Erin Hicks
5 ways to reduce toxins in your home.
Create a healthieR home for you & your family
About Me
I’m a wife, mom and registered nurse who is on a mission to help families create healthier, cleaner homes! In a few simple steps, I can show you how to ditch toxins lurking in your home and create an easier, stress free way to clean...in half the time!
Replace your window cleaner
& paper towels
Many glass cleaners contain toxins such as ammonia hydroxide which can lead to respiratory problems in humans and pets. Other additives can cause skin irritation, allergy inflammation and effect the endocrine and reproductive systems.
A simple swap out with a microfiber Enviro Cloth and Window Cloth will replace glass cleaners and leave windows and mirrors streak-free using only water. BONUS! You save money because you no longer rely on paper towels and chemical cleaners!
Your disinfectant wipes are
classified as a pesticide
The average household contains 62 different toxic chemicals. Imagine using a product classified as a pesticide to clean surfaces you place food on, or ones you use to clean your child's toys (which they can place in their mouths)!
These cleaning products are often not used properly and leave a residue on the surface which can be absorbed into our bodies.
Many people don't realize their skin is their largest organ; it doesn't take more than a few seconds for many chemicals to be introduced into your bloodstream.
Some chemicals found in disinfectant wipes and household cleaners are linked to health problems associated with the endocrine, respiratory, reproductive and developmental systems.
Healthier option?
The Enviro Cloth!
The enviro cloth can be used on virtually every surface in your home and it will remove up to 99% of bacteria when used properly.
By using a mechanical method of cleaning versus a chemical application, you do not need to be concerned about a chemical left behind on a clean surface.
The silver infused into the fibers of the Enviro Cloth suffocates the bacteria and simultaneously purifies the cloth allowing you to use it several times before laundering it!
Wiping away finger prints, cleaning dirty appliances, kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, spills on furniture, and pet situations are just SOME of the uses of the Enviro Cloth!
Did you know...
Dust contains 45 different chemicals?!
Dust is made up of dead skin cells, bacteria and different chemicals such as phthalates and flame retardants - and many others! Air quality research has identified upwards of 45 different chemicals contained in indoor air. Many aerosol products, such as those used to polish furniture, release toxins into the air and actually attract dust to the surface to create more build up over time.
Unlike conventional polishing cloths that push around dust and sweep it into the air to resettle again, the Dust Mitt physically picks up the dust and holds onto it. The silver infused into the fibers will prevent mildew from growing and can be used several times before laundering.
Dangers of Detergents/
Fabric Softeners & Dryer sheets
We often gravitate towards a detergent because of the fragrance it leaves on our clothes. However, that 'fragrance' can have harmful side effects!
Your detergent/fabric softener may be hiding many dangerous chemicals such as phosphates, formaldehyde, nonylphenol ethoxylate and benzene to name a few. These chemicals are labeled as endocrine disrupting hormones (EDH) so you can imagine the havoc it wreaks on your body. Some of them can mimic estrogen and after repeated exposure, our bodies can't tell the difference. Chemicals like nonylphenol ethoxylate have even been banned in several European countries but continue to be in available in the US.
The same goes for dryer sheets and fabric softener; these chemicals have been linked to asthma, allergens, skin irritants and even certain cancers.
Again, your skin is your largest organ; we should all carefully consider the chemicals we put in our bodies and absorb into our skin.
A cleaner solution to store brand detergent is the Ultra Power Plus laundry detergent. UPP is free of phosphates, chlorine, dyes, fragrances, optical brighteners, bleach, phthalates, fillers, sulfates and ammonia.
A little bit goes a long ways with the UPP detergent. One bag could last 100 loads or more depending on the style of washing machine you use! My family uses just a teaspoon for a full load and we have great results with removing grime and tough stains.
The New Zealand wool balls replace your single-use dryer sheets. They leave your dried clothes static free, fluffed, and they can reduce your drying time. Do you love to have a fragrance in your laundry? Add some essential oils to the wool dryer ball for a custom scent!
The air inside of your home may be more toxic and polluted than the air outdoors! The average person spends 90% of their day indoors, exposing themselves to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
A big indoor air pollution offendor is applied air fragrances such as those found in candles, room sprays, plug-ins, solids and more. Secondary pollutants are created when ingredients in these fragrances mix with ozone.
Looking at a label may not be enough! Companies are not required to list all fragrance ingredients because they are deemed trade secrets by the US Food and Drug Administration.
An enzyme spray is a safer option. The Odour Eliminator is an enzyme based, organic odor remover that can be sprayed in the air, around or on the source of the odor. It works to remove the source of the stink versus covering it up.
Odour Eliminator is free from harmful chemicals linked to a variety of health concerns; it is non-flammable, has no aerosol propellant, SLS, synthetic dyes, SLES, phthalates, or 1,4 dioxane. It is gluten-free and biodegradable!
aerosol fragrances &
room air fresheners
@erinhicks
If you have any questions for me or would like to learn more, please reach out to me via Facebook, Instagram or email!
