05/12/2023
5 common household products that contain toxins and how you can replace them with natural essential oils:
Commercial Air Fresheners:
Toxins: Many commercial air fresheners contain phthalates, which have been linked to hormonal disruptions and respiratory issues.
DIY Alternative: Make your own air freshener by combining water, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil in a spray bottle.
Fabric Softeners:
Toxins: Fabric softeners often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals like quaternary ammonium compounds, which may contribute to skin irritation and respiratory problems.
DIY Alternative: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lemon or lavender) to distilled white vinegar and use it as a natural fabric softener in your laundry.
Commercial Cleaning Products:
Toxins: Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and parabens, which can be harmful to your health.
DIY Alternative: Create an all-purpose cleaner by mixing water, white vinegar, and essential oils like lemon, tea tree, or eucalyptus. Baking soda is also an effective and natural abrasive cleaner.
Candles:
Toxins: Some candles emit harmful pollutants, such as benzene and toluene, especially when made from paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances.
DIY Alternative: Make your own candles using beeswax or soy wax and essential oils for fragrance. Be sure to use a lead-free wick for a cleaner burn.
Personal Care Products with Synthetic Fragrances:
Toxins: Many personal care items, including lotions, shampoos, and deodorants, contain synthetic fragrances that can contain undisclosed harmful chemicals.
DIY Alternative: Create your own personal care products using natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and add essential oils such as lavender, peppermint or orange for fragrance.
When using essential oils, remember to check dilution ratios. Not everyone reacts the same way to essential oils, so always perform a patch test.
Photo: .hellman