Detoxifying Your Home - Part 1
The Air We Breathe
We all spend more time indoors than we did a few generations ago…and this isn’t a good thing for our lungs. If you live in a cold climate like me, the windows stay closed for 6 months of the year. We might get a short reprieve in the spring (if you don’t have allergies), and then often the windows are closed again in the summer so the A/C doesn’t have to work so hard.
I also live in a fire zone, so wildfire smoke is also often an issue in the summertime. It’s amazing how the smoke can find its way into the house even when the windows are locked up tight.
So…it’s not surprising that our indoor air quality isn’t as lovely as outdoor air. Some things we don’t have a lot of control over (don’t tell me to leave my windows open in January!), but there are a few things that can harm our lungs that we do have control over.
Let’s look at the things we have some control over:
Artificial Scents
Artificial scents have become a ubiquitous part of our lives. We use them to freshen up our homes, cars, and workplaces. We wear them on our bodies in the form of perfumes, colognes, and body sprays. We even consume them in the foods we eat and the drinks we enjoy. But did you know that these artificial scents could be harming your health?
Let’s look at a few reasons why you might want to start avoiding artificial scents:
1.They can cause respiratory problems
Artificial scents are made up of a cocktail of chemicals, many of which are known to irritate the respiratory system. When we breathe in these scents, we can experience a range of respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. The chemicals in these scents can also trigger migraines and headaches.
2. They can disrupt hormone function
Many artificial scents contain phthalates, a class of chemicals that are used to make plastics more flexible. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption, which can lead to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, thyroid problems, and obesity. More on phthalates in the xenoestrogen section in Part 2.
3. They can affect the nervous system
Some artificial scents contain neurotoxins, chemicals that can damage the nervous system. When we breathe in these scents, they can affect our cognitive function, memory, and mood. Long-term exposure to these chemicals has also been linked to neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
4. They can harm the environment
Artificial scents are not only harmful to our health, but they are also harmful to the environment. When we use these scents, we release a cocktail of chemicals into the air, many of which are toxic to wildlife and plants. When these chemicals make their way into our waterways and soil, they can harm aquatic life and contribute to environmental pollution.
Artificial scents may seem harmless, but they can have a significant impact on our health and the environment.
It’s easy to avoid these harmful chemicals, like using natural scents like essential oils, opening windows for fresh air, and avoiding products that contain synthetic fragrances like air fresheners, and scented detergents. I’ve listed a bunch of ideas for you throughout this masterclass (artificial scents come up A LOT!).
…and once you’ve removed these scents from your house you may notice how intolerable they really are. They’re like an assault on the senses!
Cleaning Products
We all want a clean house (well…I love a clean house, but I greatly dislike the cleaning process :). Cleaning products make it easier to keep our homes clean and tidy, but many of these products can be a serious health risk to you and your family.
The harsh chemicals and toxins found in many cleaning products can have harmful effects on our health, from triggering asthma attacks to causing skin irritation and other health problems. Happily, there are great alternatives that are easy to use.
But first - The harms of many available cleaning products:
Chemicals: Many cleaning products contain chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine, and formaldehyde, which are known to be harmful to human health. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Environmental impact: Most cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. These chemicals can enter the water supply, pollute our oceans and rivers, and harm wildlife.
Fragrances: Many cleaning products contain fragrances that can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. These fragrances are often synthetic and can be harmful to our health. You’ll see artificial scents and fragrances pop up a lot, including in the xenoestrogen section.
Corrosiveness: Some cleaning products are corrosive and can be absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream (yikes!).
Here are a few easy alternatives:
Natural cleaning products: There are many natural cleaning products available that are safe for both you and the environment. These products are made from plant-based ingredients and do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins. Look for products that are certified as eco-friendly or biodegradable.
Homemade cleaning products: You can also make your cleaning products at home using simple, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These ingredients are effective at cleaning and disinfecting and are safe to use. I’ve got some recipes for you below :).
Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are an excellent alternative to disposable cleaning wipes. They are reusable and can be washed and used again and again. They are also effective at cleaning and disinfecting without the need for harsh chemicals. They’re amazingly handy!
Steam cleaning: Steam cleaning is a safe and effective way to clean and disinfect surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. A steam cleaner uses high-pressure steam to kill bacteria and other germs on surfaces.
If you’d like to try your hand at a few homemade cleaners, here are a few ideas:
Vinegar-Based Cleaner
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean almost everything in your home. To make a vinegar-based cleaner, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to mask the vinegar smell. This cleaner is great for cleaning windows, countertops, and bathroom fixtures.
Baking Soda-Based Scrub
Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can be used to clean sinks, showers, and toilets. To make a baking soda-based scrub, mix baking soda with a small amount of water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to the surface you want to clean, scrub with a sponge or brush, and rinse with water. This scrub is incredibly effective at removing stains and grime. I’ve cleaned some incredible grime with a baking soda scrub!
Lemon-Based Cleaner
Lemons are great for cleaning and can be used to remove stains and freshen up surfaces. To make a lemon-based cleaner, mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. This cleaner is perfect for cleaning kitchen surfaces, cutting boards, and stainless steel appliances.
Castile Soap-Based Cleaner (like Dr. Bronner’s)
Castile soap is a natural soap made from vegetable oils and can be used as a gentle cleaning solution. To make a castile soap-based cleaner, mix one part castile soap with four parts water in a spray bottle. This cleaner can be used to clean floors, walls, and surfaces that require a gentle touch.
