Part four of The Home Detox Series
It’s no secret that many of the products that we use in our homes every day can be harmful to our health. From cleaners to furniture, there are countless items in our living rooms that can cause problems down the line.
The good news is, making your living room a safe haven doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of time and effort, you can easily detox your living space and create a healthy environment for you and your family.
So, what are the alternatives to toxins in your living room? Let’s check it out!
Toxic Items in the Living Room
There are many items in our living rooms that can be toxic, including:
- Cleaners
- Air fresheners
- Candles
- Furniture
- Carpets and rugs
The good news is, there are plenty of non-toxic alternatives to these items.
Cleaners
Conventional cleaners can have chemicals that may cause respiratory issues , allergies and even cancer. You can find safer, non-toxic cleaners at most stores. Or, you can make your own using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice (we will cover more on this in a minute).
Air fresheners
Skip the aerosol air fresheners or plug-ins and opt for a diffuser with essential oils instead. This is a much healthier option for your family.
Candles
Choose candles made with beeswax or soy wax instead of paraffin wax. Better yet, go with rechargeable candles. (I have these and I love them!)
Furniture
Be sure to check the labels on your furniture before you buy it. Many furniture items are treated with flame retardants and other chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Opt for untreated, natural materials like wood or bamboo instead (more on this below).
Carpets and rugs
Indoor air pollution is a serious problem for those living in homes with carpets and rugs. Many of these items are treated with chemicals that can off-gas into your surroundings, especially if they’re synthetic materials like nylon or polyester! If possible, choose natural fibers such as wool instead.
Now that we know what toxic stuff can be in our living room, let’s get it out!
First up…Detox Your Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your living room, don’t trust the harsh chemicals. And avoid those “clean” smells that may be hiding a secret – they’re created by dozens of different industrial fragrances which can have adverse effects on health! For example: studies have linked these chemicals to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even cancer.
So what’s a health-conscious person to do?
The good news is that there are plenty of non-toxic cleaners on the market that are just as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts – and they’re much better for your health.
Not to mention, they’re usually gentle enough to use around kids and pets. There are alternatives to glass and window cleaners, wood polish and floor cleaners. We have options!
Even better… start making your own cleaning products. It is super easy and saves you money also!
Remember… the smell of clean is no smell at all! So next time you’re in the market for some new cleaning supplies, make the switch to non-toxic cleaning supplies (or make your own) and breathe easy knowing your home is truly clean.
Next up, Start Organizing
The first step to a clean and organized living room is getting rid of all that clutter. It might seem overwhelming, but you can do this! Once it’s done, not only will your space look better but it will also be easier to keep clean.
Start by decluttering your living space. Walk around and pick everything up and put it where it needs to go.
Then, get rid of any items you no longer use or need. You can either sell some of the stuff you don’t use and make some cash, donate or give it away.
Lastly, for the items that you do have, create a system for storing these items. Look into getting baskets, bins, and shelves to keep things in order.
You know best how your family uses this room. If the kids like playing in the living room, create shelves with baskets to store all of their toys. Strictly use the space for lounging and watching movies? Get a sofa organizer to store all of the remotes. Or, if you use it for entertaining, maybe create a little bar cart. Organizing the space so it works best for your family and creates a good flow will help with keeping it neat and clutter-free.
Last But Not Least, Detox Your Decorating
Now that you’ve cleaned and organized your living room, it’s time to decorate! This is the fun part!
There are many non-toxic ways to decorate your living room.
First, lets start with the easy stuff.
Use beeswax or rechargeable candles instead of paraffin candles.
Candles are a great way to create a relaxing ambiance, but did you know that some candles can be bad for your health? Paraffin candles are made from a petroleum by-product, and when burned, they release toxic chemicals into the air. Beeswax and rechargeable candles are non-toxic and much better for your health. In addition, beeswax candles burn cleaner and longer than paraffin candles. So the next time you’re looking for the perfect way to set the mood, reach for a beeswax or soy candle instead of a paraffin candle.
