Spring cleaning - the low tox way

1 Sept

There’s something about spring that stirs a desire to hit refresh — not just in our homes, but in our habits too. As the weather warms and we throw open the windows, it's the perfect time to give our spaces a deep clean — but with a twist.

This year, let’s do it the low-tox way.

We’re not just dusting shelves and vacuuming corners — we’re clearing out chemical clutter, both seen and unseen. From cleaning sprays to skincare, your home might be harbouring more toxins than you think. The good news? Making the switch is easier than ever, and your body will thank you for it.

Why go low tox?

Conventional cleaning and personal care products often contain chemicals that are harsh on both your health and the environment. Ingredients like synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and ammonia can disrupt hormones, irritate the skin and lungs, and contribute to indoor air pollution.

By choosing low-tox alternatives, you're creating a cleaner, safer space for yourself and your family — especially little ones and pets who are more sensitive to chemical exposure.

Low tox cleaning tips for every room

Ditch the fragrance sprays

Synthetic air fresheners may smell like “spring rain” but they often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals. Swap them for:

A DIY room spray with essential oils
Fresh flowers or herbs
A bowl of bicarb soda with a few drops of lemon or lavender oil

Swap multi-purpose sprays

Most store-bought cleaners contain harsh surfactants and preservatives. Try:

A homemade spray: mix 1 cup vinegar + 1 cup water + 10 drops of essential oil (like eucalyptus or tea tree)
Microfibre cloths that clean effectively with just water
Colloidal Silver works well as a surface spray with it’s natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties

Tackle mould naturally

Ditch the bleach and reach for:

White vinegar in a spray bottle (straight, no need to dilute)
Clove oil (a powerful mould killer – just 1/4 tsp per litre of water)

Low tox floor cleaning

Most floors just need warm water and a splash of castile soap or vinegar. Add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent without chemicals.

Spring clean your bathroom cabinet

This is your invitation to finally go through those half-used bottles and expired tubes hiding in your cabinet.

What to toss:

Old sunscreens
Products with synthetic fragrances or long, unrecognisable ingredient lists
Anything containing parabens, SLS, PEGs, or artificial colours

Replace with:

Clean skincare - Our favourite brand is theSkinBiotic
Natural deodorants (look for ones free from aluminium and artificial fragrance)
Low-tox body wash and shampoo
Mineral-based sunscreens
Toothpaste without fluoride, SLS, or triclosan

Your skin absorbs what you put on it — so if you wouldn’t feel safe eating it, why put it on your body?

Don’t forget the laundry!

Your laundry detergent and fabric softener might be some of the most toxic products in your home. They linger on clothing and bedding, rubbing against your skin 24/7.

Switch to:

Fragrance-free or essential-oil-scented natural detergents
White vinegar as a fabric softener
Dryer balls instead of dryer sheets

Small switches, big impact

Low-tox living isn’t about perfection — it’s about making better choices, one step at a time. Spring is a symbolic time of renewal, and your home is a great place to start.