragement, one of the best things to do is find others with similar interests and reach out.

Odds are everyone there has had the same questions or challenges.

Here are a few places to find inspiration and connect with others:

Holistic Moms Network
Meetup
Local Libraries
Facebook Groups

4. Buy Used or On Clearance To Save

The easiest way to replace old, unhealthy products, with healthier options is to buy them one at a time, or as needed.

If you find that you don’t have the funds to buy all brand new pots and pans, bedding, or other items (that would be safe to buy second-hand), try scouring the thrift stores.

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or garage sales are great places to look too!

I can’t tell you how many cast iron, glass, and stainless steel pots and pans I have seen at these places. In fact, that is exactly how I started my transition to healthier cookware 😉

5. Buy Quality Products

It’s great if you can buy new, just be sure to buy quality items.

This is another reason research comes in handy.

You don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on low-quality items that you’ll have to replace sooner than later, but you also don’t want to spend more than you need to for a quality product.

Final Thoughts On How To Create A Healthy Home

Without a doubt, making changes to reduce toxins in your home can be a challenge!

One secret to tackling those challenges is to try not to get overwhelmed. To do this, make a list or plan similar to the list above, and think of all of the products you use daily.

Pick items to replace that you feel are most important (or most affordable) to start changing and go from there.

It can take time to research, try out new products, find what you like, and replace old items. That’s ok!

Every step you take is making your home, and your family, healthier!

Do you have a great tip on how to reduce or eliminate toxins and create a healthy home?
I would love to hear it!

Please feel free to leave a comment below or send me a message!

Easy Steps To A Healthy, Non-Toxic, healthier home

Ashley

August 30, 2019 at 7:26 pm

These ideas are fantastic! You provide such an easy layout to follow in order to make a home healthier!

I absolutely love Ecos! I started using this a few months ago to help reduce the harmful chemicals in the kitchen. I even use it for hand soap in the bathroom!

What do you recommend for cleaning the floor? I’ve used vinegar but is there another alternative or one that smells better?

Amy
September 1, 2019 at 7:23 pm

I’m so glad you liked the post, Ashley 🙂

As far as floor cleaners, vinegar can work well but it would depend on what flooring you have. Some materials have different requirements.

Rohit Patel

April 23, 2020 at 9:36 am

Hi, I read Your blog and I am very impressed after reading your blog, and your information about nontoxic home it’s very helpful for me. thank you very much.:)

Amy
April 25, 2020 at 2:45 am

Rohit,

So glad you like the info! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