From identifying common household toxins to implementing practical strategies for reducing exposure, these 25 steps to reduce toxins in your home will help you transform your living space into a safer, more conscious place for you and your loved ones.
Did you know that we spend up to 90% of our time indoors? That’s a whole lot of time spent in our homes, offices, and other enclosed spaces.
While we often think of our homes as safe havens, the truth is that our indoor environments can be a significant source of hidden toxins that silently impact our health. The effects of indoor toxins can be both immediate and long-term.
In the short term, exposure to harmful substances can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and skin irritation. These issues might seem minor at first, but they can quickly add up and take a toll on our health.
But it’s really the long-term effects of indoor toxins that I find really concerning. Chronic exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants commonly found around the home has been linked to serious health problems, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even certain types of cancer.
These conditions can develop slowly over time, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. While this might sound alarming, it’s important to remember that the problem of toxins in our home is solvable!
By understanding the sources of these harmful substances and taking proactive steps to reduce our exposure, we can create healthier living spaces for ourselves and our families.
In this guide, I’ll dive deeper into how you can identify common household toxins and provide you with a step-by-step list of practical strategies for reducing toxins in your home that you can even start today!
Armed with this knowledge, I hope you feel confident taking control of the toxins in your home by implementing these easy strategies for a safer, healthier living environment. There’s no better time to start than now!
What are the most dangerous toxins hiding in your home?
Indoor Air Pollutants
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are gases emitted from various household products and materials. They can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and even long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Surprisingly, levels of VOCs can be up to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors.
- Formaldehyde: This common VOC is found in many household items, such as furniture, air fresheners, and even paper towels. Formaldehyde can cause respiratory issues and is a potential carcinogen. Did you know that new carpets can be a significant source of formaldehyde exposure?
- Mold & Mildew: These fungi thrive in damp environments and can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. Mold can grow on various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and even inside your air conditioner.
- Dust Mites: These microscopic organisms live in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. While they don’t bite, their presence can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. Interestingly, dust mites feed on dead human skin cells, which is why they’re so prevalent in our homes.
Household Products
- Cleaning Supplies: Ammonia, chlorine, and sodium hydroxide are just a few of the harsh chemicals found in many cleaning products. These substances can cause respiratory irritation, skin burns, and even long-term health issues with prolonged exposure.
- Personal Care Products: Phthalates, triclosan, and formaldehyde are examples of potentially dangerous chemicals found in some personal care items. These substances may disrupt hormones and contribute to other health problems.
- Air Fresheners: While they may make your home smell nice, many air fresheners contain phthalates and other VOCs that can irritate the respiratory system and can even cause cancer. Opt for natural alternatives, such as essential oils or opening windows for fresh air.
Building Materials and Furnishings
The materials used to construct and decorate our homes can also be sources of long-term toxin exposure. Some key areas to be aware of include:
- Furniture: Engineered wood products, such as particleboard and plywood, often contain formaldehyde and other VOCs. Additionally, some furniture may be treated with flame retardants, which have been linked to various health concerns.
- Carpeting: New carpets can release VOCs and may contain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are associated with several health issues. Consider choosing low-VOC or natural fiber carpets, or opt for hard-surface flooring instead.
- Paint and Building Materials: Many paints and building materials contain VOCs and other toxic substances. In older homes, lead-based paint and asbestos can also be concerns. When renovating or building, choose low-VOC or zero-VOC products whenever possible.
I’m ready to reduce toxins in my home – where do I start?
Begin Identifying Problem Areas
- Visual Inspection: Regularly check for signs of mold, water damage, and other visible indicators of potential toxins. Pay special attention to damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Odor Detection: Trust your nose. If you notice any strong chemical smells this is usually a good indicator that the product contains synthetic chemicals that could be toxic.
- Professional Testing: For concerns like radon, lead, or asbestos, professional testing may be necessary. While these tests can be costly, they are often worth the investment for peace of mind and long-term health.
