You eat well and exercise, hoping that these efforts will effectively “detox” your body and mind. However, let’s not forget toxins are looming in the objects around you, especially those in the comfort of your own home. You may feel warm and cozy and go the extra mile to make sure that everything is relatively sterilized and clean, but if you are using harsh household cleaners, not letting air circulate throughout your home or forgetting to pay attention to silent “killers”, you might be doing those body cleanses no good. Here are 5 ways that show you how to detox your home. It’s simple!
1. Let it Breathe
It may be a good thing that houses are insulated so well as to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but they are so tightly sealed, air does not have the opportunity to circulate throughout. Imagine the kinds of bacteria that are hidden in carpets, the walls, couches, and personal items. Inside air can be up to five times more polluted than outside air. Open your windows and let fresh air indoors for just 5 minutes per day, even in the winter. That’s all it takes to keep the air alive and not stale.
2. Clean Out Your Cleaning Products
Even cleaning supplies contribute to the toxic environment; they may disinfect, but they are in and of themselves harmful chemicals. The ingredients in cleaning products are nothing to write home about. They often contain chlorine bleach and ammonia, which can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, lungs and heart. Paired with other toxic materials, exposure to cleaning supplies can lead to negative long-term effects such as cancer. Other harmful ingredients include DEA, TEA, preservatives, fragrances, phosphates and APE. Such chemicals interfere with proper hormone function and agitate the skin. Most household cleaners are also not readily biodegradable and can destroy plants and animals on land and in the sea. Make your own homemade all-purpose cleaner, which can be effective way to clean up without putting your health at risk.
3. Get Rid of the Pan
Getting into the grittier details, have you ever thought about the pans you use? Non-stick pans contain teflon, silverstone and other coatings that give off perfluorochemicals, which are considered to be carcinogenic (read: cancer causing!) by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
4. Detect Carbon Monoxide (Before it’s Too Late)
Carbon monoxide is dangerous and can be deadly. Even a small leakage can make you suffer from headaches and fatigue. If you notice these symptoms, have a professional look at your gas system. Carbon monoxide is completely odorless, so there is no way to detect it unless you pay attention to your body or regularly check up on your home system. Install a detector to protect yourself and your health before it’s too late.
5. Quite Smoking (Indoors)
The so-called reality of “third-hand smoke” has reached the masses – we are now away of particles and gases that stick to surfaces long after a cigarette has been burned out. The smoke sets into the walls, the carpet, the sofa, and virtually anything with surface area. Don’t let smoke set into your belongings, ultimately affecting you and your family beyond comfort. Keep smoking to outdoors.
Related on EcoSalon
Link Love: Winter Tea from Trees + Love Hacking + The Best Detox Books
EcoMeme: Non-Smoking Section Expands
20 Unusual Uses for Baking Soda
Photo Credit: MicheleM_