How to Remove Toxins from Your Household: A Guide to a Healthier Home

Written By Nicole Oberdorf

Optimal health starts from the inside out—beginning with a balanced gut and extending to the environment you live in. Your home should be a sanctuary, but everyday items can introduce toxins that impact your well-being, from hormone-disrupting chemicals to air pollutants. Reducing these toxins can support your body’s natural detoxification processes, complementing a gut-focused approach to wellness. Here’s a practical guide to detoxifying your household, with simple steps to create a cleaner, healthier living space.

Why Toxins in the Home Matter

Household toxins—found in cleaning products, plastics, furniture, and even air fresheners—can accumulate in your body over time, contributing to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and digestive issues. These stressors can disrupt your gut microbiome, which we know is the foundation of overall health. By minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals, you’re not only protecting your physical health but also creating a nurturing environment for mental clarity and vitality.

5 Practical Steps to Remove Toxins from Your Household

1. Swap Out Harsh Cleaning Products

  • The Issue: Many conventional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and ammonia, which can irritate your respiratory system and skin or disrupt hormones.

  • The Solution: Switch to non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives. Look for products labeled “fragrance-free” or “plant-based” with certifications like EPA Safer Choice or EWG Verified. (Hint: download the EWG app to easily look up the toxin rating of household cleaners to help make better choices).

    • Some of my favorite household cleaners include Branch Basics and Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. I dilute them and use them for pretty much all of my cleaning needs. Since they’re concentrates they last a long time.

  • Pro Tip: Always check ingredient lists, as “green” products can still contain hidden toxins. Avoid terms like “fragrance” unless the source is specified (e.g., “lavender essential oil”).

2. Ditch Plastic Food Storage

  • The Issue: Plastics, especially those containing BPA or phthalates, can leach chemicals into food, particularly when heated. These endocrine disruptors may interfere with hormone balance and gut health.

  • The Solution: Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel options. Brands like Pyrex or Glasslock are durable and safe for storing and reheating food. For on-the-go, invest in stainless steel lunchboxes or beeswax wraps instead of plastic bags.

  • Pro Tip: Never microwave food in plastic containers, even if labeled “BPA-free,” as other chemicals may still leach. Use a glass dish with a lid or a ceramic plate to cover.

3. Improve Indoor Air Quality

  • The Issue: Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to VOCs from furniture, paint, carpets, and synthetic air fresheners. Poor air quality can strain your immune system and exacerbate gut-related inflammation.

  • The Solution:

    • Ventilate: Open windows daily to circulate fresh air, even for just 10 minutes.

    • Add Plants: NASA studies show that plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants can filter toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

    • Use an Air Purifier: Choose one with a HEPA filter and activated carbon to capture VOCs and allergens. Look for models certified by AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers)

    • Skip Synthetic Air Fresheners: Opt for essential oil diffusers or simmer herbs like rosemary and lemon on the stove for a natural scent.

  • Pro Tip: Dust and vacuum regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum to reduce toxin buildup in carpets and furniture.

4. Choose Non-Toxic Personal Care Products

  • The Issue: Skincare, haircare, and cosmetics often contain parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that can be absorbed through your skin, adding to your body’s toxic load.

  • The Solution: Opt for products with natural, minimal ingredients. Check for certifications like USDA Organic or EWG Skin Deep’s low-hazard rating. Some trusted brands include Dr. Bronner’s, Burt’s Bees, or local artisanal options.

    • DIY Option: Make a simple body scrub with coconut oil, sugar, and a drop of peppermint essential oil.

  • Pro Tip: Use apps like Think Dirty or EWG’s Healthy Living to scan product barcodes and check for toxic ingredients before buying.

5. Be Mindful of Furniture and Textiles

  • The Issue: Flame retardants, formaldehyde, and other chemicals in furniture, mattresses, and bedding can off-gas, releasing toxins into your home for years.

  • The Solution: When possible, choose organic or natural materials like cotton, wool, or linen for bedding and curtains. Look for furniture labeled “low-VOC” or made from solid wood instead of particleboard. For mattresses, consider brands certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard).

  • Pro Tip: If replacing furniture isn’t feasible, let new items off-gas in a well-ventilated area (like a garage) for a few days before bringing them indoors. Use a mattress encasement to reduce exposure to chemicals in older mattresses.

Bonus Tips for a Toxin-Free Lifestyle

  • Filter Your Water: Tap water can contain heavy metals, chlorine, or PFAS (forever chemicals). Install a countertop or under-sink filter certified by NSF/ANSI standards to remove contaminants.

  • Cook with Safe Cookware: Avoid non-stick pans with PTFE or PFOA coatings, which can release toxic fumes when overheated. Opt for cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic-coated cookware.

  • Shop Mindfully: Buy organic produce when possible to reduce pesticide exposure, prioritizing the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” list (e.g., strawberries, spinach).

  • Declutter: Less stuff means fewer surfaces for dust and toxins to accumulate. Donate unused items and keep surfaces clean.

How This Supports Your Gut Health

Reducing toxins in your home directly supports your gut microbiome by lowering the inflammatory burden on your body. A cleaner environment means your immune system can focus on healing rather than fighting off chemical stressors.

Take the First Step Today

Start small—choose one area, like swapping out a single cleaning product or adding a plant to your living room. Small changes add up to big results. If you’re ready to take your health to the next level, let’s connect at Joy Integrative Wellness. Together, we can create a personalized plan to detoxify your body and home, starting with your gut.

Ready to transform your health from the inside out? Contact me today to schedule a consultation and discover how gut health can unlock your vitality!


Nicole Oberdorf
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