Take Steps to Reduce Your Chemical Exposure
Once you’ve identified potential problems, it’s time to start reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals. Here are some immediate actions you can take:
Steps To Reduce Toxins In The Kitchen
1. Switch To Non-Toxic Cookware
Traditional non-stick cookware often contains harmful chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, and other “forever chemicals” that can leach into food and release toxic fumes when heated above 500°F.
These forever chemicals have been linked to serious health issues including cancer, thyroid disorders, and liver damage.
While newer “PFOA-free” alternatives may seem safer, they often contain similar dangerous compounds under different names.
Switching to truly non-toxic cookware like stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, or pure ceramic cookware eliminates these risks while providing durable, high-performing alternatives that have been used safely for generations.
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2. Replace Harmful Cooking Utensils
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Many kitchen utensils contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food as you cook, particularly when exposed to heat or acidic ingredients.
Common culprits include plastics containing BPA and phthalates, low-quality metals that may contain lead or cadmium, and utensils with synthetic coatings that can release toxic fumes.
Switching to non-toxic alternatives made from materials like stainless steel, wood, glass, or food-grade silicone eliminates these risks.
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3. Use Natural Cleaning Products
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Conventional cleaning products often contain dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, chlorine bleach, ammonia, and phthalates that can cause serious health issues including respiratory problems, hormone disruption, and even cancer.
When these products are used regularly around the home, they can release toxic fumes, leaving harmful residues on surfaces, and expose your family to dangerous chemicals through skin contact and inhalation.
Switching to natural, eco-friendly cleaning products made with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils eliminates these health risks while still effectively cleaning and disinfecting your home.
In the kitchen consider switching to a non-toxic liquid dish soap, a plastic-free sponge, or a non-toxic counter spray.
Check out our free guide with over 50 simple DIY cleaning recipes you can make at home!
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4. Choose Safe Food Storage Containers
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Most food storage containers contain harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors that can leach into food, particularly when you’re reheating food.
These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruption, developmental problems, and potential reproductive issues.
Switching to non-toxic food storage containers made from materials like glass, stainless steel, or food-grade silicone eliminates these risks while providing durable, versatile storage options that won’t contaminate food with harmful chemicals or absorb odors and stains.
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5. Get a Non-Toxic Cutting Board
Traditional plastic cutting boards can release harmful microplastics into food with every cut, even wooden boards can contain toxic finishes like mineral oil or formaldehyde-based adhesives.
These substances have been linked to serious health issues including hormone disruption, digestive problems, and increased risk of heart disease.
Switching to a non-toxic cutting board made from hardwood (finished with natural oils), glass, food-grade silicone, or stainless steel eliminates exposure to these harmful chemicals while providing a safer food preparation surface.
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6. Install a Water Filter
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Water filters are a simple way to remove harmful contaminants from drinking water, including chlorine, lead, mercury, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), pharmaceuticals, and microplastics that can be present in tap water.
Many filtration systems can eliminate up to 270+ contaminants while improving water taste and smell.
Offering a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water to ensure your family has access to clean, toxin-free drinking water.
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Steps To Reduce Toxins In The Bathroom
7. Switch to Natural Personal Care Products
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Many personal care products like body lotions, shampoos, soaps, and makeup contain harmful chemicals including parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, and heavy metals that can be absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the body over time.
These toxins have been linked to serious health issues including hormonal disruption, fertility problems, cancer, allergies, asthma, and organ damage, particularly because the skin absorbs up to 64% of substances applied to it.
Switching to natural personal care alternatives made with natural, pronounceable ingredients helps reduce daily exposure to these harmful chemicals.
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8. Install a Shower Filter
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Shower water often contains harmful contaminants including chlorine, heavy metals, microplastics, and PFAS chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled as vapor during hot showers.
These toxins can lead to dry, irritated skin, damaged hair, and even more serious health issues like immune system suppression or increased cancer risk.
Installing a quality shower filter removes up to 90% of these contaminants, protecting you from chemical absorption while improving skin hydration and hair health.
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9. Replace Your PVC Shower Curtain
Traditional PVC shower curtains can release toxic chemicals like phthalates, VOCs, heavy metals, and dioxins through off-gassing, especially in hot, steamy conditions.
