how to detox my home

[maysa]

how to detox my home

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I'd like too rid the home of nasties but i dont know where to start

Apart from cleaning stuff and plastics what else should i have on my list of stuff to go?

[starbuckozzie]

Re: how to detox my home

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Look into the ingredients in your soap, shampoo, laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid. It's never ending actually; you can get into paint, furniture, mattresses, sheets; you name it. Start small with whatever you feel you can handle.

[maysa]

Re: how to detox my home

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We already avoid SLS ive found it was dreadful for ds#1's eczema. Thanks for the reply, with furniture is it avoiding use of certain fabrics or paints or something else?

[starbuckozzie]

Re: how to detox my home

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With furniture you want stuff that is not offgassing. In particular, things like chipboard, fibreboard, new mattresses treated with fire retardant, etc. Sorry, kids are saying "Come on Mummy!" and not letting me look up any of my references!

[Nyree]

Re: how to detox my home

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Most furniture/mattresses with foam use urethane foam - look for natural latex, wool or cotton stuffing (organic where possible).

The chipboard & MDF mentioned will outgas formaldehyde. If you must use those product, look for the 'E0' version which is the newer, eco-friendlier (and people-friendlier) type. I don't like vinyl wrapped (thermofoil) cabinet doors, either. PVC is best avoided, but it pays to ask questions - the name 'thermofoil' doesn't indicate it's vinyl, but it is.

Polyurethane lacquer of floors, timber benches & furniture.

Clothes - pretty much anything coming out of China, even 'organic' clothing, is usually sprayed with methyl bromide. Look for stuff made elsewhere if poss.

Carpets are also reknown for offgassing, particularly synthetic types (formaldehyde being the main culprit again) - also a breeding ground for dustmites. Timber floors with a natural sealant like beeswax or organoil or tiles (natural fibre mats if needed) are better options.

If you're buying new furniture & they offer stain protection, remember it's evil stuff.

[maysa]

Re: how to detox my home

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Where do i get beeswax for use as a wood sealant?Could that go on a cot? we have only 3 carpeted rooms here which suits us since we do have a dustmite allergic DS#1 .Thanks guys I think now i'll be questioning the safety of everything in my house lol

[Purly]

Re: how to detox my home

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Here are some articles right here that might be of interest.

Avoiding Household Dangers - Plastics In Your Home
Paint The World Green
Non-Toxic Housecleaning - Simple, Safe And Effective.

Watch out for candles too. They are full of nasties. Soy or bees wax are nicer alternatives.

[Nyree]

Re: how to detox my home

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I put the link to the beeswax in another thread of yours

[lcorteen]

Re: how to detox my home

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Hi Jess

Others have basically said everything, but I LOVE beauty & the bees for skin and hair care (if you can eat it, it gets my tick of approval).

Many of us here make our own cleaning products - sorry I am not very technically minded and don't know how to post a link, but search the forums and you should find some recipes for all sorts of things from home made nit treatments to wasing powder to all purpose cleaning spray.

Some other things:
use natural insect repellents/control (or a flyswat or your shoe!)
swap plastic drink bottles to stainless steel or glass (obviously not for the kids!)
swap plastic containers for stainless steel or glass or cast iron, especially for heating food

DD1 had some horrible eczema as a toddler. After eliminating the external pollutants, we found chinese herbs had an absolutely amazing impact on clearing it up... however a change in diet has made the biggest impact in keeping it at bay (completely eliminated wheat and dairy, though she occasionally has goat's cheese). Whenever she has a flare up, it corresponds with eating either of these things (and often both).

It has taken me about 10 years to get to where I am now (in terms of being a low toxin household) and it is nowhere near where I want to be. Take it easy so as to not get overwhelmed you'e doing a great thing for yourself, your family and the planet!