After finishing a porch chair makeover, I realized that as frequent DIYers, John and I probably expose ourselves to a lot of chemicals. When I felt woozy and nauseous after just ten minutes of spray painting, I wondered how harmful those substances really were. Were the effects only temporary, or could we be risking long-term health problems? A few moments imagining us in our nicely painted home hooked up to ventilators made my priorities clear: health before home improvement.
So I started looking for simple ways to reduce unnecessary chemicals in our house — for our sake, our dog Burger, and any future children. Here are the practical swaps and habits we adopted:
Nail polish and nail polish remover can be some of the most toxic products in the home (assuming paints, varnishes, and stains are stored in a detached garage or you use low- or no-VOC options). If you can’t give up the mani-pedi, consider water-based, non-carcinogenic nail polish alternatives. Avoid brands that include formaldehyde. For polish remover, choose acetone-free formulas and remove polish outdoors when possible to keep fumes out of the house.
Topical flea and tick products for pets (such as certain spot-on brands) can be hazardous to children, adults, and even animals. These treatments often contain potent pesticides and include warnings to wash hands after application. We noticed the medication would get on our clothes and furniture when Burger sat on the couch, so those chemicals were effectively spreading through our home every month. We stopped using those products and switched to gentler options like flea-and-tick shampoos if needed. For an indoor dog with no flea issues, avoiding monthly pesticide applications felt like a safer choice.
Bleach- and ammonia-based cleaners are another major source of household toxins. They not only pollute the air while in use but can off-gas from storage under sinks. We gave up heavy-duty bleach products and swapped out harsh shower cleaners for milder, plant-based options that handle mildew without the respiratory irritation. We also began using a gentle all-purpose cleaner for glass and surfaces, which is less risky if our dog sniffs or licks a surface.
Many people find switching to gentler laundry detergents reduces skin irritation. Some report rashes when returning to conventional detergents. We started using a concentrated, hypoallergenic laundry detergent and stopped using fabric softener, which helped cut down on the chemicals that cling to clothes. Our laundry remained clean and soft, and we didn’t miss the fabric softener — a win for everyday exposure reduction.
We also switched personal care products to more natural choices. For toothpaste, we chose a natural brand made with oil-based flavoring and fewer synthetic ingredients. It felt slightly different at first, but we adapted quickly and now prefer the clean, lasting flavor. We also switched to a natural deodorant without aluminum or phosphates. These small changes reduce daily chemical exposure and are easier to maintain over time.
A few additional practical tips we picked up:
Eliminate pesticides where possible — avoid indoor bug bombs, skip harsh flea-and-tick treatments for pets when safer alternatives exist, and reduce lawn pesticides. Studies link some household and garden pesticides to increased cancer risks in young children, so minimizing use makes sense.
Air out dry-cleaned garments before bringing them inside by removing plastic covers and letting clothes ventilate outdoors or in a sunroom for at least 24 hours.
Choose dental floss and natural toothpaste over frequent mouthwash use, since many mouthwashes contain a long ingredient list you don’t want to swallow.
Explore non-toxic household brands that offer safer cleaning products, dish soap, hand soap, and even personal items like diapers and menstrual care — many mainstream and specialty brands now provide lower-chemical options.
Limit unnecessary radiation exposure by avoiding X-rays unless medically necessary; for example, a broken bone requires imaging, while routine dental X-rays can often be deferred based on your dentist’s advice.
Avoid heating plastics in the microwave — do not microwave food in plastic containers, plastic wrap, or disposable packaging. Use glass or microwave-safe ceramic instead, since heating plastics can allow chemicals to leach into food.
You don’t have to adopt every change we made, but these adjustments have been meaningful for our household. We buy many of these items regularly, so choosing healthier options makes sense for everyday use. If you remove household chemicals, dispose of them safely — local recycling centers often provide hazardous-waste drop-off options.
That wraps up our experience and the practical swaps we’ve made. Small changes add up — here’s to healthier living at home.