These chemicals have been linked to respiratory issues, hormone disruption, and even cancer.
Switching to a non-toxic alternative made from materials like organic cotton, hemp, linen, or PEVA eliminates exposure to these harmful chemicals while providing better breathability and natural resistance to mold and mildew.
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10. Switch to Organic Cotton Towels
Switching to GOTS-certified organic cotton towels is a simple yet effective way to reduce your exposure to toxins you may not have known you were exposing yourself to.
Traditional towels can contain residues of pesticides, herbicides, and other harsh chemicals used in conventional cotton farming, which can irritate skin and harm overall health.
By choosing organic towels, you can enjoy softer, breathable, and chemical-free towels that you can feel safe drying off with.
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Steps To Reduce Toxins In The Bedroom
11. Upgrade to Non-Toxic Bedding
This might come as a surprise but bedding made from non-organic and synthetic fabrics like rayon and polyester often contains harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, pesticides, artificial dyes, flame retardants, and phthalates that can be absorbed through your skin and inhaled. That’s a whole 6-8 hours while you sleep each night!
These toxins have been linked to hormone disruption, respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer.
Switching to a non-toxic option like linen bedding or bedding made from organic cotton, hemp, or wool eliminates exposure to these chemicals while providing better temperature regulation and breathability for improved sleep quality.
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12. Invest in a Non-Toxic Mattress
Just like your bedding, mattresses contain a number of toxic chemicals including formaldehyde, flame retardants, polyurethane foam, and chemical adhesives that can off-gas VOCs and shed toxic dust into the air you breathe each night.
These chemicals have been linked to respiratory issues, hormone disruption, allergies, headaches, and even cancer.
Switching to a non-toxic mattress made with natural materials like organic cotton, wool, or natural latex eliminates exposure to these harmful chemicals while providing better temperature regulation and breathability for improved sleep quality.
Don’t forget a non-toxic mattress protector too!
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13. Choose a Non-Toxic Bed Frame
Beyond your bedding and your mattress, even your bed frame can be off-gassing dangerous chemicals into your bedroom.
Formaldehyde in composite woods, toxic flame retardants containing arsenic, polyurethane foam in upholstered parts, and PVC/vinyl can all off-gas dangerous VOCs into your bedroom air for years after you purchase your bed frame.
Since you spend about one-third of your life in bed, switching to a non-toxic bed frame made from natural materials like solid hardwood, bamboo, or powder-coated metal eliminates exposure to these harmful substances while providing a durable, long-lasting foundation for healthy sleep.
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14. Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation
In today’s hyper-connected world, our smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and wireless headphones have become extensions of ourselves.
Grounding or “earthing” sheets contain conductive materials like silver or copper threads that aim to help us reconnect with the Earth’s natural electrical field – similar to walking barefoot on the ground.
Grounding sheets can help improve your sleep quality and reduce the effects of our constant exposure to electronic devices.
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15. Replace Chemical Air Fresheners
Studies show that common air fresheners release an average of 17 toxic gases, with 44% containing known carcinogenic pollutants that can accumulate in our bodies over time.
These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can easily enter our bloodstream through inhalation, potentially leading to serious health issues like respiratory problems, cognitive impairment, hormonal disruption, and increased cancer risk.
The good news is there are lots of great natural alternatives to make your home smell delicious without using toxic chemicals.
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Steps To Reduce Toxins In The Laundry Room
16. Switch to Natural Laundry Detergent
Commercial laundry detergents pose a significant health risk because they remain in constant contact with our skin through clothes, sheets, and towels.
However, manufacturers aren’t required to disclose ingredients that often include carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other toxic chemicals.
These harmful compounds can accumulate in our bodies over time, potentially leading to serious health issues including cancer, hormonal disruption, respiratory problems, and skin irritation.
The good news is that effective eco-friendly laundry detergents are available, from commercial non-toxic brands to simple DIY solutions using safe ingredients like castile soap, washing soda, and baking soda, which can keep clothes clean without compromising our health.
