Skip to main content

Simple ways to detox your home so it’s safe for your family

A healthy lifestyle requires you to go on a journey as opposed to running a marathon. In other words, learning how to detox your home doesn’t happen all at once. However, you can take small consistent steps toward ridding your home of toxic substances that circulate everywhere. And we have a few ideas with non-toxic products to share with you on this matter. So below are simple ways you may use to detox any impurities like chemicals, dust and allergens, and EMFs.

Various plants on a shelf and on the kitchen counter
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Improve the indoor air quality

Who would’ve thought that plants could be the most common non-toxic products? Green plants enhance the health of your home by consuming the carbon dioxide from the air inside and releasing more oxygen. If you have very little time or know-how when it comes to plant care, you can also bring in some low-maintenance types that serve a dual purpose.  For example, aloe vera plants can thrive indoors with enough natural light. Plus, you can extract the gel from the leaves of a mature plant to use as a topical ointment for dry skin or to soothe sunburn.

Recommended Videos

Another step you can take toward detoxifying is ensuring that your home is super ventilated. The best course of action is to periodically open the windows to let in a fresh breeze that drives out the stale air.  You can achieve this by opening all windows in the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and washrooms and to keep them open for a few minutes to an hour to allow a natural flow of air. Taking this step also limits your exposure to pathogens.

boy standing in front of the television set playing a game
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Limit exposure to EMFs

In addition to limiting exposure to stale air, you and your family can also shorten the screen time. When wondering how to detox your home, you might not connect the amount of time spent in front of a screen or near the microwave with a health hazard. However, knowing where to place your electronic gadgets in your house makes a difference to how much exposure you have to EMFs (electromagnetic field exposure). You would also have learned about different ways of using these devices to avoid prolonged contact.

Appliances and devices, such as the microwave, laptops, tv-screens, phones, tablets, and I-pads, emit electrical rays which can cause the growth of tumors that might lead to cancer. Therefore, you’ll need to pay extra attention to the user manuals and follow the instructions that relate to lessening your exposure to EMFs. You might even consider avoiding microwaves and opting for warming up your food on the stove or in the oven.

Buy a different vacuum

You might also think about investing in a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to rid your home of dust and dust mites. By eliminating these particles, you’re also cutting back on levels of various chemicals and allergens especially if you also vacuum the curtains, all ceiling fan blades, and the furniture.

Additionally, taking good care of your vacuum cleaner and changing the filter at least once a month lessens the amount of dirt containing germs and bacteria. Plus, you’ll lengthen the life of your vacuum cleaner.

plastic containers of different colors and sizes
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Subscribe to purchase a bundle of non-toxic products

Purchasing a subscription for a bundle of non-toxic cleaning and hygiene products presents an ideal option for removing toxins from your home and protecting the environment. With fewer trips to the store, you’re not just saving money on gas but also decreasing your carbon footprint.

Also, these subscriptions have become more common as families look for ways to save money and time while still purchasing quality products. One such subscription is Splosh which offers three choices of “starter boxes.” The smallest starter includes laundry detergent, hand wash gel, and “washing up” liquid for dishes. The largest of the three includes the previously mentioned products along with:

  • Kitchen cleaner
  • Dishwasher tablets
  • Laundry stain remover
  • Shower gel
  • Bathroom gel

Splosh also gives you the option of building your own starter box. From there, you would simply order refills either on an as-needed basis, or you can save by subscribing for the same product for monthly delivery.

Conclusively, these ideas are just a start. As you search for more information on how to detoxify your home, you’ll come across alternative, non-toxic products to replace your standard, everyday cleaners. You’ll also find ways to incorporate HEPA filters as part of your cleaning routine. Plus, there are HEPA filters that are manufactured specifically for your home’s HVAC system. With these measures along with decreasing your screen time, and occasionally opening up your windows, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of having a healthier and safer home.

Leslie Anderson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Leslie Anderson is a freelance writer/writing coach from Roswell, N.M. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and helping students…
5 600-calorie dinner ideas your family will love
Delight your family with these healthy, budget-friendly dinners
Chicken and vegetables

Eating low-calorie meals on a family-friendly budget can almost feel like an unattainable goal these days. Especially when these meals need to be prepped and served within an hour, sometimes even in shorter time frames. Busy lives, kids' after-school activities, work commitments, and long hours are just a few of the obstacles families face to sit down together and share a meal.

If your goal is to feed your hungry family without breaking the bank or sacrificing flavor or health, grab your grocery list and a pen. We've found five of the best 600-calorie or less dinners for families.
Baked lemon and herb cod

Read more
What to do when your child is obese
How these healthy habits can help with childhood obesity
Standing on a weight scale

Parents only want what's best for their kids, and that means facing health challenges head-on. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity is a major issue in the U.S. with around 13.7 million young children and adolescents falling into the obese category. A child is considered obese if his or her Body Mass Index (BMI) or body fat measurement is over the 95th percentile. Most BMIs for kids and teens are in the fifth and 85th percentile range. A child above the 85th percentile is considered overweight for their age.

The concern with obesity in children and teens is the impact on overall physical and emotional health. Obese children and teens face an increased risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, joint problems, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Future health problems include a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer. An overweight child is more likely to be obese as an adult, as well.
The concerns with childhood obesity

Read more
What does poison ivy look like? What you need to know to protect your kids
How can you keep the kids away and how do you help if they get into it?
Children playing outside in the grass.

We all love to kick the kids outside for some fresh air and time away from screens. But instead of worrying about what video the kids are watching, parents need to check for things like bugs and plants that fight back. If your child comes back inside from playing and you later notice your kiddos scratching, they may have found a patch of poison ivy while exploring the great outdoors. What does poison ivy look like, and how can you keep the kids away?

Since there is no way to prevent your children from getting the rash once they touch the plant, all parents need to know what poison ivy looks like. Here's how to identify the plant to steer clear of it and what the rash looks like if those little hands accidentally get too close.
What is poison ivy?

Read more