A Detox For Your Home
At certain times of year many of us take it upon ourselves to detox our bodies and get rid of toxic buildup (and a layer of unwanted extras!). But what about our environments? Does our home need a detox too?
Yes. Yes it does.
Our homes can become “heavy” just like our bodies and minds can. Stuff becomes overwhelming and gets in the way, the chemicals we bring into it linger and get into our systems and even decorating can become stale and seem bulky or cumbersome.
It’s time for a refreshing detox of your home! Begin a new season with a clean, fresh and natural space in which to thrive.
HOW TO DO A HOME DETOX
Ditch the toxic chemicals in your household cleaners for all-natural ones. I've got step-by-step instructions here.
Freshen and detoxify the air in your home and office with essential oils. Use a misting diffuser or make your own room spray or reed diffuser.
Declutter your surfaces and get organized. A cluttered home makes for a cluttered mind. If you need a kick-start join my free 5-Day Declutter Dash to receive a lesson/day with instructions for decluttering key areas of your home (that only take 15 minutes).
Switch out your toiletries and beauty products for natural, organic ones. The toxins and carcinogens in most brand-name makeup, soaps, and shampoos are terrifying. Check out this post for a list of those I like and where to find them.
Organize your desk and get rid of paper piles!
Indoor air is typically 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Add plants to your home and office to purify it.
DO NOT wear shoes past the entryway. It brings dirt and all kinds of toxic crap inside. Keep mats and shelving at the door to remember to take off your shoes when arriving and put them away.
Clean your air exchange and heating vents and filters and consider purchasing a portable air purifier to run for a few hours each day.
Vacuum often with a HEPA filter.
Wipe down all surfaces to remove dust and possible allergens.
Wash your bedding often, including your pillow protector case. Sprinkle baking soda mixed with ground cloves onto your mattress and leave it while you wash your sheets. Then vacuum it up. Baking soda reduces odour and cloves are a natural disinfectant.
Open the windows and let some fresh air inside.
Get rid of plastic by swapping plastic bags and containers to glass and stainless steel containers for leftovers and lunches.
Ditch your vinyl shower curtain (and the PVC gasses it emits) for a cotton or hemp curtain with a PEVA liner.
Try to remove any carpeting and rugs that are synthetic and switch them for natural fibre options like jute, seagrass, wool or 100% cotton.
Take down any decorations that don’t light you up and bring you joy. Are there things on the wall that have been in that same spot for 20 years? Consider changing things things up for a fresh perspective. And consider lightening up on the decorating and editing down so there’s more space. Here’s how to finish a beautiful room by adding layers, not clutter.
Lighten up your space. It may seem odd to think that a bright space could help you detox, but I've found that light, bright rooms help you feel lighter, and therefore more able to think clearly and have more energy to exercise and do all the other good things on this list. Read more here.
Happy detoxing!
