I want to create a healthier, happier home for my family, and I know many of you want the same. While we can’t control everything, we can choose which products we bring into our spaces and make simple decisions that reduce unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful ingredients.
Recently I discussed hidden toxins that may be lurking in everyday household items. The important takeaway is not to feel overwhelmed or guilty. You don’t need to become an expert on every ingredient overnight. Small, consistent changes—one product at a time—are practical and effective.
I keep things simple by focusing on positive, achievable swaps. I may not solve every problem, but I can be thoughtful about what I spray on countertops, apply to skin, or use around my children. Less is more—minimize the number of products and be selective about ingredients to reduce potential risk.
Minimize the number of products and be selective on ingredients to minimize potential risk.
I share what we use and why so you have ideas that might help you narrow choices. Information evolves, so stay curious and update your decisions as new research emerges.
Here is a short, non-exhaustive list of ingredients worth researching:
- parabens
- phenol
- benzene
- ammonia
- bleach
- fragrance (phthalates)
- dyes
- phosphates
- triclosan
- sodium lauryl sulfate / sodium laureth sulfate
- flame retardants
Our family avoids harsh products when possible. We don’t feel the need to lather chemicals on our bodies, scent the air with unknown compounds, or rely on aggressive cleaners when safer alternatives work well.
We still have items to evaluate, but we’re steadily replacing products with gentler, plant-based options. Simplifying chemical use and redefining what “clean” means is a smart direction for many households.
Try the DIY daily shower spray we shared and other simple recipes to reduce harsh cleaners.
Simple swaps matter.
A safe product is often one that stays close to its natural state—plant-derived ingredients grown and processed responsibly. Responsible farming and transparent production often matter more than a label. Doing a little research can earn you confidence in the products you choose.
Even small steps toward a healthier home are worth it. Moderation and common sense are excellent guides.
Below are practical products and methods we use or trust. These suggestions are what works for our family—use them as a starting point to find what suits your household.
Simple non-toxic ways to clean
If you enjoy DIY solutions, start with a few base ingredients and combine them as needed. Unscented castile soap is a versatile foundation for many homemade cleaners and personal-care recipes.
We like unscented castile soap for its gentle, multi-purpose uses. You can customize it with a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a natural scent.
Castile soap can be used as:
fruit and vegetable rinse, body wash, hand soap, shaving cream, makeup brush cleaner
DIY non-toxic cleaning with baking soda
- Clean sinks by rubbing with half a lemon and a sprinkle of baking soda.
- Make a basic scrub: baking soda, a splash of dish soap, warm water and a rag.
- Unclog drains: 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar; after fizzing, flush with hot water.
- 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 an inexpensive, effective option. Add a drop of essential oil for a fresh scent if desired.
Better health with pure essential oils
Pure essential oils offer plant-based scent and therapeutic possibilities when used safely. Oils from reputable sources can enhance homemade cleaners, personal care items, and diffusers without adding synthetic fragrances.
Not all essential oils are equal—some products labeled “natural” may include fillers or poor-quality ingredients. Choose suppliers committed to transparent sourcing and quality control.
Essential oils can scent cleaners and home diffusers while providing benefits that align with a more natural approach to household wellness.
One all-purpose plant-based cleaner
A single multipurpose cleaner can simplify your routine. We rely on a concentrated plant-based household cleaner that dilutes to clean most surfaces effectively, replacing the need for numerous harsh products.
For general cleaning, dilute one capful of the cleaner in a 16-ounce spray bottle of water. Adjust concentration for tougher jobs or add baking soda for scrubbing power.
- Countertops, stove and sinks: 1 capful cleaner + 3 1/2 cups water. Patch-test porous surfaces first.
- Toilet: 1/2 capful cleaner + 1/4 cup baking soda, scrub with a toilet brush.
- Sink or toilet scrub: 1 cup baking soda + 1/4 cup cleaner + 10 drops lemon oil + 1 tsp vinegar; store in a jar.
- Shower: Use a dish brush filled with water, a couple squirts of dish soap, and two splashes of cleaner; scrub and rinse.
- Floors: 2 capfuls cleaner + 1 gallon warm water; mop with a damp mop and test an inconspicuous area first.
- Fabrics and rugs: Use diluted cleaner for spot cleaning, testing first on an out-of-sight area.
Rethinking on-the-go products
We replaced many chemical hand sanitizers and artificial scents with plant-based hand purifiers and small roller bottles of natural blends. Making your own blends is simple and allows you to control ingredients.
Detergent and dryer alternatives
Avoid artificially scented dryer sheets and harsh detergents. Plant-based laundry detergents and reusable wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil keep laundry fresh without unwanted chemicals.
Clean skincare and makeup
We’ve replaced many conventional skincare and makeup items with simpler, cleaner alternatives. Swapping products used on skin and lips for gentler options was an important step in reducing daily chemical exposure.
Many families find value in a regular order system for essentials to simplify keeping a cleaner home supply of trusted products.
Scenting the home without toxic chemicals
Avoid products labeled only as “fragrance,” “parfum,” or generic “natural,” since they can hide undisclosed ingredients. Pure essential oils and quality diffusers offer safe, pleasant scent alternatives. For ambiance, battery-operated candles provide flicker without combustion risks; if burning candles, choose soy or beeswax with a cotton wick.
Final recommendations
Food choices and what you bring into your home play a major role in family health. Start with a few achievable swaps, test products on small areas, and gradually replace items with safer alternatives. I’ll share more recipes and product ideas in future posts.
Where to find plant-based cleaning and wellness products
Many plant-based cleaning, personal care, and wellness products are available through reputable suppliers and can be purchased at wholesale prices for convenience. Choose brands with transparent sourcing and quality standards to get started with safer, effective products for a cleaner home.
Follow our wellness Instagram for tips and blend ideas.