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17. Use Natural Stain Removers
They may seem harmless, but stain removers and stain-removing sticks can contain chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and formaldehyde, that can cause respiratory problems, and skin irritation, and even contribute to long-term health issues like cancer and hormone disruption.
These toxic chemicals are particularly concerning because they can come in direct contact with your skin through your clothes and can release harmful fumes into your indoor air.
Fortunately, natural alternatives using plant-based enzymes, essential oils, and mineral compounds can effectively tackle tough stains while keeping your family safe from toxins.
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18. Replace Chemical Fabric Softeners
No matter if they are liquids, sheets, or beads– fabric softeners contain some really toxic chemicals like quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS), phthalates, and synthetic musks that can cause serious health issues including respiratory problems, hormone disruption, and even cancer.
These chemicals can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor air and, when washed down the drain, harm aquatic ecosystems.
Fortunately, non-toxic alternatives using plant-based emollients, mineral-based softening agents, and essential oils can effectively soften clothes and reduce static while keeping your family safe from toxic exposure.
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Steps To Reduce Toxins In The Living Room
19. Choose Non-Toxic Furniture
Bet you never really thought of your furniture as being toxic before. But the truth is that a lot of cheaply made furniture can release toxic chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, flame retardants, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) into your home through off-gassing.
These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues including respiratory problems, allergies, hormonal disruption, developmental issues, and even cancer – particularly concerning for children and pets who are more vulnerable to chemical exposure.
The good news is that non-toxic furniture made with natural materials like solid wood, organic textiles, and natural latex can create a healthier home environment while still being beautiful and durable.
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20. Buy Natural, Non-Toxic Rugs
Conventional rugs often undergo chemical treatments that contain a lot of nasty chemicals including synthetic dyes, flame retardants, and stain repellents that can off-gas into your home’s air.
These chemicals have been linked to respiratory issues, allergies, skin irritation, and other health concerns.
This poses a significant risk to children and pets who play on the floor, often coming into direct contact with these chemicals.
Switching to an organic rug made from natural materials like wool, cotton, jute, or bamboo – preferably with natural dyes and GOTS or OEKO-TEX certifications – can dramatically improve your indoor air quality while providing a safe, comfortable space for your family.
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21. Install an Air Purifier
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According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, as our homes harbor numerous airborne toxins including VOCs from furniture and cleaning products, particulate matter (PM2.5), ultrafine particles, mold, bacteria, allergens, and carbon monoxide.
These pollutants can cause serious health issues ranging from respiratory irritation and allergies to more severe conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters can remove up to 99.97% of these harmful particles down to 0.3 microns in size, while some advanced models can capture even smaller particles and neutralize VOCs, creating cleaner, healthier air for you and your family.
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22. Use Low or No VOC Paint
Do you know that new paint smell? Well, that’s from a group of chemicals called VOCs that include toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and more.
While you might notice the headaches or dizziness they cause right away, paints can continue to off-gas harmful chemicals into your home’s air for years after application, potentially causing respiratory issues, heart disease, and cognitive impairment.
Switching to zero-VOC or low-VOC paints (which contain less than 5 or 50 grams of VOCs per liter, respectively) can significantly improve your indoor air quality while still providing excellent coverage.
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Steps To Reduce Toxins In The Nursery
23. Select a Non-Toxic Crib
Babies spend 11-16 hours a day in their cribs during their first year, making these sleeping spaces a critical source of potential chemical exposure.
Crib materials often contain harmful substances like VOCs, formaldehyde-filled adhesives, and flame retardants that can off-gas into the air and affect your baby’s developing respiratory, neurological, and endocrine systems.
This is particularly worrisome since infants are more vulnerable to toxins due to their higher respiratory rates and small, developing bodies.
Choosing a non-toxic crib made from solid wood (like pine or maple) with natural finishes and GREENGUARD Gold certification can significantly reduce your baby’s exposure to these harmful chemicals during their most crucial developmental period.
