I want to create a healthier, happier home for my family, and I know many of you want the same. We can’t control everything, but we can make thoughtful choices about the products we bring into our homes.
Recently I wrote about hidden toxins found in everyday products you might keep under the sink or in the bathroom cabinet. The key takeaway: don’t let the task of researching every single ingredient paralyze you. You don’t need to fear every product or blame yourself for what you didn’t know. Instead, focus on a few positive, manageable changes.
I keep it simple by minimizing the number of products we use and being selective about ingredients. Less is more.
I won’t fix the world overnight, but I can choose what I spray on my countertops and what I put on my skin. Small, steady changes add up.
Minimize the number of products and be selective on ingredients to reduce potential risk.
I share the products I use and why, not to tell you what to do, but to offer options that might help you narrow choices. Research evolves, so staying informed helps you make better decisions for your household.
Below is a short, non-exhaustive list of ingredients you may want to research further. This list is meant as a starting point, not to alarm.
- parabens
- phenol
- benzene
- ammonia
- bleach
- fragrance (phthalates)
- dyes
- phosphates
- triclosan
- ammonia
- sodium lauryl sulfate / sodium laureth sulfate
- flame retardants
Whether a chemical poses a known risk or only a potential concern, our family chooses to avoid harsh products when possible. We don’t need to apply questionable chemicals to our bodies, breathe them as artificial scents, or use them to clean our homes. We’re gradually evaluating what to replace and making better choices over time.
Simplifying how many chemicals we bring into the home and redefining what “clean” means is a practical step toward wellness.
Check out the DIY shower spray we posted and other DIY ideas if you enjoy making simple cleaners yourself.
Here are a few practical changes we’ve made at home.
When I look for products, I prefer items as close to their natural state as possible—plant-derived or minimally processed. If I buy from a company, I favor brands that demonstrate responsible farming and a clear commitment to quality.
Responsible farming isn’t just a label. It reflects soil quality, growing practices, and the company’s standards for purity. That can take a bit of research, but it gives me confidence in the products I bring home.
Small steps toward a healthier home are better than none. Moderation and common sense are good guides.
Below are some products and approaches we use or trust. They may not be right for everyone, but they illustrate how choices can be simplified. Baby steps are progress.
SIMPLE NON-TOXIC WAYS TO CLEAN:
If you enjoy DIY solutions, start with a few base ingredients and combine them in different ways. One versatile base we use is unscented Dr. Bronner’s castile soap. It’s a multi-use product and can be gently scented with essential oils if desired.
Dr. Bronner’s castile soap can be used as:
fruit and vegetable rinse
bath soap
hand soap
shaving cream
makeup brush cleaner
Glass spray bottles and other reusable containers are handy for mixing and storing homemade cleaners.
DIY NON-TOXIC CLEANING WITH BAKING SODA:
- Clean a sink with half a lemon and a sprinkle of baking soda.
- Sprinkle baking soda in the sink, add a splash of dish soap, and scrub with warm water and a wet rag.
- Clear a drain by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. After it fizzes, flush with 6 cups of hot water.
- To make a toilet bowl cleaner: 1/4 cup baking soda + 1 cup vinegar.
- All-purpose cleaner: 1/2 cup vinegar + 1/4 cup baking soda + 1/2 gallon water.
Baking soda is simple, effective, and inexpensive. Add a drop of essential oil to boost the scent if you like.
BETTER HEALTH WITH PURE ESSENTIAL OILS
Pure essential oils are plant-derived and can enhance DIY cleaners, personal care products, and home diffusers. When selected from reputable sources, they add pleasant scent and can offer supportive benefits without the harsh chemicals found in many synthetic fragrances.
Not all oils are created equal. Some products labeled “natural” may contain fillers or be sourced from unknown suppliers. I choose essential oils from companies with transparent sourcing and quality standards.
Plant-based oils can scent the home while supporting a more natural approach to wellness. Use them thoughtfully and research brands you trust.
One All-Purpose Plant-Based Cleaner
If you want a single effective plant-based cleaner, consider a concentrated household cleaner created from essential oil blends. A small amount mixed with water can clean most surfaces and often replaces several harsh products.
Many plant-based household cleaners are concentrated, versatile, and pleasantly scented. Diluted properly, they’re suitable for most tasks.
A concentrated plant-based cleaner is versatile and economical when diluted. One bottle can make many bottles of ready-to-use solution, making it an affordable alternative to conventional cleaners.
How to use a concentrated plant-based cleaner
A common dilution for everyday cleaning is one capful of concentrated cleaner in a 16-ounce spray bottle filled with water. Adjust strength as needed and test on delicate surfaces first.
- Countertops, stove and sinks: Mix 1 capful cleaner with 3 1/2 cups water and do a patch test first. Many plant-based cleaners work well on a variety of surfaces.
- Toilet: Use half a capful with 1/4 cup baking soda and scrub with a brush.
- Sink/toilet scrub: 1 cup baking soda + 1/4 cup cleaner + 10 drops lemon oil + 1 tsp vinegar; mix and store in a sealed jar.
- Shower: Use a dish brush filled with water, a little dish soap, and a splash of cleaner. Scrub before rinsing.
- Wood and tile floors: 2 capfuls cleaner per gallon of warm water; mop with a damp mop and test a small area first.
- Fabrics and rugs: Diluted cleaner can be used for spot cleaning; always patch test first.
A concentrated, plant-based cleaner can simplify your cleaning routine while reducing exposure to harsh chemicals.
Replacing toxic personal and household products
We used to carry chemical hand sanitizers and heavily scented products. Over time we switched to plant-based hand purifiers and sprays and make our own roller blends with essential oils for personal scent and wellness. Making your own blends in glass roller bottles is simple and enjoyable.
Swap toxic laundry products
Avoid artificially scented dryer sheets and detergent with questionable ingredients. Consider plant-based detergents and reusable wool dryer balls. Add a few drops of essential oil to dryer balls for a fresh scent without synthetic fragrances.
Clean skincare and makeup
Personal care products—makeup, toothpaste, lip products—are important to evaluate because skin absorbs what we apply. We’ve gradually switched many items to simpler, cleaner alternatives and continue clearing out products that don’t meet our standards.
A subscription box or regular order system can help keep essentials on hand and make transitioning easier. Customize frequency to suit your needs if you choose recurring orders.
Scenting your home without toxic chemicals
Be cautious with products labeled “fragrance,” “parfum,” or even “natural,” since labels don’t always disclose all ingredients. Essential oils are a transparent option for fragrance when sourced from reputable producers. They offer pleasant aromas and can provide supportive properties, unlike many synthetic fragrances.
For ambience, battery-operated candles create a safe flicker without smoke. If you use real candles, choose soy or beeswax with a cotton wick to avoid paraffin and synthetic additives. DIY room sprays made from simple ingredients and essential oils are another toxin-free alternative.
Other recommendations
What we eat matters for our overall health, and choosing better food is another important step toward a healthier home. I’ll share more product recommendations, DIY cleaning recipes, and tips in future posts.
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Ordering information
Many plant-based cleaning, personal care, cosmetics, and wellness products are available at wholesale pricing. Choosing trusted products makes it affordable and easier to begin transitioning to a cleaner home.
Follow our wellness accounts for more ideas and blend suggestions.