Hidden toxins in your home and where to find them
Your home should feel like the safest place in the world, but hidden chemicals often lurk in everyday products we use without thinking. From endocrine disruptors in skincare to VOCs in cleaning sprays and PFAS in the kitchen, these substances can build up in our air, dust, and on our skin.
The good news is you don’t need to transform your entire home overnight. A few simple swaps in each room, from switching to chlorine-free cleaners to choosing plant-based skincare, can dramatically reduce your family’s exposure to these harsh chemicals.
We’ve pulled together the most common chemical red flags to watch for, along with simple, room-by-room eco swaps to help you detox your home gently and sustainably.
And don’t forget to download your free printable non-toxic home checklist, to get you started with some simple eco swaps.
Hidden chemical red flags to watch out for in your home
These terms often pop up on ingredient lists or labels in everyday products across your home. If you spot them, it’s worth considering a safer swap.
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Phthalates – found in “fragrance” and soft plastics; linked to hormone disruption
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Parabens – preservative family that mimics oestrogen
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PFAS (‘forever chemicals’) – used in non-stick coatings, food packaging and stain resistance
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Triclosan – antibacterial agent linked to hormone disruption
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Chlorine, bleach & ammonia – strong irritants that release toxic fumes
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BPA & BPS – used in plastics and canned-food linings
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Chemical UV filters (e.g., oxybenzone) – potential endocrine disruptors
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Microplastics – found in exfoliants, cosmetics, and some wipes
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds) – from synthetic fragrance, candles, cleaners, and paints
Your room-by-room eco swaps guide
Bathroom
The bathroom can be a hotspot for phthalates, parabens, VOCs and chlorine bleach. From cleaners and air fresheners to your everyday skincare, it’s worth checking the ingredients list on anything you can find.
Chemical red flags
- Phthalates (hidden under ‘fragrance’) in shampoos, body wash & lotions
- Parabens in skincare and cosmetics
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in hair products
- Triclosan in antibacterial soaps and toothpaste
- Bleach, ammonia and strong acids in bathroom sprays and limescale removers
Simple eco swaps for your bathroom
- Choose fragrance-free or toiletries scented with natural essential oils, and free from parabens & phthalates
- Switch to microplastic-free exfoliants
- Use a plant-based bathroom cleaner instead of bleach
- Opt for non-toxic toilet cleaner
- Use a plant-based limescale remover
- Swap plastic sponges for cotton flannels, loofahs or biodegradable scrubbers
- Replace plastic toothbrushes with bamboo versions
- Choose recycled and unbleached toilet paper
Kitchen
The kitchen introduces a whole different set of chemical concerns. PFAS are found in cookware, BPA in plastics like food storage boxes and chopping boards, and bleach-based cleaners are frequently used on cooking surfaces.
Chemical red flags
- PFAS in non-stick pans, baking paper, and takeaway packaging
- BPA / BPS in plastic containers and canned food linings
- Ammonia & bleach in multipurpose sprays
- Artificial fragrances in cleaning products
- Non-stick utensils or coated cutting boards shedding microplastics
Simple eco swaps for your kitchen
- Choose stainless steel or cast iron pans rather than pans with non-stick coatings
- Store leftovers in glass containers rather than plastic
- Use beeswax wraps or silicone lids instead of cling film
- Choose low-VOC, plant-based surface cleaners
- Switch out your washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets for non-toxic versions.
- Use wooden or bamboo cutting boards
- Switch out harsh handwash for a non-toxic handwash that still kills bacteria
- Choose a non-toxic floor cleaner that’s safer for babies and pets
- Swap out plastic utensils for wooden or food-grade silicone
Nursery & childrens’ rooms
Babies and children are more sensitive to chemicals in the home because of their developing systems, so reducing exposure here can make a big difference - especially if they’re struggling with allergies, or conditions like eczema or asthma.
Chemical red flags
- Chlorine-bleached nappies (can leave behind dioxins)
- Petroleum-based plastics in nappies and wipes
- Synthetic fragrances and phthalates in wipes and lotions
- Microplastics in baby skincare
- PVC and soft plastics in toys
Simple eco swaps for your nursery
- Use chlorine-free, plant-based nappies
- Choose plant-based hypoallergenic baby wipes
- Pick certified natural baby skincare
- Choose wooden or silicone toys
- Opt for organic cotton bedding
- Use low-VOC paints for nursery walls
Bedroom
Bedrooms are supposed to be a space of calm, but they can often accumulate VOCs, synthetic fragrances, and flame-retardant chemicals.
Chemical red flags
- Fragrance sprays & candles emitting VOCs
- VOCs from fabric softener used on bedsheets
- Stain-resistant fabrics (may contain PFAS)
- Synthetic duvet fillings treated with chemicals
- MDF furniture off-gassing formaldehyde
Simple eco swaps for your bedroom
- Use organic cotton bedding
- Wash bedsheets in a plant-based laundry detergent and fabric conditioner
- Switch to essential oil diffusers or scent-free air freshening
- Choose solid wood furniture instead of coated composites
- Use HEPA vacuuming to reduce chemical dust
- Add air-purifying plants (snake plant, peace lily, pothos)
Living room
Often overlooked, living rooms can release chemicals from soft furnishings, paints, air fresheners and floor coverings.
Chemical red flags
- Synthetic rugs & sofas treated with flame retardants
- Air fresheners (phthalates + VOCs)
- High-VOC paints and varnishes
- Plastic-based fabrics shedding microfibres
Simple eco swaps for your living room
- Choose natural fibre rugs (jute, wool, cotton)
- Switch to non-toxic diffusers or essential oils
- Use low-VOC paint
- Opt for wood or metal furniture
- Ventilate rooms regularly
Laundry room
Laundry products can be a major source of fragrance chemicals, harsh solvents, and allergens.
Chemical red flags
- Synthetic fragrance (phthalates) in detergents
- Optical brighteners
- Bleach-based stain removers
- Softeners with quats (quaternary ammonium compounds)
Simple eco swaps for your laundry room
- Use plant-based, fragrance-free or naturally fragranced eco laundry detergent and fabric conditioner
- Pre-treat stains with non-toxic detergent or bicarbonate of soda
- Wash new clothes before wearing to remove chemical residues
Ready to make some simple eco swaps?
Creating a safer, low-toxin home doesn’t have to mean ripping everything out and starting again. It’s the small, thoughtful swaps, a gentler cleaner, a natural skincare switch, a chlorine-free nappy, that quietly build up over time.
Each one reduces hidden chemicals in your home and supports your family’s wellbeing in a way that feels manageable, not overwhelming.
Download your free printable checklist here. Start with one room and one product at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have made a big impact on your home and your health.
FAQs
What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with hormone systems in the body. In everyday homes they might appear in your toiletries (e.g., phthalates, parabens), cleaning sprays (VOC emissions) or kitchenware (PFAS). Over time these can affect fertility, metabolism and may trigger sensitivities. Making simple swaps to non-toxic products helps reduce exposure.
How can I make my bathroom more eco-friendly?
Start by choosing fragrance-free or naturally scented toiletries and skincare that is free from phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde-releasers and harsh preservatives.
For cleaning, replace bleach and strong limescale removers with plant-based cleaning alternatives that avoid VOCs and ammonia. These little swaps reduce skin, lung and hormonal irritation while still keeping things fresh.
Why should I avoid PFAS, BPA and other hidden chemicals in the kitchen?
PFAS (often called ‘forever chemicals’) are found in non-stick pans, grease-proof packaging and water-repellent surfaces. They don’t break down easily and may build up in the body, potentially disrupting immunity or hormones. BPA (and similar compounds like BPS) in plastics can leach into food and affect metabolism and hormonal health. Using glass containers, cast-iron or stainless steel cookware and choosing plant-based cleaning products are smart swaps.
What should I look for when picking safer nappies and baby skincare?
Check that nappies are made without petroleum-based plastics, avoid added synthetic fragrance or softeners like phthalates, and haven’t been bleached with chlorine (which can leave dioxins). For natural baby skincare, look for products free from artificial dyes, harsh preservatives and microplastics, and always use a hypoallergenic baby wipe. These choices protect delicate skin, reduce irritation and limit chemical exposure for the smallest family members.
How can I choose the best non-toxic skincare for sensitive skin?
When shopping for non-toxic or natural skincare for sensitive skin, check labels for hidden irritants like synthetic fragrance, parabens, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), and artificial dyes. Instead, look for certified natural or organic products with nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and chamomile. Avoid unnecessary additives - even unscented products can hide fragrance chemicals. Simple, transparent formulations are best for both adult and baby skin.
Are small swaps really worth it when reducing hidden chemical exposure?
Yes - while you might not eliminate every chemical, making consistent, simple swaps adds up. Each change (natural skincare, non-toxic cleaners, plant-based nappies) reduces cumulative exposure. Over time, this can support hormone balance, reduce skin or respiratory irritation and align with a lower-impact, eco-friendly home environment.
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