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24. Choose an Organic Crib Mattress
Just like your baby’s crib can contain toxic chemicals, so can their mattress.
Cheaply made children’s mattresses are often treated with formaldehyde-containing adhesives, flame retardants, antimony, phthalates, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that can off-gas health-harming chemicals right where your baby spends most of their time.
These toxic chemicals are associated with potential long-term health effects like respiratory issues, cognitive development issues, endocrine disruption, and more.
Choosing an organic crib mattress made with materials like organic cotton, wool, or natural latex will significantly reduce your baby’s exposure to harmful chemicals during this critical developmental period, while still providing the firm support recommended for safe sleep.
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25. Buy Non-Toxic Crib Sheets
As cute as they may be with their pastel colors and cute little prints, crib sheets can often harbor pesticide residues, formaldehyde, flame retardants, AZO dyes, phthalates, and optical brighteners that can be absorbed through their sensitive skin or inhaled as they sleep.
These toxins have been linked to skin irritation, respiratory problems, hormone disruption, and developmental issues.
Switching to non-toxic crib sheets made from certified organic materials like GOTS-certified cotton or natural linen eliminates exposure to these harmful chemicals while providing a breathable, comfortable sleep surface that keeps your baby cool and comfortable and reduces the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
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What are some tips for maintaining a toxic-free home?
Improving Air Quality
Improving indoor air quality is crucial for creating a healthier home environment. Here are some practical tips to consider:
- Ventilate Regularly: Open windows and doors when weather permits to allow fresh air to circulate. This is especially important when using cleaning products or engaging in activities that generate pollutants, like cooking or hobbies.
- Use Air Purifiers: Consider investing in a high-quality air purifier to help remove pollutants and allergens from your indoor air. Look for models with HEPA filters and activated carbon for maximum effectiveness.
- Maintain Your HVAC System: Regularly clean and replace filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they are not recirculating pollutants throughout your home.
- Control Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%, which can help prevent mold growth and dust mite infestations.
Make Conscious Product Choices
- Read Labels Carefully: Look for products with minimal ingredients and avoid those with harmful chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, and ammonia.
- Choose Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Options: When selecting paints, furniture, or other household items, opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC alternatives to minimize off-gassing and reduce indoor air pollution.
- Prioritize Natural Materials: Choose products made from natural, sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or solid wood whenever possible.
- Look For Third-Party Certifications: Look for third-party certifications, such as GREENGUARD or OEKO-TEX, which indicate that a product has been tested and meets strict standards for low chemical emissions.
What are some unexpected sources of toxins in your home?
Indoor Plants
- Pesticides and fertilizers on plants can contain harmful chemicals.
- Some common houseplants are toxic to pets if ingested (e.g., lilies, aloe vera, pothos).
Pet Products
- Pet food packaging may contain PFAS, with high concentrations in some brands.
- Canned pet food linings often contain BPA or PVC-based coatings that can leach into food.
- Pet toys and accessories may contain harmful chemicals like lead or phthalates.
Children’s Toys
- Older toys may contain lead paint or other heavy metals.
- Plastic toys might contain phthalates or BPA.
- Some stuffed animals may be treated with flame retardants.
Art Supplies
- Oil-based paints and solvents often contain VOCs.
- Some markers and adhesives may contain toxic solvents.
- Polymer clays can release harmful fumes when heated.
Garage Items
- Paints, especially older ones, may contain lead or VOCs.
- Solvents and cleaning products can emit harmful fumes.
- Pesticides and herbicides can be toxic if mishandled.
- Motor oil and automotive fluids contain hazardous chemicals.
This was your full how-to guide to reduce toxins in your home in 2025.
Creating a non-toxic home doesn’t need to be scary or intimidating. You can take it step-by-step! And don’t feel like you need to make all of these changes at once.
As you need to update furniture or find yourself making updates to specific rooms of your home, refer back to this list to see if there are any quick ways you can make your home a little more non-toxic.
Every small step counts and the benefits of a non-toxic home are well worth the effort. Your home should be your sanctuary, and with a little mindfulness, it can be just that.
