Part 1

Days 1-10

It’s time..I’ve cleaned up my diet and taken out all toxic foods, now it’s time to focus on my home. Can I find 30 things to change in my home. I like to think I’m pretty careful but I just started scanning all my products into the EWG app and it’s not looking so great. The EWG stands for the environmental working group, these are the same people who help influence the FDA to remove seven harmful cancer causing food additives.

So today I spent the afternoon going through all my store bought items and felt good about a few of them but not so great about the rest.

Well, I guess I should get started because it appears I have a lot to do, let’s begin the journal.

Day 1 – Shoes off

I’m going to start simple. First things first. One of the best things you can do that is completely free is take your shoes off before walking in the house.

Here’s the thing, all the places we go, we are picking up those pollutants and tracking them across our home adding to the chemicals, particles and whatever else is out in the world. Why I don’t have toddlers or pets, I really don’t want those things in my home. I can only imagine how crazy I would have gone if I had known this when my son was a toddler.

Yes I have a doormat and of course I use it, but the pathogens, bacteria, debris don’t necessarily go away that simply. I watched and read multiple articles and videos and I’ll be honest I’m a little traumatized.

So it’s easy, healthy and cost me nothing. This is something I will implement. The hardest part… retraining my brain to remember to actually do it.

Day 2 – Air it Out

So my detoxification journey had led me to more upsetting news, the pollution in your house can be worse than the pollution outside. I tell myself not my house but the truth is I really don’t know. So much for my safe sanctuary. Okay that was dramatic but still I want my home to be as safe and clean as possible.

Like me, you might find it A little unnerving that the EPA consistently ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five risks to human health.

To combat that, they recommend opening your windows for at least 5-20 minutes each day. They say to turn on your fans and get the fresh air moving through your home. Easy right?

Why I actually love having the windows open when it’s nice outside, it’s winter right now, so I’ll be doing that this afternoon when it’s a little warmer outside. I’ll probably be closer to 5 minutes initially just because brrr 🥶.

It actually made it to the 60’s today and it was wonderful. It does feel like your airing out the old and I left my windows open for a few hours. Now obviously that will always be determined by weather but it made the house feel so much better.

Day 3 – Dryer Sheets

I mentioned this above but in case you missed it I am using the EWG App (Environmental Working Group) to distinguish what is toxic in my home and what is not. One of the worst offenders in my home is dryer sheets. I use free and clear everything no matter what brand because…. sensitive body. But even those come up as a Solid D. Which is better than most of the dryer sheets that received F’s out there. Still that’s pretty bad. So after doing some research I decided I will be switching to Wool Dryer Balls.

I actually can get behind these for a couple of reasons.

• They reduce drying time
• They reduce wrinkles
• There’s no harsh chemicals or fragrance so it’s better for your family.
• It’s also good for the planet.
• It also saves you money, your initial investment is $8.00. You don’t need to replace these for a long time. Think years, unless you really want to or you lose them.

They are simple to use, you just throw 4 or 5 in there with your load and magic your done.

If you prefer to stay with store bought here’s a brand that rated an A with the EWG. (Click Here)

Day 4 – Laundry Detergent

It’s probably no surprise but up next is laundry detergent another solid D. Again free and clear, I thought I was being so safe.

I’ve decided to make a homemade laundry soap. One because I control the chemicals and smell, two because it seems fun and super easy, and finally because there’s a cost savings here. It costs me $.30 cents per load to buy my brand and if I make my own it costs $.10 per load. If you do the math that adds up quickly. Plus better for my family and better for the environment.

So what goes in homemade laundry detergent?

Liquid Laundry Recipe
1 cup Washing Soda (Not baking soda)
1 cup Borax
1 cup liquid Liquid Castille Soap
13 cups water

*Let sit for a few days to gel

This makes about 1 gallon of laundry detergent, you only need to use 1/4 cup for each wash load.

For the full recipe click here.

I’ve read so many testimonials about how this works so much better than store brand. Of course I will be testing this myself after it sets up and gels in a few days.

Day 5 – Windex

So I mentioned anything with a C or lower was getting axed in my previous post. That’s where my Windex scored. Such a disappointing grade because I use Windex more than any other cleaner in my house and in my job. Maybe I can’t do anything about my job (or can I)….I’ll start devising an evil plan later. First my own home.

Okay so Windex, it’s a bummer but there are a ton of recipes out there. I’m making a recipe that had excellent reviews for better than Windex. We will see if it’s actually true.

Recipe

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1 cup distilled water
3 tablespoons white vinegar
10 drops of your favorite essential oil (I used 6 drops lavender and 4 drops lemon)

Simple right? I used this right away and I have to say it worked just as well as my Windex. You do smell the vinegar but it goes away pretty quickly.

Day 6 – Wood Polish

I also have wood in my house, so of course I checked my Old English. Another poor score a resounding D. So again I will be making my own. The good news super simple recipe. This recipe cleans your wood and helps you keep it dust free longer.

Recipe

1/2 cup distilled water

1/4 cup of white vinegar

2 tablespoon of olive oil

5 drops lemon essential oil

Mix and put in spray bottle. Viola!

Day 7 – Dust More

So now that we’ve created are dusting supplies and glass cleaner let’s get busy actually cleaning. All the dust that accumulates on your surfaces that’s not just dirt. Guys, I can’t get into it because overwhelming but just look up what makes up furniture dust. Traumatized forever.

That being said, another way to detoxify your home is to dust often. Now that we’ve created our healthy cleaning products you can bet my dusting from once a week will go up to at least twice a week…possibly more.

Also, super important to use a microfiber cloth because it traps the dust instead of just transferring from one location to another.

Day 8 – Mopping Solution

I use a swiffer power mop and yet another D. Man my cleaning products are failing me. At this point nothing surprises me and I haven’t even made it to my bathrooms yet

So the good news is the DIY for this one is so simple too. I don’t know if you have this problem but my swiffer does leave a film on my floors and this recipe did not. They actually look better then when I use my power mop.

Mopping Solution Recipe

1/4 cup 70% Alcohol

1/2 cup White Vinegar

2 cups Warm Water

3 drops of Sals Suds

1/2tsp Essential oil (your choice and optional)

Day 9 – Filter your Water

So here we are at day 9 and the topic at hand is filtering you water. I only drink water, tea and juice. So 2/3 of my drinks are from the tap and I drink a lot. While everyone’s water is different, we still all have chemicals we don’t want in our body. Now filtration systems are complex and expensive and if I’m being honest I don’t have time for that or the pocketbook. I will be trying a Brita Filter Pitcher. $20.00 for cleaner water.

I love when it’s easy and inexpensive. For the most part I’m finding everything cost less than expected. The water tastes great. The hardest part is waiting for it to filter through which in reality just takes a minute or two but I acknowledge patience is not my strong suit.

I will miss the convenience of water bottles but a small price to pay for my health and the environment.

Day 10 – All Purpose Cleaner

Mrs. Meyers you let me down, I thought I was doing really well with this one but dang another D. See this is why we have to be careful. Even items we think are safe, not always true.

The good news is, there is another very easy recipe to replace this. I’m really having fun making these and feel good that I’m doing something positive that is easy and is good for my family.

All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

1 cup distilled water

1 cup white vinegar

15-30 drops essential oils

1 teaspoon Sals Suds

The Recap

So guys this is just the first 10 days and already I can tell you this is going to be much bigger than I thought. I don’t expect to be 100% perfect but I believe these little changes will make my family safer every day a little at a time.

This post contains affiliate links and I may make a very small commission if you purchase something and I will greatly appreciate it.

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