The Hidden Toxins Lurking Around Your Home—And the Simple Swaps That Make a Big Difference
I’m definitely not someone who believes we need to live in a glass box or panic over every single thing in modern life. But over the last say 6 years, I’ve become much more aware of how many everyday products in our homes are filled with chemicals we barely question anymore.
The funny thing is, once you start swapping a few things out, you realise how easy it actually is — and honestly, your home starts to feel calmer, cleaner and more natural too. And I rarely get ill or have skin or respiratory problems. That is the main reason I do all of this to avoid any of that. Unlike some who may think it’s all a load of tosh. That’s why I do me & If I can help anyone along the way then even better. Here are some of the biggest culprits hiding in most homes and why many people are choosing to avoid them.
1. Cling Film (Plastic Wrap)
This was one of my first swaps in the household items.
Traditional cling film is made from plastic materials that may release chemicals into food, particularly when heated. You' can’t miss the growing concern around micro-plastics and how much plastic we unknowingly consume daily.
Easy swaps:
Glass containers - I’m not at this level yet. But I’d love to be that person with the fancy bamboo tops to go with them.
Beeswax wraps
Silicone covers I use these. They are fab except when there’s even a hint of oil or grease and then they become useless
Lettuce & cabbage leaves. Love this one very 1950’s. I don’t do this nearly enough.
2. Chemical Plug-Ins & Artificial Air Fresheners
These make homes smell “clean” — but at a cost to our delicate lungs. I can’t bear these especially ones in taxi’s when you are in a confined space it feels like it’s attacking my lungs & it probably is. Don’t even get me started on strong perfumes. Once you feel it you won’t not be able to notice it. And IMO the awareness is a good thing.
Most plug-ins and synthetic air fresheners contain artificial fragrance chemicals that can irritate the lungs, trigger headaches and affect hormones in sensitive people. Companies also don’t always have to fully disclose what sits behind the word “fragrance.” So TOP TIP: avoid anything that has fragrance in the ingredients it’s likely to be synthetic. And that goes especially for anything that goes on our skin.
And honestly? A home doesn’t need to smell like “Vanilla Coconut Sunset” to feel fresh.
Simple alternatives:
Essential oil diffusers - but don’t go too mad
Fresh air OPEN THE WINDOWS. The most simple solution.
Natural candles
3. Typical Cleaning Products
This is a huge one.
A lot of conventional cleaning sprays contain harsh chemicals that leave residues on surfaces and fill the air with fumes. Bleach, ammonia and synthetic fragrances can be incredibly irritating — especially for children, pets and anyone sensitive to strong chemicals.
We’re led to believe the stronger the smell, the cleaner the house. Now I know that’s mostly marketing to sell us shiz.
Natural cleaning really can work beautifully.
Some favourites:
White vinegar
Bicarbonate of soda -
Castile soap
Lemon
Non-toxic cleaning brands. There’s lots I will do another post on these. I love Green Scents.
I basically can’t have a cleaner as the first thing they ask for is Bleach & Viakal. Which i now have in the house again. And my skin and my throat was starting to actually feel tighter when they were using it. True story. Try a detox for a short while and see how more moist your skin feels.
4. Tin Foil (Aluminium Foil)
There’s ongoing discussion around aluminium exposure, especially when foil is used with hot or acidic foods.
While occasional use is unlikely to be catastrophic, many people prefer to reduce unnecessary exposure where they can. We still have it and use it occasionally, when there’s no way around it but it’s highly reduced.
Easy alternatives:
Parchment paper
Glass containers
Ceramic dishes
Stainless steel trays I’ll put one on top of the other when I’m steaming or similar.
5. Non-Stick Pans
Many non-stick ie. Teflon pans contain coatings that can release unwanted chemicals when overheated or scratched.
A lot of people are now switching to:
Stainless steel
Cast iron
Ceramic cookware
Check out this Danish brand ScanPan as an alternative. I also hear Our Place & Green pan & good choices too. But we don’t have those.
6. Plastic Chopping Boards
This one will really made you think.
Over time, plastic chopping boards develop knife marks which can release tiny plastic particles directly into food.
Wooden chopping boards are becoming popular again for exactly this reason — plus they just look nicer in the kitchen.
7. Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils
Apparently many black plastic spatulas and utensils are made from recycled electronics plastics, which can sometimes contain flame retardants and other chemicals. This is not cool. And does make you think about recycled products.
Safer swaps:
Wooden utensils
Stainless steel but if you still have Teflon then switch that first before you gouge it straight out into your food.
Silicone
8. Tea Bags
Yep this will upset you Tea lovers.
Some tea bags are sealed using plastic and can release microplastics into hot water. Certain brands are much better than others now, thankfully.
Loose leaf tea suddenly feels a lot more appealing. I grow my own lemon Verbena it is delicious.
9. Plastic Water Bottles
Especially when left in the heat. We all remember quite a few years ago when there was a very early viral shock discovery on Facebook, with leaving water bottles in cars in the summer.
Warm plastic bottles can release chemicals into the water, and again there’s increasing concern around microplastics.
Glass or stainless steel bottles are such an easy upgrade and somehow make water taste better too.
10. Scented Candles
Not all candles are created equal.
Many cheaper candles are made with paraffin wax and artificial fragrance oils which can release unwanted chemicals into the air.
I still love candles — I just choose very carefully now.
Better options:
Soy candles
Beeswax candles
Essential oil-based scents
11. Laundry Products
Fabric softeners and heavily scented detergents are often packed with synthetic fragrance chemicals that stay on clothes and bedding long after washing.
Considering we wear these fabrics all day and sleep in them all night… it’s worth thinking about. We have to move away from the notion that that smell is a great addition.
12. Receipts (Yes, Really)
This one surprised me the most.
Many paper receipts are coated with chemicals like BPA or BPS, which can be absorbed through the skin. It’s one of the reasons some people avoid handling receipts unnecessarily — especially after using hand sanitiser, which may increase absorption.
I’m not suggesting anyone panic at Tesco checkout, but it’s definitely one of those “once you know, you know” moments.
Now I usually:
Decline receipts when possible
Avoid scrunching them in my handbag
Wash my hands after handling lots of them
13. Dryer Sheets
Those lovely “fresh laundry” smells often come from synthetic fragrances and chemical coatings designed to stay on fabrics.
Wool dryer balls are a much cleaner alternative and actually work surprisingly well. Or ditch the dryer all together and stick out all outside to dry & create the “Outdoor freshness” naturally . Go figure. We really are sold some BS!
14. Pesticides on Fruit & Vegetables
Even healthy foods can come with unwanted extras.
Many fruits and vegetables are sprayed heavily with pesticides, which is why so many people now soak or properly wash produce before eating.
Simple tricks:
Vinegar and water soak
Bicarbonate soak
Buying organic where possible (without becoming bankrupt, It’s very hard I know)
It’s Not About Perfection
This part matters most.
This isn’t about fear or becoming obsessive. Stress is probably toxic too.
For me, it’s simply about awareness and making small changes where possible. Every little swap adds up. And usually the more natural option feels better anyway.
You don’t need to throw your entire kitchen away overnight or become a barefoot forest woman making your own toothpaste under the moonlight. I mean I like that Idea too.
Just start with one thing.
Then another.
And over time your home begins to feel lighter, calmer and healthier — naturally. AND the main take away. You don’t get ill as much. I promise you that.