DETOX YOUR HOME

Our room-by-room guide to breathing easier, literally and figuratively

Our bodies are naturally detoxifying machines, but our homes are an entirely different operation. So until the bathroom and kitchen can clean themselves, what can you do to limit the grime and the chemicals you are exposed to?

As with many areas of wellness, a healthier home starts with awareness. One study found that people who read product labels to help reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals had lower levels of them in their bodies. The study was conducted by the Silent Spring Institute, a scientific research organization studying the link between endocrinedisrupting chemicals and breast cancer.

You can take action in other ways too, but eliminating all potentially problematic contaminants is impossible to do all at once. Some of the tips here are easy to incorporate into your life starting today; others take a little time or money. Go slowly, and know that any change you make for your health is a good one.

KITCHEN

USE THE EXHAUST HOOD

Cooking over a gas flame generates significant amounts of nitrogen dioxide and tiny particulates, which can irritate your nose, cause asthma flare-ups or give you a headache or fatigue. An exhaust hood vented to the outside removes particulates and gases from your home. If you don’t have a hood, start saving for one. If you can’t go that route, open windows and doors while cooking to bring in fresh outdoor air.

CURATE COOKWARE

For your next omelet, consider stainless steel, cast iron or enameled or anodized aluminum cookware. Nonstick cookware may be coated with perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are considered immune hazards. If you can’t swap pans yet, keep the heat exposure below 400°F and open the windows. Stop using the pan if the nonstick coating chips or gets scratched.

TEST OR FILTER DRINKING WATER

Water quality varies greatly across the U.S., and public utilities test for few chemicals and contaminants. Lead can lurk in an older home’s interior pipes, and some contaminants aren’t yet federally regulated. If you’re concerned, get your water tested — especially if you drink it from a well. Water filters can excel at removing lead, bacteria and many other contaminants, says Heather B. Patisaul, Ph.D., associate dean for research at NC State University, but not all. Save up for an under-sink reverse-osmosis filter.

BEDROOM

MAKE OVER YOUR MATTRESS

The Princess and the Pea, circa 2022: The princess finds flame retardants in her mattress and refuses to sleep atop a possible cancer risk. Mattresses manufactured prior to 2015 may contain unhealthy chemicals — call the manufacturer or check the label. Replace an older mattress with a flame-retardant-free one, or opt for a washable organic cotton pad as a layer between you and your existing mattress. