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The Best Ways to Detoxify Your Living Space
Guest post written By Lana Hawkins. Lana is an architecture student from Sydney an the editor-in-chief of Smooth Decorator
What is more polluted, outdoor air or indoor air? Most people would say outdoor air without any hesitation, but the truth is a bit different. Some research shows that indoor air is actually much more polluted because of all the fragrances, cleaning products, VOCs from paint, furniture and carpets, tobacco smoke, dust, cooking and heating gasses, office electronics and much more which cause your indoor space to become toxic. So, how can you detox your home and ensure it’s a healthy space for you and your family? Here are some of the best ways.
Use natural fibers and non-toxic paint
It’s a little-known fact that your furniture, carpets and curtains made of synthetic materials contain many toxic chemicals that are health hazards, especially when closed off in a small space such as your home. So, try to replace your artificial fabrics with natural fibers that will not off-gas in your home. Also, traditional paint contains VOCs that get released into your indoor air over time (especially right after painting) and can cause different health issues. However, there are low-VOC or zero-VOC paints available on the market that will make your indoor air much cleaner.
Make your own cleaners
Store-bought cleaners contain a lot of chemicals that are good for removing dirt, but bad for our health. Luckily, some everyday household items like baking soda, vinegar and lemon can serve as much more natural cleaners, and they do a very good job of making your home sparkle. You can switch your anti-bacterial products for some essential oils, like tea tree, lime and cinnamon. These will kill the bacteria, but not pollute your air with formaldehyde and other nasty chemicals.
Keep an optimal indoor temperature
Your heater may not be making your home toxic, but it’s definitely robbing your space of precious oxygen you need to function. Oxygen helps you sleep, focus and generally feel better. So, if you own a radiant heater, make sure to have proper ventilation. It’s better to wear a sweater or an extra blanket than to overheat your space.
Wash linen regularly
Coming home to a dirty sofa throw or bed linen will definitely reduce the comfort levels in your living space. So, make sure to wash your linen weekly, especially those fabrics that come into direct contact with your skin.
Remove office equipment
Even though it’s hard not to bring your work home, it’s best to keep your office equipment in a separate room away from your living space and your bedroom. Research shows that some electronics such as laser printers emit particles that can be harmful to your health.
Get rid of air fresheners and artificial candles
Most of us want our homes to smell and feel fresh, so we use air fresheners and fragranced candles, but usually, these are the exact source of indoor pollution. So, ditch the air fresheners and candles full of phthalates and petroleum, and opt for more natural options such as soy wax candles and just use baking soda to absorb unwanted smells.
Regulate indoor air quality
The best way to air out your living space is to open a window (especially if you’re not located next to a high-traffic road). Fresh outside air will quickly replace the stale indoor one and rid it of many gasses that collect over time. Another great way to regulate your indoor air quality is to introduce a few potted plants into your home. They will release oxygen, filter some of the harmful chemicals and make your space look more attractive. However, the best way to ensure a good quality of air in your home is to get an air purifier, especially if you or your loved ones suffer from allergies. You can check out reviews of the best air purifier for allergies and get the one that best fits your household’s needs and your allergy type.
Vacuum regularly
Carpets and floors harbour many contaminants such as dust, dust mites, pollen and others, so make sure you vacuum it regularly. The best way to get rid of these particles is to get a good HEPA vacuum or just get your carpets deep-cleaned. Additionally, leave your outdoor shoes at the door to avoid bringing dirt particles into your home.
All of these tips and tricks might seem overwhelming, but if you just make a few simple changes to your habits and get your whole household to help, you’ll have a perfectly clean, fresh and toxin-free home.
Thank you for stopping by!
Have a beautiful day !
I love these tips. Pleasant and more organised living is something I aim for in 2018
Great post! Do you have any recipes for natural cleaners? I would love to know some!
I do! I love using thieves essential oil to clean. I’ll add a few drops to my steam cleaner to clean the floors and mixing it with vinegar in a spray bottle for my kitchen counters. I use a few drops of it in the bottom of my garbage can to help with odors and a couple drops of lemon essential oil in my garbage disposal. I’ll write a post soon with all my recipes 😁
Wonderful tips! Thanks for sharing!
I love all these tips! You have a beautiful home
Great tips! I’ve made a big switch this past year to more natural cleaners and no longer use air fresheners or candles that aren’t soy. I plan on adding some more purifying plants to our home too!