Low-Tox Life: 11 Small but Powerful Home Product Swaps
Is it just me, or does it feel like we can no longer turn on the television or scroll social media without being bombarded with the newest “toxic” ingredient or household product to avoid? It’s starting to feel like there are more harmful products out there than safe ones. And honestly, it’s overwhelming. If you’re a mom trying to live a low-tox life, that anxiety is multiplied, because we’re not just responsible for ourselves, we’re responsible for the health and well-being of our little ones, too.
So, what can we do about it?
While we can’t single-handedly control what industries produce, we can take steps to reduce our family’s exposure to harmful chemicals within our own homes. And the good news? Even the smallest changes can create a large and long lasting impact on your family’s health and well-being.
The “All or Nothing” Trap
When I first started on my low-tox journey, I wanted to swap everything overnight. The fridge, pantry, cleaning supplies, skincare, bedding… all of it. But the reality is, making a complete switch all at once is simply not practical for most families. Budget constraints, time limitations, and even the skepticism of a “but we turned out just fine” spouse can make an all-in approach very unrealistic.
It did not take long for me to realize that “all or nothing” was not an option for me. If I truly wanted to create a more healthy, balanced and low-tox home for my family, it was going to be a process. So, I chose to embrace more of a “one step at a time” mindset, and let me tell you… it made all the difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and trust me when I say that even the smallest swaps are forward progress and they will add up quickly in a very big way!
What Should You Swap First?
Not sure where to begin? Start with the products you use the most often! Think laundry, dishwashing, cleaning supplies… these products touch our skin and mouths, linger in the air, and coat the surfaces our children play on daily. Conventional options are often filled with harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and residues that can disrupt our hormones and burden our bodies over time. From there, consider the air you breathe; candles, air fresheners, and even household dust can contribute to indoor air pollution. You’ll be amazed at how much better your home feels and smells, and even how much better you feel physically, as you begin to make these simple changes.
So let’s get to it, here are 11 small but mighty low-tox swaps you can easily make to create a healthier home for your family.
11 Low-Tox Home Product Swaps
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
Common harmful ingredients:
- Ammonia – causes respiratory and skin irritation
- 2-butoxyethanol – linked to liver and kidney damage
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Mix 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 10 drops of high quality essential oil (I like lemon or tea tree)
Store Bought Recommendation-> Thieves All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
2. Glass Cleaner
Common harmful ingredients:
- Ammonia – causes respiratory and skin irritation
- Isopropanol – can cause dizziness and skin irritation
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup rubbing alcohol, and 2 tablespoons vinegar
Store Bought Recommendation-> Attitude Window & Glass Cleaner
3. Laundry Detergent
Common harmful ingredients:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – causes skin and eye irritation
- Optical brighteners – can cause skin irritation and toxic to aquatic life
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Mix 1 bar of grated castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s), 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup baking soda (use 2 tablespoons per load)
Store Bought Recommendation-> Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
4. Fabric Softener & Dyer Sheets
Common harmful ingredients:
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds – linked to asthma
- Fragrance – can trigger allergic reaction and respiratory problems
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle
Store Bought Recommendation-> Organic White Vinegar & Wool Dyer Balls
5. Dish Soap
Common harmful ingredients:
- Triclosan – disrupts hormones and harmful to the environment
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) – causes skin and eye irritation
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Mix 1 cup castille soap (I like Dr. Bronner’s), ¼ cup water, and a few drops of high quality lemon essential oil
Store Bought Recommendation-> Ecos Dish Soap
6. Dishwasher Detergent/Pods
Common harmful ingredients:
- Chlorine Bleach – causes skin and lung irritation
- Phosphates – harmful to waterways
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Mix 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup baking soda, and ¼ cup salt
Store Bought Recommendation-> Seventh Generation Dishwasher Powder
7. Floor Cleaner
Common harmful ingredients:
- Glycol ethers – linked to neurological issues
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Mix 1 gallon hot water, ½ cup white vinegar, and 5 drops of high quality essential oil (I like lemon or pine)
Store Bought Recommendation-> Thieves All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
8. Air Fresheners
Common harmful ingredients:
- Phthalates – disrupt hormones
- Formaldehyde – known carcinogen
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Simmer cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peels in water
Store Bought Recommendation->Levoit Air Purifier and ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser
9. Candles
Common harmful ingredients:
- Phthalates – disrupt hormones
- Paraffin Wax – releases harmful chemicals when burned
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Use soy wax, beeswax or coconut wax and high quality essential oils to make candles
Store Bought Recommendation-> ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser or Fontana Candle Co.
10. Non-Stick Cookware
Common harmful ingredients:
- PFOA and PTFE – linked to cancer and reproductive harm
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – Use cast iron or stainless steel
Store Bought Recommendation-> Stainless Steel Cookware or Cast Iron Skillet
11. Plastic Food Storage Containers
Common harmful ingredients:
- BPA and BPS – hormone disrupters
Low-Tox Swaps:
DIY – use glass or silicone food storage containers
Store Bought Recommendation-> Rubbermaid Glass Containers
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if purchases are made directly through the links provided above.
The Takeaway: Progress Over Perfection
Transitioning to a lower-tox home and lifestyle can feel overwhelming and costly, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with small, manageable swaps and build from there. Even the tiniest changes can make a drastic impact and every substitution you make is a step toward a healthier, safer home for your family.
Have you made any low-tox home product swaps lately? Share your favorites in the comments below – I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
Looking for more DIY Recipes to support your low-tox journey? Click here to explore my ever-growing collection: DIY Recipes
