Hidden Toxins in Your Home: How to Reduce Exposure and Support Your Health
When I first started learning about hidden toxins in everyday products, I felt overwhelmed.
I thought I was doing everything “right” for my family’s health—eating clean, exercising, managing stress. But what I didn’t realize was that the air we were breathing, the products we were cleaning with, and even the candles I loved burning in the evening were quietly adding to my body’s burden.
The truth is, our homes are often the most toxic environments we spend time in. From cleaning sprays to laundry detergents, personal care products to air fresheners, many of the items we use daily contain chemicals that can disrupt hormones, irritate the nervous system, and impact metabolism.
This isn’t meant to scare you—but to empower you. Because once you know what to look for, you can start making small, impactful changes.
Why Do Toxins Matter for Hormones and Metabolism?
Your liver plays a huge role in hormone health. It’s responsible for detoxifying estrogen and other hormones so they can leave the body efficiently. When your detox pathways are overloaded by external chemicals, your body may struggle to maintain this delicate balance.
Over time, this toxic burden can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, stubborn weight gain, skin irritation, and irregular cycles—many of the same symptoms women in perimenopause are already navigating.
Reducing your exposure to these chemicals isn’t about perfection. It’s about lowering the total load on your body so your natural detox systems can work the way they’re meant to.
Common Sources of Hidden Toxins
Some of the biggest offenders in our homes include:
Air fresheners and scented candles (often made with synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax that release VOCs)
Household cleaners (many contain ammonia, bleach, or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives)
Laundry detergents and dryer sheets (filled with artificial fragrances and endocrine disruptors)
Personal care products (look out for parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes in makeup, lotions, and shampoos)
How Essential Oils Can Help Create a Toxin-Reduced Home
One of the easiest and most affordable changes I made was swapping out synthetic fragrances for essential oils.
Many people use candles and plug-ins to make their home smell cozy, but they don’t realize those products are releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that you are breathing in daily. Switching to a diffuser with a few drops of pure essential oils to create the same inviting atmosphere—without the chemical load.
Wild Orange, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus are staples in our home. Not only do they smell amazing, but they also have cleansing and mood-boosting properties. I even use essential oils to make simple DIY cleaning sprays that are safe, effective, and free of harmful ingredients.
This small shift has made a big difference for our air quality—and for my peace of mind.
Simple Steps to Start Reducing Toxins
You don’t need to throw out everything and start over. Begin with the products you use most often and replace them with safer alternatives as they run out.
Swap scented candles for a diffuser and essential oils
Choose unscented or naturally fragranced laundry detergents
Replace all-purpose cleaners with DIY versions using vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil
Check personal care products using resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database
Each small step reduces the burden on your liver and supports your hormones in doing what they do best.
You Deserve a Home That Supports Your Health
Your home should be a place of restoration, not a source of stress for your body. By making a few intentional changes, you can create an environment that helps your metabolism, hormones, and nervous system thrive.
And remember—it’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making progress, one swap at a time.
Want to learn more about creating a toxin-reduced home and supporting your metabolism in midlife? Sign up for my Low Tox Lifestyle Course —where I teach you all the steps on reducing toxins in your home and life.