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National Post

Detox your domain with our chemical-free home handbook

Article content Consider exploring some do-it-yourself cleaning alternatives using simple, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, sal suds and essential oils. DIY cleaning solutions can often be more cost-effective than ready-made products and provide excellent results while allowing you to control the ingredients you use. Article content One of the biggest chemical culprits in the cleaning world is laundry soap, which can be replaced with a mixture of castille soap, borax, sal suds, washing soda and essential oils. Surface cleaner is another easy one — just soak citrus peels in vinegar and a week later you have a potent countertop spray. A quick search online for a cleanser for your specific task will result in myriad options. Often, many recipes will use the same base ingredients, so one purchase of a few staples will cover chemical-free formulas for your whole home. Article content Get picky about packaging Article content If you're shopping for cleaning products, look for brands that offer refill options or concentrate formulas to reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact. There are even new options like natural laundry detergent sheets which are lighter to ship, smaller to store and environmentally friendly. Article content Beyond consumer goods, consider the packaging of the containers and vessels you choose to bring into your home, and opt for paper or glass materials over plastic as plastic can contain phthalates that leech into plastics and the air. One place to start making the swap from plastic to glass is with your food storage containers. These OXO rectangular containers are perfect for lunch or snacks, while these big Pyrex round containers are great for leftovers. Article content Ditching air fresheners and aerosol products, such as hairsprays, dry shampoos and deodorants, is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment and improving indoor air quality. Aerosol products release tiny particles and harmful chemicals into the air, which can lead to respiratory issues and aggravate existing conditions like asthma or allergies. Purify your air Article content Bringing plants into your home can significantly improve its health and contribute to a more chemical-free environment — and make it look cute! Plants naturally filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. By introducing plants into your living spaces, you can improve air quality and reduce the presence of pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in household items like furniture, carpets and cleaning products. Plus, plants contribute to a calming and stress-reducing atmosphere, promoting overall well-being. Article content In addition to plants, air purifiers can also play a vital role in creating a chemical-free cocoon. These devices use filters to trap airborne particles and pollutants, effectively removing them from the air. Seeking a purifier for your home? Look no further than the Dyson Purifier Hot and Cold (read our full review here) which works year-round to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. Article content Embrace a shoe-free policy in your home. Why? Shoes can track in dirt, dust, allergens and various contaminants from outside, spreading them throughout your home. By removing shoes at the entrance — or better yet, outside — you can help prevent pollutants from settling on your floors, carpets and furniture. This simple practice can not only maintain a cleaner living space, it'll reduce the need for constant cleaning, and ultimately improve indoor air quality. Not to mention, keeping shoes off indoors can extend the lifespan of your floors and minimize the use of cleaning chemicals.