95% of the chemicals in most commercial fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum and natural gas, known as petrochemicals. To protect trade secrets, companies are permitted by the FDA to withhold fragrance ingredients, so consumers can’t rely on labels to know what hazards may be hiding in common household items. That gives companies the freedom to load some fragrances with secret chemicals, sensitizers, potential hormone disruptors and chemicals not assessed for safety.
I know that cupcake scented candle makes your house smell amazing. Believe me, I've been there. I was the candle-loving crazy girl who went to Kohls and bought every Birthday Cake candle they had. I was also the girl who clung to my Bath and Body Works body spray for months, because the thought of never smelling like that again was hard for me. It was NOT an easy task throwing out all of my delicious candles and my wonderfully smelling fragrances. It also wasn't easy switching to a natural shampoo that smells like black licorice instead of a garden of exotic flowers. My heart wanted to cry a little when I saw my beautiful Scentsy candle warmers go to the trash. So, understand when I preach about the dangers of synthetic fragrances...I'm not saying it's easy. I'm not saying I'm better than you because candles no longer live in my home. I'm saying it's WORTH IT to make this lifestyle change.
There are lots of great ways...great NATURAL ways...to keep your house smelling fresh. Of course, you know my answer to almost everything is essential oils...and this is no exception. ;) So here's how it's done.
The Problem: Air Fresheners (candles, Scentsy warmers, plug ins, Wall Flowers, Fabreeze, ect.)
The Solution: An Essential Oil Diffuser
In the world of Essential Oils, the kind of scents you can choose from are endless! Citrus, Floral, Woodsy, Spicy - you name it - it's there...however, cupcake is not a plant, so you may as well just give that one up. ;) And, while we're talking about toxins, I must mention to be very cautious about what essential oil brands you trust. Yes, even essential oils can be synthetic, so do your research and know your brand before you buy. Young Living is a brand you can trust. Just look up their Seed to Seal promise. ;)
The Problem: Shampoo, Soap & Body Wash
The Solution: Natural Brands
Yes, synthetic fragrances are even lurking in your shower. I am not going to make this post a giant plug for selling Young Living, although to be completely honest, we have a product for each one of these issues. But, I will be real and unbiased with you. ;) When it comes to shampoo, I get mine at our local health food store. The key is to find an all-natural shampoo with no added fragrance. Be warned - scent is something you will have to get used to, because natural soaps do not smell like synthetic ones. You can however, add some essential oils to your shampoo. Joy for example, has a nice floral and feminine scent. Northern Lights Black Spruce or Shutran is a great scent for the men as well. Essential Oils can be added to both shampoo and body wash, so if you find an all natural brand that you like, add 5 drops of EO to it and you're good to go! Another great solution to natural body wash isn't actually a soap at all, but a towel. Norwex has a great line of all natural products, including body wash towels. They are infused with silver and are antibacterial. You don't even need soap!
The Problem: Perfume
The Solution: (You guessed it) Essential Oils
For the ladies, consider Joy, Release, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang or Lavender
For the men, Northern Lights Black Spruce (ladies go nuts over this scent), Idaho Blue Spruce (which is ironically also an aphrodisiac) or Shutran
The Problem: Laundry Detergent & Fabric Softeners
The Solution: All Natural products
Yes, Young Living has a GREAT laundry detergent (Thieves Laundry Detergent), but Norwex also sells a wonderful non-toxic detergent along with the Honest Company and many more. Even Tide has a dye and fragrance free detergent. Do a little research and find out what brand you prefer. When it comes to fabric softeners, wool dryer balls are wonderful! Add some Lavender essential oil to a couple wool balls, throw them in the dryer and you've got a chemical free and fragrant fabric softener. And here's an extra tip - put a splash of white vinegar in your laundry to prevent wrinkles in the dryer. ;)
Now, I know this may all be very overwhelming. You may find yourself adding this all up in your head, and freaking out over the price it may cost to flip your home to chemical free. Before you freak out, please understand that it takes time to go completely chemical free. Since synthetic fragrances lurk in every corner of our homes, it's going to take awhile to replace them with nontoxic items. Take it a step at a time. Start where you can. It took my household almost an entire year before we were totally chemical free. It starts with baby steps.
If you're on your journey to becoming a chemical free home, I'd love to hear about the steps you're taking and the products you're using. Let me know in the comments. :)
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