Add some greenery with plants that purify the air.
Looking to spruce up your home with some greenery? Why not go for something that will also purify the air? There are a variety of non-toxic plants that can help remove harmful chemicals from the air. For example, snake plants are known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Or you could try a spider plant, which is effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Not only will these plants make your home look more inviting, but they’ll also help you breathe easier.
Check out 10 Great Plants To Have In Your Home For Better Air Quality
Hang artwork that makes you happy.
If you’re like most people, your walls are probably covered in artwork that you don’t really love. Maybe it’s a print that you got for free at an art fair, or a well-meaning gift from a relative. Whatever the case may be, it’s time to get rid of the dreary artwork and surround yourself with things that make you happy. So, what kind of artwork should you hang? Anything that makes you feel good! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- A print of your favorite painting.
- A photograph of a place that make you happy.
- A piece of art that celebrates your favorite hobby.
- A funny cartoon that always makes you smile.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that brings joy to your life every time you see it. After all, your home should be a reflection of your happiness.
Now onto more of the big-ticket items.
If you can’t change these things now, don’t worry about it! It is amazing how much you can lessen the number of toxins just by changing the simple things. But, keep these tips in the back of your mind for when the time comes.
Choose rugs and carpets made of natural fibers like wool or cotton.
When it comes to choosing rugs and carpets, there are a lot of different materials on the market. However, not all materials are created equal.
Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are often treated with harsh chemicals that can off-gas into your home, causing health problems. Natural fibers like wool and cotton, on the other hand, are non-toxic and don’t pose the same risks.
In addition, natural fibers are typically more durable than synthetic fibers, making them a wise investment for your home. So next time you’re shopping for rugs or carpets, be sure to choose something made of natural fiber like wool or cotton.
Opt for untreated, natural wood furniture.
When it comes to furnishing your home, there are a lot of choices out there. But if you’re looking for furniture that’s non-toxic and eco-friendly, your best bet is to go with untreated, natural wood furniture.
Unlike treated wood, which is full of chemicals, untreated wood is free of toxins and won’t off-gas into your home. And because it’s all natural, it’s also biodegradable and recyclable. So, if you’re looking for furniture that’s good for you and good for the planet, opt for untreated, natural wood furniture.
Choose non-toxic sofas and chairs
If you’re like most people, your furniture is probably one of the last places you think about when it comes to toxins. But the truth is, many sofa and chairs are full of harmful chemicals. From the fire retardants in the fabric to the formaldehyde in the wood, these toxins can off-gas into your home, making it unhealthy for you and your family.
So how do you choose non-toxic sofas and chairs? Look for furniture made with natural materials like wool, cotton, and latex. Avoid anything treated with fire retardants or other chemicals. And make sure to check the labels carefully before you buy. With a little effort, you can find non-toxic furniture that’s both safe and stylish.
And, when it is time to paint the walls…
Look for non-toxic paint
Just like you wouldn’t want to drink a can of paint, you also don’t want to put it on your walls (or any other part of your house). regular paint is full of toxic chemicals that can off-gas into your home for years, exposing you and your family to harmful chemicals.
But non-toxic paint options are increasingly available and provide a much safer alternative. These paints are made without volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the offenders when it comes to off-gassing. non-toxic paints also tend to be low or zero VOC, meaning they have very little impact on indoor air quality.
So next time you’re ready to paint your house, be sure to look for non-toxic options.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the lowdown on how to detox your living room. I hope that you feel inspired and ready to get started! By following these tips, you can begin your journey to creating a living room that is both beautiful and safe for your family. It doesn’t have to happen overnight, so take your time. And, remember, if at any point you feel overwhelmed or you need some help, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to help.
So go ahead and get started today! You’ll be glad you did. Thanks for reading!
Get your Beginners Guide To Creating A Healthy Toxin-Free Home
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