5 of the most TOXIC things in your home and how to change it!

Jeanne Frey

Baby peering between colorful bottles on a bathroom shelf, looking curious at the camera

1. Air Fresheners

I rated this #1 because personally this was the hardest to switch over. My daughter and I loved going to the mall and walking into the store with all the fun colorful candles, air fresheners, lotions, and soaps. It all smelled amazing and everyone was so nice! But studies show that those air fresheners with pictures of glittery morning dewy lavender and ever eternal oceans really have nothing of the sort inside. In fact, the University of California at Berkley found that when used excessively or in unvented areas, theyre releasing toxic levels of pollutants. YIKES! My tip: Diffuse! In every room if you can! Lemon and orange are great for purifying the air of foul odors. Lavender or peppermint are good for a calming effect. Where to buy? Diffusers can be found pretty much anywhere and range from $10-$200+. I personally buy from Young Living and Amazon. Another great natural option to make your own DIY air freshener. Here is my favorite recipe: 16 oz glass spray bottle ($5). 6 drops Eucalyptus, 6 drops Lemon, 6 drops Lavender. Fill with water. Shake. Viola! **Keep in mind that essential oils are tricky and the rule of thumb is you get what you pay for. This couldn't be more true with oils. I recommend purchasing from a credible source such as Young Living. Becoming a member has a ton of benefits! Contact Organically Maid for more info on that!

Hand holding a small lemon essential oil bottle in front of a blurred indoor background

2. Dryer Sheets

This was interesting to me. I never really thought about why clothes smelled so fresh after tossing in a dryer sheet up until my chemical awakening a few years ago. And even now as I do research for this article, I'm learning even more disturbing facts about how toxic they are. Here are those facts. According to the author of The Brain Wash, there are seven potentially toxic common chemicals found in dryer sheets that contribute to central nervous system disorders and depression and may cause headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. SAY HUH? Chemicals found in dryer sheets infiltrate the clothes we wear and get absorbed into our body. And according to neurologists and other experts in this arena, contribute to dysfunction and disease of the nervous system. Um no thanks! Here is what I use in my dryer! Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I love Gentle Baby from Young Living) to a couple of these natural wool dryer balls (less than $15) and bam! No toxins, but you still get super smelly good clothes!

Natural fabric bag, folded blue cloth, cotton balls, and small essential oil bottles on a white background

3. Nonstick pans

I grew up in the country and my mom always cooked on this one cast iron griddle. It was the size of two burners and she cooked everything from eggs to turkey burgers to grilled veggies and beyond. She always told me that cooking on anything else would cause cancer. And as the unaware child I was, I'd always roll my eyes. But now I can say thanks Mom! Of course I'm no expert in cancer and I'm not saying my mom was right, buuuuuut per the Environmental Working Group, she had the right idea with this. They say that nonstick coatings can "reach 700 degrees F in as little as 3-5 minutes, releasing 15 toxic gases and chemicals, including two carcinogens." All I gotta say is cast iron guys!! A good cast iron skillet range is $30+.

Roasted chicken in a cast-iron skillet with potatoes on a rustic white wooden table

4. Plastic food containers and plastic wrap

This might actually give you a reason to jump for joy! Who gets so annoyed every time they go for the cabinet of mismatched containers? Seriously where do all the lids go?! Same place the socks do I bet. But guess what? You can now throw it all out and replace it with... glass! Youll want to after reading this: Many containers are made from chemicals such as phthalates, which can interfere with the body's endocrine system to produce adverse developmental, reproductive and neurological effects. And since the plastic breaks down over time, it can cause the release of these dangerous chemicals into your food. YUCK! So, yeah, glass yall. And Beeswax Food Wraps ($15) to replace those pesky lids!

A glass bowl covered with yellow-patterned cloth, with leafy greens visible inside.

5. Cleaning products

So this one is my favorite and I could talk for hours about the why and the how. Like literally there are TONS of studies and articles out there about this subject so its tough but I'll condense it to one paragraph ha! Cleaning ingredients vary in the type of health hazard they pose. Some cause acute, or immediate, hazards such as skin or respiratory irritation, watery eyes, or chemical burns, while others are associated with chronic, or long-term, effects such as cancer. So. Not. Worth. It. Making your own cleaners is super fun and even more super cost effective I promise! You can make it all from scratch or buy premixed like our fav Thieves Household Concentrate from Young Living. Honestly though, I do both. I hand mix my peppermint bathroom scrub and dusting spray but use the Thieves concentrate for floors and disinfecting. Highly recommend Thieves yall! Its a blend of Clove, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Rosemary, and Lemon. Costs under $30 and will last like forever. Contact me if you want some!

Essential oils, a succulent, and a bag of greens on a light wooden surface.

**Disclaimer: I am in no way a medical expert. Do your own research and find what works best for your personal situation. Also, research which oils are safe for your family members including pets.

Let me know what you think of my new blog! Thanks! -Aly

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