The Simple Guide to Creating a Clean and Conscious Home with Cleaning Products & Laundry Detergent
Overview
In this episode, I will give you 2 simple ways to start detoxing your home and switching your household products for a safer environment. I know it can be overwhelming when you start to implement safer swaps but hopefully this can jumpstart your clean home journey!
What you'll learn in this episode:
00:00 | Intro
02:30 | My journey towards a more conscious and clean lifestyle.
04:33 | The importance of understanding what "clean" means for different brands.
05:37 | Research resources for non-toxic, or clean, products
06:57 | My personal criteria for "clean"
10:59 | Alternatives to candles
13:03 | Non-Toxic household cleaning products
15:22 | DIY cleaning products.
19:50 | My non-toxic laundry detergent duo
Resources:
Branch Basics
Clean Mama
Dropps Laundry Pods
EWG Website
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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
Product links may contain affiliate links that are eligible for a small commission.
Unlocking a Healthier Home: Embracing Non-Toxic Cleaning and Laundry Practices
The pursuit of wellness is often a transformative journey, and for many, it involves reevaluating not just personal habits but also the products used in everyday life. As awareness grows around the potential health risks associated with common household cleaners and laundry products, there's a noticeable shift towards non-toxic alternatives. The "Mom Guilt Podcast" with Vanaa, a dermatology nurse practitioner turned wellness enthusiast, delves into the tangible benefits of making conscientious choices in our homes.
Key Takeaways:
Fragrances in cleaning products may pose health risks, highlighting the importance of choosing phthalate-free scents or fragrance-free options.
Transitioning to non-toxic cleaning and laundry products can be simplified by focusing on two major shifts: household cleaners and laundry practices.
It's possible to effectively clean and freshen homes and laundry without compromising health, as evidenced by Vanaa's utilization of brands like Branch Basics and Clean Mama.
The Hidden Dangers of Household Fragrances
A recurring theme throughout the podcast is the potential danger posed by synthetic fragrances found in many conventional cleaning products. Vanna underscores this by noting, "Like, fragrances are really, really bad for your health." The discussion pivots to the concept of 'clean' and unpacks the misleading marketing tactics, such as greenwashing, that can often lead consumers astray.
"Is this really thing, is this woo-woo?" Vanaa asks, highlighting the importance of verifying claims through evidence. Citing sources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and PubMed articles, she stresses the need to avoid endocrine disruptors and carcinogens.
The impact of switching away from fragranced products is made palpable as Vanaa shares, "You don't even realize how much it affects you until you remove it from your home." This statement captures the silent infiltration of potential health risks within the very walls of our sanctuaries—our homes—and advocates for informed and mindful choices.
A Shift to Non-Toxic Cleaning: Branch Basics and DIY Solutions
When it comes to cleaning, the Mom Guilt Podcast doesn't just problematize but also offers solutions. Vanaa introduces Branch Basics, a brand that captures her preference for simplicity and safety. Everything from glass and bathroom cleaners to all-purpose sprays can be sourced from a single concentrate, she explains, making it a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution.
Further, she promotes a DYI cleaning approach inspired by Clean Mama, whose products and methods offer an alternative for those keen on crafting their own cleaning supplies. "You just stick the label on and it tells you every time when you go to refill the bottles how to do it," she says, reflecting the accessibility of these alternative practices.
This portion of the discussion isn't merely about product recommendations; it's an invitation to reassess what we bring into our homes. By advocating for brands that prioritize consumer health without compromising effectiveness, Vanaa offers a blueprint for others to follow.
Revolutionizing Laundry Day: From Scented Detergents to Plant-Based Pods
In a quest for healthier laundry practices, Vanaa shares her journey through various products, ultimately settling on a combination that works for her family. She extolls the virtues of Dropps, a brand with plant-based pods that are dye-free and phthalate-free, earning them an A or B rating on EWG's scale, depending on whether one opts for the scented or unscented versions.
Her method consists of "a few drops, drops which are literally the pods. And if it's like real dicey, we need to get real clean, I’ll do some Clean Mama spray on top." This hands-on guidance provides a practical roadmap for listeners, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating healthier options into routine chores.
This theme draws a clear line from intention to action. By illustrating her personal experimentation and eventual satisfaction with certain products, Vanaa encourages listeners to embark on their own journeys toward a cleaner, safer laundry routine that doesn't compromise on quality or efficacy.
Reflecting on the insights shared in the "Mom Guilt Podcast," it's evident that the journey toward a tox-free home doesn't have to be overwhelming. The choice of non-toxic cleaning and laundry products can lead to significant (and sometimes surprising) improvements in well-being. Vanaa's testimony about her husband's newfound appreciation for their fragrance-free home illuminates the broader impact these changes can make—not only on our health but also on our relationship dynamics.
As listeners contemplate the advice and experiences Vanaa shares, it's important to remember that small, incremental changes can lead to a cascade of positive impacts. Whether it's enjoying a scent that doesn't carry hidden risks, tidying up with transparent cleaning products, or experiencing the simple satisfaction of fresh, toxin-free laundry—the decisions we make in our homes resonate through every aspect of our lives.