5 Low-Toxic Swaps to Start With

If you're anything like I was, you've probably stood in your kitchen, looking at your cleaning supplies, wondering if your "fresh lemon scent" air spray might actually be part of the problem. Or flipped over a bottle trying to pronounce...whatever that ingredient is.

Same.

I didn't start this journey because I'm "crunchy" by nature-I started because nothing was working. My family's health was spiraling, meds were multiplying, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the products we used daily were working against us.

So, I started swapping out a few things. Nothing fancy. Just real, manageable changes that made a real difference.

Here are the first 5 low-toxic swaps I made that actually stuck-and what they replaced.

1.Ditching Synthetic Air Fresheners for Herbal Simmer Pots

Before: Plug-ins, sprays, and wax melts.

After: A small saucepan with quirky designs found at Goodwill, a cinnamon stick, citrus peels, and some rosemary from the garden.

Why it helped: Most air fresheners are full of phthalates, formaldehyde, and VOCs-ingredients linked to hormone disruption and respiratory issues. I used to get random headaches and a stuffy nose for "no reason." Once I started simmering real ingredients on the stove, the fog lifted (literally), and the house smelled like a cozy fall day instead of an artificial flower explosion.

2.Switching to Homemade Magnesium Deodorant

Before: Drugstore antiperspirants loaded with aluminum and parabens.

After: A homemade blend of tallow, magnesium, kaolin clay, and essential oils.

Why it helped: Conventional deodorants often contain aluminum (which blocks sweat glands), synthetic fragrances, and endocrine-disrupting preservatives like parabens. My underarms were constantly irritated and weirdly dry. Same with some other fluffy folds that needed a little love. Once I switched to a homemade version that supported rather than blocked my body, the inflammation disappeared-and so did the funk!

3.Swapping Bright Night Lights for Gentle Red Bulbs

Before: Harsh color changing LED night lights in bedrooms.

After: Low-red spectrum night lights that mimic firelight.

Why it helped: Blue light at night suppresses melatonin production and disrupts circadian rhythms. Same with other colors of the night light spectrum in different manners. Red bulbs support natural melatonin release, help with sleep, and don't shock your eyes in the middle of the night when stumbling to the bathroom. After the change, we all started sleeping deeper and more effectively.

4.Homemade Tea Blends Instead of Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids

Before: Melatonin gummies and the occasional Benadryl.

After: Herbal teas with chamomile, marshmallow root, ginger, and cinnamon.

Why it helped: OTC sleep meds often lead to grogginess, dependency, and weird dreams (hello weird six-legged unicorn!). Instead, I started blending herbs known for calming digestion and the nervous system. Our bedtime tea has become a little ritual, and sleep has come easier for all of us, including the littles. Plus, no mystery ingredients or side effects, bonus!

5.Swapping All-Purpose Cleaners for Vinegar+Castile Soap

Before: Commercial spray cleaners with neon colors and mystery bubbles

After: Diluted vinegar+castile soap with a few drops of lemon essential oil

Why it helped: Many store cleaners contain ammonia, formaldehyde, and synthetic surfactants that can irritate lungs, skin, and eyes. I used to hold my breath when cleaning-how wild is that?! Now I clean with simple, natural ingredients that I feel safe letting the kids help with. The house is still clean and bonus: it smells amazing too!

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Steady

You don't have to toss everything and start fresh. You just have to start somewhere. One swap. One label read. One better choice.

Low-toxic living (notice it doesn't say "no-toxic, or toxic-free living"), is about progress, not perfection. Once you feel the difference, you won't want to go back.

If you're ready to keep exploring natural remedies, printable recipes, and cozy home swaps-I've got loads waiting and coming in The Nook's Shop. Grab a tea, settle in, and start wherever feels right.

Thanks for being here!

this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice