Untraditional Ways to Detox

Published February 2024, Neighbors of Park City, Neighbors of Heber Valley

Untraditional Ways to Detox

I always love the mark of a new year to prompt a little reset. A moment to reflect on the year prior, set intentions for the year ahead, and renew commitments to my health. Usually, this involves some sort of exercise plan, healthy eating, reducing inflammatory foods like alcohol & sugar, along with earlier bedtimes. If, like me, you are continuing your January detox commitment into February there is another less obvious detox to consider — the toxins in your home. Unfortunately, 6 am HIIT classes, damp January, and food cleanses won't inhibit the possibility of toxins in your home, which can put your health at risk despite all of your diet & exercise. But small measures, made consistently, can make a big difference.

Here are a few untraditional healthy habits to consider:

AIR QUALITY

EPA.org declared indoor air quality as a risk to human health. Here are a few ways you can make sure you breathe free.

Change HVAC / central air filters a minimum of every 2 months. Make sure you buy a filter with a MERV 13 rating or higher per the American Lung Association.

Ventilate. Energy-efficient homes, by definition, mean less ventilation. Open windows and doors when possible. Allow mechanical fans in your central air, exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathrooms, and ceiling fans to run even when you are not heating or cooling. This will ensure air exchange bringing in fresh O2 to your home.

Air-purifying plants are a lovely way to purify the air, bring joy, and decorate your home.

CLEAN CLEANERS

Household cleaners can be laden with toxins, which is ironic as they are meant to clean your home.

DIY. You can do a lot with baking soda, lemon, vinegar, and hot water.

If you prefer to buy cleaning agents make sure you scan the labels with the EWG healthy living app, and opt for green ratings verified A or B.

If someone else cleans your home, be sure you know what cleaning agents they are using, and if they don't pass the clean test, provide your own.

HEALTHY DECOR

Home decor and furnishings are another way toxins can find their way into your home. As you purchase new items or replace old, consider: avoid water-resistant, stain-guard, or flame-retardant-coated furnishings. If you are embarking on a new paint job or remodel, opt for low or no-VOC paint. Choose natural materials like wool, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, and FSC-certified wood.

Candles & scent. If you choose candles opt for beeswax, soy, hemp or coconut wax, organic or wood wicks, and 100% essential oil scent. Otherwise, stovetop potpourri with fruit, spices, and herbs is a lovely way to scent your home naturally.

Live Free,
Dana

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to detox your home?

Detoxing your home means identifying and reducing sources of harmful chemical exposure in your indoor environment — including air quality, cleaning products, personal care items, and plastics — not just focusing on diet or exercise.

How often should I change my HVAC filter?

Change HVAC filters at least every two months. The American Lung Association recommends a MERV 13 rating or higher. More frequent changes are needed if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dry or dusty climate.

Why is indoor air quality considered a health risk?

The EPA has identified indoor air quality as one of the top environmental health risks. Without proper ventilation and filtration, indoor air can contain 2 to 5 times more pollutants than outdoor air due to off-gassing from products, synthetics, and limited airflow.

What are easy first steps to detox a home?

Improving air quality with better filters and ventilation, switching to fragrance-free cleaning products, and eliminating plastic food containers are three of the highest-impact steps you can take with minimal disruption to daily routines.

Does a January detox need to include my home environment?

Yes — diet and exercise alone will not counteract daily exposure to chemical toxins in your home. Even with a clean diet, chemical exposures from cleaning products, laundry detergent, and personal care items continue to accumulate in the body.