How to Overhaul Your Home to Create Low-Tox Living for You and Your Family

How to Overhaul Your Home to Create Low-Tox Living for You and Your Family: An 10-Step Guide

Living a low-tox lifestyle is more than just a trend—it's a conscious decision that so many of us are now making to protect both our health and the environment by reducing exposure to harsh chemicals. While many people start by changing their diets or personal care routines, the home environment is often overlooked. From cleaning products to furniture, toxins can be hiding in unexpected places. By making mindful choices, we can create a healthier living space for ourselves and our families. This is what I did over 10 years ago now when I had burn out and became hyper sensitive to a lot of common substances used in and around everyday products and homes. 

Here’s our 11-step guide to overhauling your home for low-tox living that made a difference for me.

1. Switch to Natural Cleaning Products

Traditional cleaning products are often filled with harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, harm indoor air quality, and even pose long-term health risks. Natural cleaning products are safer for both you and the planet.

• What to Do: Look for plant-based cleaning solutions free of chlorine, ammonia, and harmful fragrances. Simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar can also do wonders for cleaning.
• Why it Matters: Natural cleaning products reduce indoor air pollution and minimise exposure to harmful chemicals.

2. Opt for Low-VOC Paints and Finishes

Many conventional paints and finishes contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that release toxic fumes into your home.

• What to Do: When redecorating, choose VOC-free paints and finishes. These options are just as effective but without the toxic side effects.
• Why it Matters: Reducing VOCs improves air quality and helps reduce health risks associated with inhaling these harmful chemicals.

3. Select Non-Toxic Furniture

Furniture can be a hidden source of toxins, particularly if it's made from synthetic materials or treated with flame retardants.

• What to Do: Choose furniture made from natural materials like wood, organic cotton, or wool. Avoid synthetic upholstery and treated wood products.
• Why it Matters: Reducing synthetic materials in your home prevents off-gassing of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde.

4. Purify Your Air Naturally

Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to the accumulation of dust, chemicals, and allergens. Using air-purifying methods can help cleanse the air in your home.

• What to Do: Incorporate air-purifying plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and English ivy. Alternatively, use essential oil diffusers instead of overpowering artificial air fresheners.
• Why it Matters: These natural solutions can help reduce harmful airborne chemicals while improving your indoor air quality.

5. Choose Natural Fibres for Bedding and Fabrics

The fabrics that touch your skin regularly, such as bedding and towels, should be as clean and natural as possible.

• What to Do: Opt for organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp fabrics. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester, which can contain harmful chemicals.
• Why it Matters: Natural fibres are free from harmful chemical treatments, reducing skin irritation and improving overall comfort.

6. Eliminate Plastic in the Kitchen

Plastics can leach chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food, especially when heated. Replacing plastic kitchenware with safer alternatives is an essential step in a low-tox home.

• What to Do: Switch to glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers. Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
• Why it Matters: Reducing plastic use in the kitchen helps limit your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

7. Use Non-Toxic Personal Care Products

Personal care products like shampoos and lotions are often overlooked when creating a low-tox home. Many contain hidden toxins.

What to Do: Choose products like BodFood for their clean formulations. BodFood uses a blend of natural essential oils and safe, man-made fragrances that are certified for safety.

• Why it Matters: Non-toxic personal care products reduce exposure to harmful chemicals absorbed through the skin, and BodFood’s fragrances are certified to ensure they’re gentle and free from harmful substances.

8. Use Organic Lawn and Garden Care

Traditional lawn and garden care products can contain pesticides and herbicides that harm both the environment and your family’s health.

• What to Do: Opt for organic fertilisers and pest control methods, such as natural repellents or beneficial insects.
• Why it Matters: Organic gardening reduces the risk of chemical run-off into water systems and protects the environment.

9. Select Natural Materials for Home Decor

Home decor items like carpets, curtains, and pillows can contain harmful chemicals. Choosing natural materials helps reduce the toxic load in your home.

• What to Do: Look for decor made from natural fibres like wool or untreated wood, and avoid synthetic materials like vinyl.
• Why it Matters: Natural decor materials don’t off-gas harmful chemicals, making your home healthier.

10. Limit EMF Exposure from Electronics

Although we can’t avoid electronics entirely, we can minimise exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMF) from everyday devices.

• What to Do: Use low-EMF devices, turn off electronics when not in use, and avoid sleeping near your phone or other electronics.
• Why it Matters: Reducing EMF exposure can help improve sleep quality and reduce potential health risks over time.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Transitioning to a low-tox home doesn’t need to happen overnight. By making small, intentional changes in areas like cleaning products, fabrics, and personal care, you’ll create a safer, healthier environment for your family. Every step toward a low-tox lifestyle, whether it's swapping out your shampoo or choosing natural fibres for your bedding, is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future.