Creating a low-tox lifestyle isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about choosing better where it counts, especially in the small things you use every day. Since I was young, my mother taught me to pay close attention to the ingredients in my products. I’m always shocked at how many unnecessary chemicals are in things we use daily: hand soap, dryer sheets, candles, even toothpaste!
If you’re curious about cleaning up your environment but don’t want to feel overwhelmed, here are 10 easy, low-tox swaps that actually make your life simpler, not harder.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner –> Vinegar, Natural Brand, or Vinegar + Essential Oils
Conventional cleaners are loaded with synthetic fragrances and harsh preservatives. Try a DIY vinegar solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Or try a cleaner brand like Branch Basics, Puracy, or Force of Nature.
2. Scented Candles –> Beeswax or Coconut Wax Candles
Most store-bought candles contain paraffin (a petroleum byproduct) and artificial fragrance. Swap them for candles made with essential oils and beeswax or coconut walk. You’ll still get cozy vibes, just minus breathing in avoidable toxins.
3. Plastic Storage Containers –> Glass or Stainless Steel
Heat + Plastic = chemical leaching. Especially when it comes to the kitchen and cooking. Invest in a few glass or stainless steel containers to store food safely. They last way longer and look better in your fridge. The same goes for kitchen utensils and cutting boards. Use wooden ones instead!
4. Conventional Hand Soap –> Castile Soap or Low-Tox Brands
Many hand soaps contain SLS and synthetic fragrance, which can irritate the skin and disrupt hormones. Try castle soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) or a clean brand like Plain Products.
5. Synthetic Air Fresheners –> Simmer Pots or Essential Oil Diffusers
Those plug-ins and sprays? Often full of phthalates and formaldehyde (that’s what they use to embalm dead bodies). Instead, simmer citrus peels with cinnamon on the stove, or diffuse essential oils. I personally don’t love for essential oil smells to seep into my clothes and walls and furniture, so I opt for a vinegar solution (like listed above) to clean the floors and surfaces in my house and brighten the smell in my home.
6. Non-Stick Cookware –> Cast Iron or Stainless Steel
Traditional nonstick pans are coated in teflon, which can release harmful gases at high heat. Cast iron is naturally nonstick when seasoned and adds a little extra iron to your food.
7. Dryer Sheets –> Wool Dryer Balls
I personally don’t use either, but dryer sheets are full of fragrance and questionable softening agents. Wool dryer balls reduce static and speed up drying time. If you want a gentle scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil. Again, I’m not a fan of smelling like essential oils, so I always opt out of using those.
8. Flavored Toothpaste –> Mineral-Rich, Flouride Free Options
Switch to a clean toothpaste that doesn’t use artificial dyes or sweeteners. Look for ones with hydroxyapatite (a natural enamel-supporting ingredient), like Risewell or David’s.
Read my blog about Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste to learn more here!
9. Plastic Shower Curtain –> Fabric or PEVA Curtain
PVC (used in most plastic curtains) off-gasses for weeks. A cotton or PEVA alternative won’t, and it’ll feel more elevated too.
10. Conventional Lotion –> Tallow Balm, Natural or Oil-Based Moisturizers
Many lotions contain endocrine disruptors hidden in “fragrance” and preservatives. Swap for simple, nourishing alternatives like beef tallow, jojoba oil, or shea butter blends. My favorite is Momona Super Tallow!!
Small Steps, Big Wins
You don’t have to do everything at once. Just pick one or two swaps to start with. Whatever feels the easiest. Over time, these small changes add up to a home that feels cleaner, calmer, and safer for you and your family.
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