Do you think that your home is free of toxins and pollutants? Think again. From the foods we eat to the home appliances that we use, we are exposed to toxins in multiple ways. They are present everywhere, even in the cleansing agents that you use to keep your house clean. Some of these chemicals have immediate effects whereas others have an effect after a long term exposure.
Housekeeping is definitely an art that requires some time, a dedicated effort and a great deal of patience. Indoor pollution from toxins has greatly increased after the introduction of mass-produced housing. Materials made from petrochemicals such as plywood, particleboard, carpeting, vinyl flooring, adhesives, paints and fabrics constantly increase the toxicity of your house. In such a scenario, here are a few tips to keep your house toxin free:
- Go Natural: Most of the products that you use in your house are made from man made materials and are derived from petrochemicals. These include toilet cleaners, plywood, make up articles etc. Unfortunately, the biggest source of toxins in your house is nothing but petrochemicals. The petrochemicals can also be carcinogenic and can cause respiratory problems. Some of them can also cause causes liver and kidney damage. The best way is to replace products that are made from petrochemicals with products that are made with natural, non-hazardous and renewable products.
- Don't Use Chemical Insecticides/Pesticides: Use natural alternatives to pesticides for everyday home pest issues. One can make many effective and affordable pest solutions with ingredients like soap, vinegar, borax, and baking soda. Even better, you can seal up holes and cracks around windows and doors, baseboards, plumbing and wiring so that insects will not be able to enter.
- Good Ventilation: The best way to fight air borne toxins is to have a good ventilation system in place so that toxins are thrown out of your house without any human intervention. Be sure to install an air filter in your house which is cleaned or replaced regularly. Make sure you use ceiling fans to keep the air circulating.
- Have Plants in Your House: A very natural and easy way to add oxygen to the air is by having plants in your house. You can also grow herbs such as Basil and mint which will help clean the air with their natural fragrances. Make sure you water them regularly and keep them healthy.
- Read Labels When Purchasing: When purchasing products for your house, take a moment and read the labels carefully. If it has signal words such as caution, warning, danger, and poison, it is sign that the product contains something toxic. Be sure to avoid such products.
- Use Natural Cleaners: Select cleaning products that are made from plant-based materials, such as oils made from citrus, seed, vegetable or pine. Mostly all these cleaners are biodegradable and generally less toxic. For clothes, instead of chemicals detergents, use a combination of washing soda and borax in your machine.
- Choose Organic Foods: Organic food is grown on natural fertilizers and pesticides and has shown to have less pesticide residue. Choose organic fruits and vegetables for your family whenever possible. Make sure you rinse all fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove chemical residues.
- Clean Your House Regularly: Use a soap-and-water solution to mop up kitchen and bathroom floors, and go over rugs with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) is a type of filter that can trap a large amount of very small particles that other vacuum cleaners would simply recirculate back into the air of your home. HEPA filters are 4 to 20 times more effective than standard panel filters in removing dust particles from the air.
Making your house toxin free is going beyond the regular cleaning tactics. But it is worth the effort because in the long run, you and your family will reap the rewards.
