By Daniella Chace, MSc, CN

Most of us want to reduce toxins, yet our society is not set up to make this possible without a concerted effort going into most decisions we make throughout the day. We may want to use less plastic, for example, but it can be difficult to find something as simple as a toothbrush that’s plastic-free. It’s hard to do the right thing for our bodies and planet because we lack the infrastructure to help us. 

That’s where a home detox can help. In my work tracking down toxins (triggers of disease), I have discovered that most are right under our noses—at home. In fact, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we are exposed to more toxins indoors than out, and our homes have become our number one source of toxicity. 

One reason for this is that more than 40,000 chemicals are used to manufacture common consumer goods. Because we spend most of our time indoors, we are exposed to these chemicals daily, and they have a greater impact on our health than outdoor environmental pollution.

A Path to Health 

Welcome to a whole new world of insight into the causes of disease and a direct path to improved health. In my career as a toxicology clinician, I have been fortunate to help thousands of clients stem the effects of environmental toxins—starting with the home. 

Many people reach out to me after their doctor has told them that they have a degenerative or chronic disease and there is nothing much to be done about it. The truth is that our bodies are making new cells around the clock, so we are constantly healing. 

A good first step is to get tested for toxins (eg, elevated levels of heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, immune-suppressing fungi, or pathogenic bacteria) and get to work boosting nutrients, removing toxins, and treating infections. 

Become a Toxin Detective

Toxins are linked to numerous common health conditions. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-treated substances (eg, nonstick coatings on cooking pans) can raise cholesterol levels. Heavy metals can affect blood pressure. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause migraines. 

One of the most surprising and common ways we take in toxins is by breathing in chemicals that have become stuck to the dust that permeates our indoor environments. This consistent exposure to a combination of toxic substances can overwhelm our immune systems and interfere with biological functions. 

For example, studies have proven that chronic low exposures to common VOCs may be a significant health issue. VOCs are found in items that we come in contact with daily, such as oil-based paints, paint strippers, nail polish remover, adhesives, wood finishes, Teflon-coated pans, and air fresheners. 

But rest assured, our bodies have a powerful natural detoxification system, enlisting the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph, gastrointestinal tract, and even our sweat to excrete toxins. As soon as the compounds that are interfering with our biological processes are cleaned out, our bodies can begin to heal.

The Home Detox Method

Home detox cleaning is a method for removing pathogens and toxic residue on surfaces, in fabrics, and in the air. Let’s go over a few examples of natural cleaning tools that can help you get the job done easily. 

Biodegradable Cleaning Gloves

If you’re using nontoxic, food-grade cleaning solutions, gloves aren’t necessary. But if you still would like your hands covered, opt for biodegradable or compostable gloves. Skip gloves made of vinyl, PVC, or synthetic latex. 

Bottles and Jars

You’ll need sturdy glass bottles and jars (with lids) in a variety of sizes for storing your homemade cleaning solutions. Canning jars are a good option—the glass is thick and non-reactive, plus the jars are long-lasting, refillable, and sustainable. 

Broom & Dustpan

A well-made broom with properly cut fiber is a must-have. Bristles made of natural materials, such as bamboo, palm, straw, and vegetable fiber can last for generations, yet they are completely biodegradable and compostable. I particularly love the combination of design and function in the traditional natural-fiber brooms and brushes from Japan, Sweden, and Germany. 

Look for a dustpan made of stainless steel, wood, bamboo, or some other natural material, rather than plastic. Think how you will store it, too. If you want to hang it from a hook, look for a dustpan with a hole in its handle. 

Cleaning Brushes

Brushes are critical. With the right brushes, you will find that you need very little cleaning solution—and you save some serious elbow grease. If you already own plastic scrub brushes, keep using them until they are worn out, rather than buying new brushes, to conserve resources. When you’re ready to buy new cleaning brushes, look for wooden varieties with plant-based bristles. 

Rags

I find that cotton cloth works better than paper towels; paper gets soggy and falls apart and you end up using a lot of it. Making paper towels requires industrial processing and many trees, so they are a real drain on our natural resources. 

Microfiber cloths are popular, but microfiber is eighty percent polyester and twenty percent polyamide: plastic and chemicals! These cloths release microplastics into waterways and cannot be recycled or composted. 

Instead, look for cotton, hemp, and bamboo cloth rags, as they are biodegradable. I prefer 100 percent cotton terry cloth for cleaning and have a big stack of the washcloth sizes in my kitchen and cleaning daddy. 

Tip: Old rags are good to have around for wiping up messes because you can toss them out guilt-free. Anything cotton that is at the end of its life can be made into rags. I cut up old towels and clothes and use socks like a glove when cleaning. 

Sponges

Use sponges made of plant fibers like gourd, coconut shells, and walnut shells. They stay clean for a long time thanks to natural organic biocides that kill mold and bacteria. They are also eco-friendly because they’re completely biodegradable. Avoid plastic sponges, as they contain phthalates and glues. 

Vacuum

A proper vacuum cleaner is an essential tool for removing dust from nooks and crannies, and from carpet fibers. I prefer a vacuum with a washable filter rather than vacuum bags so that I don’t have to keep vacuum bags on hand, plus it saves money and creates less waste. If you are sensitive to dust, look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. 

Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions

Making your own cleaning solutions has three big advantages: no toxins, less expense, and less waste. By using ingredients such as tea tree essential oil from a glass bottle, baking soda from a paper box, and real lemons, you skip all the chemicals and plastic packaging. This is important for our health and the planet, and these zero-waste solutions cost a small fraction of the bottled products found in most homes. 

For my cleaning solutions, I rely on the following ingredients for their effectiveness, sustainability, and low-waste packaging, and ease of access. Each ingredient has a purpose. Lemon juice and vinegar, for example, have acids that break down oily substances. Abrasives like baking soda and salt offer scrubbing ability. And antimicrobial essential oils kill bacteria, mold, and fungi. 

One caveat about essential oils: Remember that they are concentrated and powerful. They can be diluted in cleaning solutions; added to laundry water, or used full-strength in the soil around the house to deter pests. However, if drips of full-strength essential oils are left on paint or varnish, they can erode the surface. I learned this the hard way when a few drops landed on my new washing machine and left pockmarks. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is inexpensive and shelf stable for years. I use it in many of my cleaning solutions as a nontoxic abrasive. 

Castile Bar Soap

Castile soap is a soap made from plant oils in a style similar to that originating in the Castile region of Spain. Plus, it is gentle and mild, and doesn’t contain harsh surfactants.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are volatile, aromatic oils extracted from plants. Many are potent antimicrobial agents. My favorite antibacterial essential oils are eucalyptus, lemongrass, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, and tea tree. 

My favorite antifungal essential oils are citronella, geranium, lemongrass, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, and tea tree. 

My top choice is tea tree essential oil because it is broadly antimicrobial, effective against bacteria, fungi (including mold), mildew, viruses, and mites, and it can be used in both cleaning solutions as well as personal care products, including toothpaste and deodorant. 

When you’re working with essential oils, look for organic, and always dilute them, as they are highly concentrated. 

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract, which has virtually no fragrance, is a potent antimicrobial agent. It can be used interchangeably for any essential oil.

Salt

Both table salt and coarse salt work well as gentle abrasives and are especially handy for jobs like scrubbing cast-iron pans. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, softens water and helps lift soil from fabrics when used in combination with soap. 

White Vinegar

Vinegar contains acetic acid produced by fermentation via bacteria. It bleaches, cuts grease, and breaks down minerals, such as lime buildup on faucets. 

Home Detox Cleaning Solutions

With a few simple ingredients, you can make all the household cleaning solutions you need. These are four of my go-to formulas; you may alter the recipes to meet your needs once you have tested them. I like to make my solutions ahead of time so I can move through my cleaning chores easily.

Dishwasher Detergent

Dishwasher detergent is often unnecessary. Dishwashers heat water to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature needed to kill microbes. All you really need is a little baking soda to alkalize the water, which helps remove fats and proteins. 

1 tablespoon baking soda

Pour the baking soda into the soap dispenser and run the dishwasher as usual.

Essential Oil Spritzer

Water and essential oil are all you need to add fragrance to a room. If you’re feeling creative, mix oils to create your own signature scent. 

1 cup water

½ teaspoon essential oils

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake, and spritz as needed.

Bedbug Treatment

Commercial bedbug treatments are highly toxic. You can treat a bedbug infestation effectively with oregano or thyme essential oil. The two oils contain monoterpenoids (carvacrol in oregano, thymol in thyme) that have been proven effective in killing and repelling bedbugs. 

½ cup water

1 tablespoon oregano or thyme essential oil

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Mist all areas of the affected mattress with the spray. Open windows to ventilate the room and let the mattress dry. Then vacuum thoroughly to remove dead bugs.  

Pan Degreaser 

This acidic combination breaks down fats and works well to remove grease buildup on pans and around stove hoods and vents. The solution will last a couple months in a cool, dark cupboard and longer in the refrigerator. Keep in mind, the citrus juice residue can cause mold to develop in the lid of the jar, so I try to use up each batch within a few months. 

A few citrus peels

2 cups white vinegar 

Drop the citrus peels into a jar and add the vinegar, making sure that the peels are submerged in the liquid. Put on a lid and let the mixture sit for a few weeks so that the acidic vinegar can draw out the oils from the peels. Then remove the peels. 

To use, apply a few tablespoons to a clean cloth or scrub sponge and wipe down greasy surfaces. Or pour the solution into a spray bottle, mist onto greasy surfaces, and wipe with a dry cloth. 

These recipes are a good first step to minimizing exposures to some of the most common toxins in daily life. With a trained eye, you can begin to identify potential sources of illness and educate others. A passion for healthy living is a beautiful thing for society as a whole; and if kids live in your house, know that you are supporting their health today and into the future, and this means healthier humans for generations to come.

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Daniella Chace, MSc, CN, is a nationally recognized clinical practitioner, author, and educator in the field of medical nutrition therapy. She is the creator and host of Nutrition Matters, a health science program covering hot topics in toxicology, medicine, and nutrition aired on NPR stations nationwide. She lives in Washington State and can be found at DaniellaChace.com

Well Being Journal adapted the above excerpt from Home Detox: Make Your Home a Healthier Place for Everyone Who Lives There by Daniella Chace, MSc, CN. Text © 2023 by Daniella Chace. Reprinted with permission from Storey Publishing. Learn more at https://www.storey.com/books/home-detox/