Practical Ways to Start Living Nontoxic

Jenna Johnson
Aug 8
3 min read

There’s a moment, often in motherhood, when you start to see things differently.

You read a label. You learn about chemicals in your laundry soap. You hear that your child’s pajamas might be sprayed with flame retardants. And suddenly… you can’t unsee it. You want to do better.

You want to clean everything out. Purge it all.

But you’re already juggling nap schedules, grocery runs, homeschool lessons, and mountains of laundry.

And you ask yourself: Can I really live nontoxic without burning out?

The answer is yes. You can protect your family while still protecting your peace. And it doesn’t have to happen overnight. Let me show you how I started—with a slower, simpler approach to clean living. 8 years in, and I’m still making swaps for the first time.

Start Where You Are: In Your Home

• Open your windows daily – It’s the simplest detox. Let fresh air in and indoor toxins out. Even five minutes makes a difference. Got an indoor air purifier? Even better!

• Ditch artificial air fresheners, chemical perfumes, hairsprays and paraffin candles. Many are filled with hormone disruptors. I swapped ours for essential oil diffusers or simply simmered cinnamon and citrus on the stove. You can find swaps for literally anything - or make it yourself.

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter – Especially if you have littles crawling or playing on the floor. It captures dust, pet dander, and even toxins that settle from the air. We use the Shark cordless vacuum, linked here.

In the Kitchen: Feed + Nurture

• Use glass or stainless steel containers – Plastic containers break down over time, especially when heated. I swapped slowly—one piece at a time.

• Avoid non-stick pans – Many non-stick coatings release toxic fumes. I switched to cast iron and ceramic. They're safer, and honestly, they last forever.

• Wash produce with water and baking soda – This quick soak helps remove more pesticide residue than water alone.

• Prioritize organic for the “Dirty Dozen” – Start with the top 12 fruits and veggies most likely to carry pesticides.

Ship my kitchen picks from Amazon, here.

Cleaning: Less Scent, More Sense

• Make your own simple cleaner – Mix vinegar, water, and lemon or a few drops of essential oils.

• Ditch antibacterial soaps – Regular soap is just as effective and won’t harm your skin’s microbiome.

Laundry: A Cleaner Routine

• Fragrance-free detergent – Fragrances can trigger allergies, headaches, and even hormone disruptions.

• Wool dryer balls – Dryer balls not only reduce static and drying time, but they are a great alternative to dryer sheets.

Personal Care: One Product at a Time

• Simplify your beauty routine – The fewer products you use, the fewer ingredients you have to worry about when it comes to makeup. My favorite brands that are less toxic include Araza, Ogee, 100% Pure, Piper Blue Organic Makeup, Crunchi, and more!

• Check your labels – Use the EWG Skin Deep Database to see what’s really in your products. Always take their ratings with a grain of salt, but this is a source that is helpful for learning, especially when you’re just starting out.

Little Habits with Big Impact

• Take your shoes off at the door – This single habit drastically cuts down on pesticides, lead, feces, mold, viruses, bacteria, and more yucky things being tracked inside.

• Stay hydrated with filtered water – Invest in a countertop filter that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and fluoride. My favorites are Aquatru and Santevia Glass Water System.

How to Keep it From Feeling Overwhelming

• One swap at a time. – Pick one area—like laundry or skincare—and start there.

• Use what you have. – Don’t feel like you need to throw everything out. Finish the products you own, then replace them with better alternatives as time goes on. You can do this! Fight the urge to do it all at once.

• Focus on the big exposures. – The things you use daily matter most, like laundry detergent, lotions and soaps, dishwasher detergent, etc.

• Stay grounded in your “why.” – You’re not doing this to be perfect. You’re doing this to be present, and to make “better” choices when it comes to lowering your toxic load. Your family will notice a difference!