Simple Swaps for a Non-Toxic Home
Creating a non-toxic home doesn’t mean throwing everything away or living in fear of chemicals. It simply means being more thoughtful about the products we bring into our homes. Many everyday items—like cookware, cleaning products, and scented household goods—can contain ingredients that affect the air we breathe, the food we eat, or what we absorb through our skin.
Research has linked certain chemical exposures to potential health concerns such as hormone disruption, reduced fertility, respiratory irritation, and in some cases increased cancer risk. While exposure from a single product is usually small, the combined exposure from many products used every day can add up over time.
The good news is that small changes can make a meaningful difference. By swapping out certain products as they wear out or run out, you can gradually create a home with fewer unnecessary chemicals and healthier materials. The swaps below are simple places to start.
Air Quality
Many household products release chemicals into the air that can linger indoors for hours.
Swap: Synthetic Fragrance Products
Common sources include:
Air fresheners
Plug-ins
Dryer sheets
Scented candles
Room sprays
Better options:
Fragrance-free products
Beeswax or soy candles with organic cotton wicks and essential oils for fragrance
Simmer pots with citrus or herbs
Fresh air and ventilation - Open windows when you can
Food Contact Surfaces
Anything that touches hot and liquid food has the potential to transfer chemicals.
Swap: Nonstick Cookware and Bakeware
Many traditional nonstick coatings contain PFAS (“forever chemicals”).
Better options:
Cast iron
Stainless steel
Enameled cast iron
Glass
Swap: Plastic Food Storage
Plastic containers can release chemicals when exposed to heat or acidic foods.
Better options:
Glass storage containers and jars
Stainless steel, ceramic or silicone containers
Swap: Plastic Cutting Boards
As plastic cutting boards wear down, they can shed microplastics into food.
Better options:
Solid wood cutting boards
Bamboo cutting boards
Swap: Plastic Cooking Utensils
Plastic utensils can degrade when used with hot food.
Better options:
Wood utensils
Stainless steel utensils
High-quality silicone utensils
Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrance.
Swap: Conventional Cleaners
Better options:
Castile soap
Vinegar-based cleaners
Baking soda
Plant-based cleaning products
Often a few simple ingredients can clean an entire home.
Laundry Products
Laundry products are one of the biggest sources of fragrance exposure.
Swap: Scented Detergents and Dryer Sheets
Better options:
Fragrance-free laundry detergent
Wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets
Add essential oils to your dryer balls for fragrance if desired
Bathroom Products
Bathrooms often contain hidden sources of chemical exposure.
Swap: Vinyl Shower Curtains
Many shower curtains are made from PVC, which can off-gas chemicals.
Better options:
PEVA curtains
Polyester curtains
Fabric curtains with liners
Sleep Environment
Because we spend so many hours sleeping, this is another area worth considering.
Swap: Conventional Mattresses
Many mattresses contain polyurethane foam and chemical flame retardants.
Better options:
Natural latex
Organic cotton
Wool
Personal Care
Personal care products are absorbed through the skin.
Swap: Conventional Personal Care Products
Start with the items used most often:
Deodorant & Perfumes
Lotions & Serums
Shampoo & Body Wash
Toothpaste & Whitening Agents
Makeup
Look for simpler formulas without synthetic fragrance.
Start with the Swaps That Matter Most
If you’re just getting started, focus first on:
• Indoor fragrance products
• Cookware and food storage
• Laundry products
These tend to have the largest daily exposure impact.
A non-toxic home is built gradually — one simple swap at a time.