Detoxing Your Home

The thing about family disasters is that you never have to wait long before the next one puts the previous one into perspective. ~Robert Brault

When you think of the word toxic, you usually think of big disasters involving harsh chemicals, don't you? In our homes, though, there are little tiny ways that bring toxicity into play, so here are some ways to help you detox your home, room-by-room and keep your home air quality healthy.

Kitchen

Don't microwave food in plastic. There are lots of opinions out there about plastics being toxic, so use ceramic or glass, and use a paper towel to cover the food.

Filter your drinking water. Even the best water has some impure particulates in it.

Keep cleaners locked away from small kids. Be sure they're tightly sealed.

Find organic dishwasher soaps. They can be just as effective as your current brand.

Don't use spray cans to kill bugs. Use boric-acid based bait stations. Of course, keep your house impeccably clean. This will ensure a healthy home air quality.

Bedroom

Check your pillows and mattresses for dust mites. Find covers tightly woven to keep them out.

Fight the moths with cedar instead of mothballs. And a great way to detox your home is to:

Vacuum frequently and dust. You can prevent all sorts of microbes from living in your room. Vacuum your furniture, too.

Bathroom

Use a deodorant that does not block your pores. Eliminate aluminum, paraben and phtlate based deodorants.

Find organic products to clean the toilet, tub, sink and floor in your bathroom. Baking soda will work, or try a bit of vinegar.

Ventilate your bathroom well. Open the windows when possible and use a fan. This will reduce moisture and prevent molds and mildew.

Garage

Get rid of old paints and solvents or any product out there that is toxic. Each community has a way to recycle them. You might donate old paints to a good cause. Don't dump them down a drain. You may pollute your own drinking water!

Air out your new car. Fresh air can get rid of any pollutants that come with new fabrics, new dashboards, etc. in a new car.

By using some of these tips to detox your home, you'll be enjoying a more healthful home air quality and a greater peace of mind.