Heavy chemicals are everywhere in modern homes; from the fabric of the sofa to the chemicals used to chase pests from your home, manufactured products tend to dominate.
While chemical solutions do undoubtedly have their place, many homeowners have found themselves wondering if such high, constant levels of exposure are ideal in terms of health – and unfortunately, these fears are not entirely unfounded.
The problem is not so much the chemicals that surround our home in and of themselves, but the cumulative effect of so many heavy chemicals in a relatively confined space. However, there are a few simple switches you can make that will lower the overall chemical content of your home, much to the benefit of all who live there…
Switch scented candles for beeswax candles and essential oils
The chemicals used to create scented candles can be hugely damaging to human health, especially if the fragrance oil contains phthalates. If you want to enjoy the glow of a candle in your living room of an evening, switch out standard scented candles in favor of natural beeswax alternatives. Alternatively, if you like scented candles for their fragrance rather than their light throw, switch to an essential oil diffuser for a far safer, healthier home environment.
Switch from standard to low-impact pest control
The pest control industry has, for many years, been reliant on heavy chemicals in order to produce results for customers’ homes. However, times are changing, and more and more providers recognize the health concerns associated with conventional treatments. As a result, providers are slowly changing the way they operate, so you should be able to find a natural pest control service in your area with relative ease – and thus avoid the potential harm of the traditional, heavy-chemical treatments.
Switch from chemical cleaners to steam cleaning
Conventional, store-bought chemical cleaning products tend to contain volatile, hazardous chemicals, which can be a problem both in terms of the day-to-day cleaning you perform and any deep-cleaning (such as oven cleaning) services you hire. The most obvious solution to these issues is to opt for homemade, all-natural cleaning products, but the efficacy of homemade solutions tends to be variable. Thankfully, there is a solution: steam cleaning. Steam cleaners do not require the addition of manufactured cleaning solutions to achieve results, so look to purchase your own appliance and ensure that any cleaning service you hire uses the same kind of equipment.
Switch from memory foam to wool mattresses
Memory foam mattresses can be comfortable, but a huge number of chemicals have to be applied to the mattress to ensure it is flame resistant. However, many manufacturers are now offering wool mattresses. Not only are these mattresses extremely comfortable, but wool is also a naturally flame resistant material, so there’s no need for chemical coatings. As a result, the next time you replace a mattress in your home, wool options are worth considering.
In conclusion
With a few simple switches, you can reduce the chemicals in your home and hopefully enjoy a much healthier space for you and your family to live in – enjoy!