What I use around the home
When you know better, you do better.
Over the years I have had allot of people ask me about what products I use around the home that are non-toxic and healthier for you. As someone who has had cancer and lives with an auto-immune disease, I decided many years ago to start swapping out everyday items in my life for the good of my health and my family. I would love to share some of these with you in the hope that you might consider living a more non-toxic lifestyle too.
It may seem a bit over the top, however this has been many years in the making with slow changes that have all now added up to a much healthier lifestyle for us. I have had genetic testing and I know my detox pathways are inpaired, so for a regular person some of these toxins can be adequatley filtered through their body but for me its a much more slower and ineffective process that results in more toxic load that then has effects on my health and wellbeing. If you are interested in this, I highly recommend you research MTHFR and associated genetics with a functional doctor or highly skilled naturopath, especially if you are having fertility, mental health and hormonal issues.
The main toxins we aim to avoid or minimise as much as humanely possible are: Polypropylene Glycol/ PFAs, Parabens, Fragrances/Perfumes/Parfumes, SLS/Foaming agents, Phthalates, BPA, Benzyl Benzoate, Ammonia, Bleach, Mineral Oils, Triclosan, Fluoride, Titanium Dioxide, Maltodextrin, Artificial colours/dyes, Air fresheners and Carpet Cleaners.
Tip: Yuka is a great app to use when shopping and there are some great tips found here Environmental Toxins | Low Tox | Toxins in the Home (mfm.au)
Below is a list of some of the main products we like to use in our home, and I am comfortable to recommend them based on my personal experience. This is a growing list and will evolve more over time.
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Washing - We use Hudson sensitive washing powder and the Hudson pre-soaker is amazing on whites and stains.
The powders are concentrated and come packaged in a paper bag. No plastics or need to buy/send back refills.
https://hudstonehome.com/products/sensitive-washing-powder
Softener - We use double strength white vinegar. Great for towels and keeping the washing machine clean.
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Dishwasher - We use Hudson dishwashing powder. A 2kg bag last us many months because its highly concentrated. We use just 1 tsp (or half a scoop) for a heavy family load. https://hudstonehome.com/products/dishwashing-powder
All purpose spray cleaner - We use the glass/silcone refillable bottle from Resparkle and their all purpose cleaner however keep in mind this contains Sodium Benzoate which can cause skin reactions. I am on the hunt for something to replace this product but generally it is safer than the majority of cleaners on the market. https://resparkle.com.au/collections/home-kitchen
Sink - We use Kin Kin naturals dishwash liquid tangerine & mandarin. I have tried most naturally derived dishwashing liquids on the market and have found this one the best. Its concentrated, has a twist lid, smells good, doesn't strip my hands & make them dry, non-toxic, affordable for the quality compared to others and its made here in QLD. https://www.kinkinnaturals.com.au/product-dishwash_tangerine.html
Paper Towel - We use Who gives a crap because their paper towels are recycled, dye and fragrance free. https://au.whogivesacrap.org/
Cookware - We use Scanpan 18/10 stainless steel and cast-iron pans, Utensils and chopping boards are wood to avoid microplatics and utensil are stainless steel, silicone or wood. Meals and leftovers are stored/frozen/heated in glass whenever possible. We never use teflon, aluminium or nylon.
Kettle - We have a plastic free, stainless steel thermo kettle by Aarke. Admittedly these are expensive so keep a close eye out on sales from Kitchen Warehouse. Kettle – Aarke Australia
Water - We are currently using the Zazen benchtop system. We have considered others such as RO and are currently looking at upgrading our whole house sometime this year.
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Soap - In the shower we use Washpool soap bars our favourite is the coconut lemongrass. I stock this on my website but Washpool have a large range so head to their website to see more: https://www.washpool.com.au/
For handsoap at basins we use a glass/silicone refillable pump by Resparkle and this is the kit we use (I am currently looking for a replacement that does not contain sodium benzoate in it but this is what I am using for now).
https://resparkle.com.au/collections/hand-soap
Toilet Paper - We use Who Gives A Crap for their recycled bulk pack and their paper towels. Theres no dyes or fragrances used and proceeds go to good causes.
Shower - We use the Aqua Blue H20 premium water filter on our shower head to eliminate chlorine and heavy metals. Aqua Blue H20 SF650 High Output Universal Shower Filter system with 12 stage cartridge - Aqua Blue Filters
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Skin - We like to use the Tuttofare Tallow balms, Tuttofare Cleansing Oil and the Grasses of Life Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil (hexane free in glass bottle - worth paying a bit extra for.)
Make-up - I am currently using a fruit pigmented mascara and palette of eyeshadow/blush from 100% PercentPure.com.au. https://100percentpure.com.au/products/fruit-pigmented-ultra-lengthening-mascara
I also like using the brand RAW Cosmetics. Their Superfood infused glow sticks are amazing. Acai Berry Illuminator | RAWW Cosmetics
Deodorant - Our family uses both Black Chicken Axilla Original and No Pong Original (No Pong can be purchased in Coles and Woolworths). Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste Original
No Pong Products - Explore Our Best Natural Deodorants
For a bi-carb free natural deodorant try Kissing Chickens https://kissingchickens.com.au/products/deodorant-pastes-bicarb-free
Toothpaste - We like using toothpastes that have remineralising properties such as Hydroxyapatite for tooth enamel and Xylitol to help your mouth biome without all the nasty artificial colours, flavours and toxic chemicals.
