In the last 50 years, around 80,000 new chemicals have become available to purchase. As little as 200 have actually been tested! Harsh chemicals are found in everything from shampoo to cleaning products, toys to baby bottles, furniture, carpet and even clothes.
Some products, including self-care products, contain ingredients that could be damaging to your reproductive health or your baby’s development.
However, there is some good news! There are many simple steps you can take to reduce harmful chemicals in your home!
1. Cosmetics & Personal Care
While not all the chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products are dangerous, some definitely are. Things like petroleum are formaldehyde are not safe but are found in many common cosmetics.
Why is this such an issue? The ingredients in cosmetics don’t sit on the surface of your skin. They penetrate human tissues leaving preservatives like parabens in your body.
Luckily, you can make your own cosmetics at home. Don’t go overboard and throw all your cosmetics and care products away at once! Slowly, remove the more harmful products or the products you use least from your home. Begin by making body wash, face wash and homemade moisturisers. Not only are you removing nasty chemicals from your home, but you’re also saving money!
2. 100% Beeswax Candles
Do you know what’s in the candles you’re burning at home? Most candles, when burning, release harsh chemicals such as benzene and ketones. Even soy and palm oil candles will go through colouring and scent process which causes them to release nasty chemicals when burning.
It turns out, 100% beeswax candles clean the air through the negative ions they release when burning. This helps rid the air of pollutants in your home and living spaces. Many people swear 100% beeswax candles have changed their quality of life and won't burn anything else. They are perfect for your living room, kitchen and even bathroom.
3. Change the Way You Clean
Cleaning is essential in any home. Unfortunately, most of the cleaning products under the sink are riddled with harsh chemicals. Bleach, ammonia and synthetic fragrances or dyes are common products everyone should try avoiding.
So, what are the alternatives? If you don’t trust any store-bought products, try making some of your own. It will take a few minutes to find simple cleaning recipes on the web. Anything from homemade window cleaner to natural toilet bombs. So, what's the benefit of making your own cleaning products? You know exactly what’s in them!
While making your own products offers a safe alternative, busy parents don’t always have the time. That’s why thousands of Aussie homes are turning to Koh. A safe, effective and eco-friendly Cleaning System for your entire home. It’s a simple all-in-one system that cleans ovens, showers, floors, grout, jewellery and even more! The best part, it offers peace of mind because it’s asthma and allergy friendly with no toxic fumes or nasty chemicals.
4. Clove Oil to Remove Mould
Mould is often a tricky fix around the home because it can require the use of bleach. Alone, bleach is a harmful chemical that you don’t want around your home or children. Did you know that bleach can create a toxic gas when mixed with certain chemicals?
For example, mixing bleach with ammonia can cause chlorine gas which you don’t want! You never want to expose your skin or eyes to harmful toxins like these.
Turn to clove oil! All you do is put half a teaspoon of 100% clove oil into a spray bottle with a litre of water and hit the mouldy areas! Simply wipe it down with a wet cloth or brush for the stubborn mould.
5. What are HEPA Filters?
What is a HEPA filter and what does it do? Well, there are many disrupting compounds in household dust including phthalates and pesticides. A HEPA filter is a mechanical air filter that forces air through a fine mesh. Using one helps trap the nasty toxins and particles in the air. These filters have even been known to provide some allergy relief.
6. The Multiple Benefits of Essential Oils
Many natural essential oils have disinfectant properties. In comparison, commercial anti-bacterial products contain harsh chemicals like triclosan and formaldehyde. Merely swapping out these harsh chemicals and burning essential oils can drastically reduce harmful toxins in your home. The most effective blends are lemon, lavender and eucalyptus. So, burning some essential oils will fill your home with a sweet aroma and detox it of nasties.
7. Always opt for Fresh
Ideally, you always want to be purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables. If you can’t get them fresh, buy them frozen. You always want to steer clear of canned goods. Commercially canned goods have BPA, or bisphenol A. It’s an industrial chemical used to make plastic and resins. Products packaged in glass or cardboard are a much safer option!
Taking the necessary steps to detox your home of unkind chemicals can be a long process. However, it’s a rewarding process. Take it one step at a time. Your kids, pets and anyone else under your roof will thank you in the long run!