Spring Cleaning

Simple Steps to Create a Healthier Home: Small Changes for Big Impact

Spring is the perfect time to refresh not just your home but also your lifestyle by embracing a non-toxic approach to cleaning. As the seasons change, it’s an opportunity to swap out harsh chemicals for natural alternatives that protect your health and the environment. A non-toxic spring cleaning routine reduces exposure to harmful ingredients, improves indoor air quality, and creates a safer space for you and your family. From using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda to choosing eco-friendly products, small changes can make a significant impact. Let’s clear out the clutter this season and bring in a fresh, healthier way of living!

I truly believe that slow and steady growth is the most sustainable. No one changes overnight; if they say they have, it’s usually not lasting. We’re all works in progress, and when it comes to reducing toxins, perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. There’s only so much we can avoid, and that’s okay. It’s not about fear or eliminating everything at once but making small, manageable changes that add up over time. Even if we can’t remove every toxin from our environment, there are still plenty of ways to reduce our exposure realistically. Most importantly, don’t stress—our bodies are incredibly resilient, and every little step you take makes a difference!

I have a friend who owns a holistic real estate company, and I asked her to weigh in on some things that help make a non-toxic home. Cristina Cappelli is a holistic home expert, and I’m grateful she shared this information with us. At the end of this post, I will share my favorite products and a few tips to make your current home a bit more non-toxic.

Holistic Real Estate

There is quite a bit of scientific research showcasing the correlation between environmental toxins and cancer, allergies, and other chronic diseases that are not genetic. A World Health Organization study found that 80% to 90% of our health outcomes are intimately tied to where we physically live. Despite this overwhelming evidence, most homebuyers do not think of the health of a home and its immediate area when making an offer to purchase. If groundwork research is completed, you can keep as safe as possible in this modern world of heavy toxin exposure. When searching for a home, consider its proximity to EPA designated SuperFund sites, high pollution businesses, Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) transmission from power lines and cell phone towers, landfills, air quality, and other environmental concerns.

Home Testing

Once you choose an area, mold and water quality testing is recommended in addition to standard inspections. Mold can wreak havoc on your body and should not be present in your living environment. A water filtration system is also a wise investment.

Most Common Home Offenders

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that bring gas pollutants into the home from various sources. Over 400 compounds in the VOC family have been identified in the home, 200 of which are often in carpeting. You can reduce the amount of VOCs in your home by increasing ventilation, offgassing new furnishings before placing them in your home, limiting carpet, and purchasing low-VOC interior paint.

Removing your shoes at entry can reduce industrial toxins in your home by 60%. About 30-40% of contaminants, including lead, pesticides, and industrial toxins, are from outdoors. 

Another simple way to reduce your toxic threshold is to avoid conventional cleaning products that include carcinogens, neurotoxins, and endocrine disruptors by using plant-based, nontoxic cleaning products.

In Summary

Creating a healthier home starts with awareness and small, intentional choices. Research shows that environmental toxins significantly impact our health, yet many homebuyers overlook these factors when choosing where to live. By considering pollution levels, EMF exposure, and air and water quality, you can make more informed decisions to reduce toxin exposure. Simple steps like testing for mold, investing in water filtration, minimizing VOCs, removing shoes at the door, and switching to non-toxic cleaning products can all contribute to a safer, healthier living environment. While we can’t eliminate every toxin, mindful choices can go a long way in protecting our well-being.

Cristina Cappelli, Realtor, JD, founded Holistic Real Estate and is a healthy home advocate breaking the link between unhealthy housing and unhealthy families.

Cara’s Favorites

HEPA Air Purifier – I have one from Home Depot that I love and Ashlee just recently received a Jaspr to test out. Air Doctor and Molekule are two other great brands.

Branch Basics Cleaning Products – Use Code CARACLARKNUTRITION for a discount!

Sirena Water Vacuum – features a state-of-the-art water-based filtration system. No replaceable vacuum bags are needed! Add some regular tap water to the basin and start vacuuming. The water stays inside the basin (your carpets won’t get wet!) and acts as the filter, capturing dust, dirt, pet hair, and other allergens. Simply discard the dirty water at the end.

Whole-home Water Filtration System – There are tons of brands and options. My advice is to search for what’s local to your area.

And a few extra tips:

• Remove Artificial Air Fresheners — these aren’t doing you any favors! Artificial air fresheners can be harmful because they often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic chemicals, and fragrances that can negatively impact your health. Many of these chemicals, such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and toluene, are known to irritate the respiratory system, trigger allergies, and even cause headaches or dizziness. Long-term exposure has been linked to more serious health issues, including hormone disruption and an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, air fresheners may mask unpleasant odors but don’t actually remove the underlying cause, leaving pollutants trapped in the air. Opting for natural alternatives like essential oils or plants can help purify the air without the harmful side effects.

• Changing Your HVAC Air Filters Regularly—It’s generally recommended that you change your HVAC filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on several factors, such as the type of filter, household conditions, and the level of air pollution.

  • Standard filters should be changed every 1 to 2 months.

  • High-efficiency filters may last up to 3 months.

  • Homes with pets, smokers, or high dust levels may require more frequent changes, even every month, to maintain optimal air quality and system efficiency.

  • If anyone in your household has allergies or respiratory issues, more frequent filter changes can help reduce allergens in the air.

  Regular filter changes help improve airflow, maintain HVAC efficiency, and reduce the amount of dust and allergens circulating throughout your home.

• Become a Plant Lady—True story: I left 16 plants behind when we moved to Tennessee! Plants are excellent for indoor air filtration because they naturally absorb toxins, release oxygen, and improve humidity. Through a process called phytoremediation, plants take in airborne pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde through their leaves and roots, breaking them down into harmless byproducts.

In conclusion, creating a healthier home involves small, manageable changes that improve your environment and well-being. You can make informed decisions about your home by being mindful of toxins like VOCs, mold, and air quality. Simple actions like changing HVAC filters, using non-toxic products, and adding plants for air filtration can make a big difference. While perfection isn’t needed, consistent steps toward a cleaner, safer home can significantly improve your health and quality of life.