Below are two we like using. I buy them on sale and rotate.
Gem Crisp Mint Triple Whitening Toothpaste: Crisp Mint - Gem AU (gem-products.co)
or Davids ttps://au.iherb.com/pr/davids-natural-toothpaste-premium-toothpaste-sensitive-whitening-natural-peppermint-5-25-oz-149-g/131619
or
Peg Paste
Dental Floss - We are currently using a natural corn silk floss by The Turtle Tribe only because it’s what my local store sells, however there are many brands now making the same kind of product. I like this style of floss because there’s no plastic packaging or plastic/PFAs used to line the floss. It does take a bit of getting used to though as it’s not your easy glide through floss and the string is a little on the thicker side. I am keen to try other brands and would love recommendations.
Hair - My daughter makes a flaxseed gel that we use for styling and she also makes a hair oil with Rosemary Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, ACV and Apricot Kernal oil that is great for sensitive scalps and hair growth.
Also, we use the My Organics Neem and Peppermint Shampoo (sold at Chemist Warehouse).
And recently I have been trialling the Washpool Rosemary & Mint Shampoo Bar Conditioning Shampoo Bar with Rosemary & Mint (SH2) (washpool.com.au)
Sunscreen - Aghhh anytime I find a good sunscreen that is not oily and works, it then gets discontinued! We have just startedu sing Ethical Zinc and it seems to be ok (not titanium dioxide) and there's no parabens, mineral oils or fragrances. Overall, we rarely use sunscreen and prefer to be sun safe in other ways such as keeping our vitamin D levels up, covering up with appropriate clothing/hats and limiting sun exposure in is effective. Ethical Zinc in the blue tube is the better of the range and we get it when its on sale in Coles or Woolworths. I find the lotion is more effective than the stick version: Ethical Zinc Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF50+ | Nourished Life Australia
Nail Polish - We only use the 7-10 free bands such as Raw or Sienna Byron. We also use the Sienna nail polish remover. Natural Nail Polish and Nail Care Products | Sienna Australia – sienna.co
Perfume - Recently I came across this Bondi Australian brand that make clean perfumes and oils. They don't use any toxic chemicals, no endocrine disrupting ingredients and no harmful synthetics. All ingredients are ethically-sourced, vegan and cruelty-free with no animal products and sustainably packaged. A nice treat to have for those special events. I personally like the Undone. Best Perfume Australia | Vanilla, Peach, Jasmine, Gardenia Fragrance Oil (recreationbeauty.com)
Hair Dye
At home hair dye that is Ammonia, PPD & Resorcinol free as well as Vegan & cruelty free
Skin Care
Face wash, Face cream and eye creams I use are from the Korean Skincare brand SKIN1004, I like to use the brown Madagascar Centella range. They are rated 86-100/100 on the Yuka app and can be purchased via KBeauty. https://kbeautyaustralia.com.au/skin1004/
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Tissues - We use the ones from Who gives a crap because they are scent free, recycled, no plastics and thicker than many others in the stores. https://au.whogivesacrap.org/products/forest-friendly-tissues-12-boxes
Candles - We like the Eco Unscented range from Hueseeka (I also stock a select range of these on my website)
Lighting - We use warm lighting around the house and my teen has a blue blocking lamp from blockbluelight.com.au which is handy for night studying. We are looking at slowly replacing some of our LED down lights with full spectrum lights very soon.
Dog - We use the Neem oil dog soap bar from Washpool to bath our dog. Food comes from Raw & Fresh in bulk then I bag and freeze it in portions. Treats are dried beef liver or tin sardines in springwater. Dog chews are raw fresh bones or Deer horns.
Bedding - We are gradually (as sales permit) moving across to 100% linen. I like the healing frequency of linen and I often wear it. We have some pillow cases and quilt covers from Bed Threads but are also incorporating more organic cotton into our bedding over this year. 100% Flax Linen Bed Sheets | Linen Duvets | Luxe Bedding – Bed Threads
We also have grounding sheets from Urban Hippie. They are made from organic cotton with a silver thread and definitely notice an improvement in overall sleep quality, energy, brain fog and body aches when using them. Earthing Sheets | Grounding Bed Mats | Australian Owned (urbanhippee.com.au)
Air - We use air filters in the bedrooms much throughout the year. The ones we have are Philips 1000i series which are now discontinued with newer models. 1000i Series Air Purifier AC1215/70 | Philips
Click on image below to be taken to the manufacturers website.
I would love to hear of what your using around the home to help minimise toxins. Have you found some great brands or are you making your own products? Please feel free to share your experience.
At the moment I am on the hunt for safer alternatives that perform well, for the following:
Sponges to use at the kitchen sink, Shampoo and Conditioner for curly hair (cant find a good one), Toilet Cleaner, Toilet Fresheners, Refillable All purpose cleaner spray and hand soap (without Sodium Benzoate).
