Room by Room: How to Build a Low-Tox Home

When you think of “home,” you probably picture safety, comfort, and peace. But what if some of the products we use every day—our cleaners, sprays, soaps, and scents—are quietly compromising our health?

Most of us aren’t chemists. We trust the labels, the marketing, the shelf placement at our favorite store. But the truth is, thousands of unregulated or under-regulated chemicals are hiding in plain sight, right in the places we eat, sleep, and raise our families.

The good news? A low-tox lifestyle isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness and intention. You don’t have to overhaul your whole house overnight—but you can start with one room.

Let’s walk through our home together and talk about what to watch for—and what to swap.

1. The Kitchen

Common Offenders:

• Dish soaps with SLS, synthetic fragrance, and preservatives like methylisothiazolinone.

• Counter sprays with bleach, ammonia, or quaternary ammonium compounds (quats).

• Plastic food storage (especially older plastics with BPA or phthalates).

What to Try Instead:

• Switch to EcoVibe's plant-based dish soap, made without sulfates or synthetic fragrances.

• Try EcoVibe’s all-purpose spray cleaner, a refillable, biodegradable option made with real essential oils.

• Store food in glass or stainless steel containers. Brands like U-Konserve and Life Without Plastic offer great options.

We first noticed the change when we swapped our standard dish soap for a sulfate-free one. Dishes still got clean—but my hands stopped itching and drying out. That alone was worth it, but it also allowed my children who have exceptionally sensitive skin to use the soap with confidence.

2. The Bathroom

Common Offenders:

• Toothpaste and body wash with SLS.

• Deodorants with aluminum and artificial fragrance.

• Air fresheners and candles made with paraffin and mystery scent blends.

What to Try Instead:

• Check out some  SLS-free refillable toothpaste tablets from Thrive Market.

• Use a natural deodorant with baking soda or magnesium for long-lasting protection without toxic ingredients. There is one from Play Pitts we recommend for those young teens and adults. 

• Freshen the air with beeswax candles from Fontana Candle Co..

Anecdote: I often suffered from fragrance-induced migraines from air fresheners, air wicks, and candles to incense and perfumes.Turns out, getting rid of synthetic scents matters more than we realized. I no longer suffer from these migraines. 

3. The Laundry Room

Common Offenders:

• Laundry detergents with synthetic fragrance, optical brighteners, and preservatives.

• Dryer sheets (one of the most toxic items in many homes).

• Stain removers with harsh solvents and petroleum derivatives.

What to Try Instead:

• Switch to EcoVibe’s unscented detergent or naturally scented detergent with full ingredient transparency.

• Use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets—just add a few drops of essential oil if you love a fresh scent.Try one of the adorable ones from Friendsheep wool!

• For stains, we swear by 7 different natural laundry stain removers discussed in a great article by Mary Marllow Leverette.

Once we identified the culprits for causing eczema(SLS) we removed all products from the house and my childrens skin improved within weeks of switching to our detergent. We hadn’t realized how harsh conventional laundry products were until we made the change.

4. The Bedroom

Common Offenders:

• Mattresses and pillows treated with flame retardants.

• Synthetic linens that off-gas and retain chemicals.

• Fabric sprays with fragrance and chemical softeners.

What to Try Instead:

• If you're able, invest in a natural latex or organic mattress. We recommend Avocado Green Mattress for safe, certified options.

• Use 100% organic cotton bedding. Brands like Coyuchi or Holy Lamb Organics are great resources.

• Freshen sheets and pillows with EcoVibe’s Scented laundry detergent.

Personal Note: After switching to organic bedding and adding a HEPA air purifier, we noticed fewer sniffles and better sleep. Turns out “clean sleeping” is more than a trend—it’s a health reset.

5. The Living Room

Common Offenders:

• Upholstered furniture with flame retardants and stain-resistant coatings.

• Dust—which traps chemicals from furniture, electronics, and plastics.

• Floor cleaners that leave behind toxic residues, especially dangerous for kids and pets.

What to Try Instead:

• Dust frequently with a damp microfiber cloth.

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce fine particles.

• Mop floors with hot water and vinegar.

Bonus Tip: Keep a no-shoes policy inside the house. Studies show this single habit can reduce toxic dust, pesticides, and heavy metals tracked in from outside.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Consistent

No one flips a switch and wakes up in a perfectly “clean” home. We’re all working against decades of marketing, convenience, and chemical creep.

But every time you choose a gentler soap, refill a bottle, or ditch the dryer sheets, you’re making a difference—not just for your health, but for your family’s, your community’s, and the planet’s.

You don’t need to do it all at once. Just start somewhere—and keep going.

Need help figuring out what swaps are right for your home? Contact us or visit our storefront for custom guidance and community-tested, family-safe products.