Tea Tree Oil-Based Cleaner
Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant that can be used to clean and sanitize surfaces. To make a tea tree oil-based cleaner, mix water and a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. This cleaner is great for cleaning bathrooms and other areas that require extra disinfecting power.
*Be careful using tea tree oil around pets, especially cats. It’s toxic to them. Don’t let it get onto their fur or paws. Even the scent can be harmful if they have kidney or liver issues.
Mold and Mycotoxins
I’ve lived in a few moldy houses and I’ve gotta tell you, it ain’t pretty.
My worst mold sickness happened when I was in high school. A nasty combination of a moldy environment, bad diet, high stress, and several rounds of antibiotics following a bout of measles (which knocked my immune system down for a few years), caused my gut to be teaming with mold.
I was so sick. I constantly felt like I was fighting the worst flu of my life and I had recurring sinus infections. I still haven’t ever felt that sick again…I don’t know how I graduated from high school. My doctor’s solution was more antibiotics (I believe it was 5 rounds in 1 year) which just made things worse.
Eventually, a walk-in clinic doctor recommended antihistamines, which helped (I believe the mold infection caused super high histamine/Histamine Intolerance), but it was years before I realized that mold was the problem.
Getting out of my moldy high school helped a lot, but it took some time before I noticed that I got sick again anytime I was around mold. I realized this while living in Toronto, which is a VERY moldy city (old houses + high humidity = a moldy and bad place for Lisa to live).
Over time I managed to detox the mold in my body, but that protocol is another masterclass for another day (let me know if you’d like me to write it :). I recently spent 10 years living in another very moldy house (I didn’t know about the mold for the first 7 years), and through some mitigation, I managed to keep my symptoms at bay.
For a healthy home, it’s important to be aware of mold and the signs of mold sickness in your body.
Mold kicks out mycotoxins, which is what’s harmful. They’re so potent that armies use mycotoxins for chemical weapons.
If you’re concerned that you might have mold in your house, it’s not a bad idea to have your house tested. If you’re concerned about your health or the health of your family, here’s a questionnaire that can help to see if your body is mold-sick right now.
How to know if you’ve got mold in your house:
1. You see it or smell it –
Seeing mold is just the tip of the iceberg. If you can see it, then there’s a very good chance there’s a lot of mold you can’t see. A musty smell is another potent sign you’ve got mold
2. Mold is growing on your clothes –
Those mold spores have probably come from hidden mold inside your house.
3. You know there was a water leak in the house –
Unless the leak was properly dried, there’s a decent chance that you have mold. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 houses have mold issues 😳
4. Allergy or Asthma flare ups or a chronic cough –
Or, for me, a giant sneezing fit. These are signs that your body’s immune system isn’t happy about something you’re breathing in.
Side note: If you watch one of the Q&As from 2021 or early 2022, you’ll notice that my voice often gets raspy. That would happen if I spent any time in the basement of my old house without my air filter. It didn’t take long before my body launched a fight.
5. Bubbled paint or warped walls –
Sometimes mold stays under the paint, causing it to bubble as it grows. Yikes!
6. Musty smell coming from your A/C or furnace filter-
Yup, it means it’s time to change that filter and look into the A/C or furnace to see if there are any spores in there. A/Cs are often wet and can breed mold.
How to Prevent Mold in Your House:
Reduce humidity levels:
Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home. Ideally, the humidity should be between 30% and 50%. I’ve read in a few places that ideally you want to be below 40% to stop mold growth. You can also use an air conditioner or open windows to improve ventilation.
Fix your leaks:
If you notice a leak in your home, fix it as soon as possible. Even small leaks can lead to mold growth if left untreated. Check pipes, faucets, and roofs regularly for signs of leaks.
Get the humid air out:
Install exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to help remove moisture from the air. Make sure they are vented to the outside and not just into the attic.
Dry wet areas:
If you have a spill or a leak, dry the affected area immediately. Use fans or open windows to improve ventilation and help the area dry faster.
Keep your house clean:
Regular cleaning can help prevent mold growth. Use a solution of bleach and water to clean moldy surfaces and wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling spores.
Monitor indoor plants:
Indoor plants can increase humidity levels in your home. Monitor them closely and make sure they are not contributing to mold growth.
Store items properly:
Make sure to store items such as clothes, towels, and books in dry areas. Avoid storing items in damp or humid areas such as basements or attics.
What if you find mold?
Here are some tips for cleaning up mold in your house:
Identify the source of the mold:
Mold thrives in moist environments, so it’s important to identify the source of the moisture that’s allowing it to grow. This could be a leaky pipe, a roof leak, or even high humidity levels. Run that dehumidifier!
Wear protective gear:
Before you start cleaning, make sure you’re wearing protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a face mask. This will help protect you from exposure to mold spores. Those suckers can climb into your sinuses and lungs and take up residence!
Use a mold-specific cleaner:
Regular household cleaners may not be effective at removing mold. Look for a cleaner specifically designed for mold removal and follow the instructions carefully. White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can also be effective.
Remove affected materials:
If the mold has spread to porous materials such as drywall or carpeting, it may be necessary to remove and replace them. This will help prevent the mold from coming back.
Dry out the area:
Once you’ve removed the mold, be sure to dry out the area thoroughly to prevent it from coming back. Use fans or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
Your indoor air is important and doing what you can to keep it safe to breathe is helpful. And…do your best. Unplugging that Glade Plug-in and keeping an eye out for mold alone can work wonders!
If you’re not too overwhelmed, head over to part 2 :)
Got any questions or comments? Comment below, jump to our private Facebook Group, or the Ask Lisa page :).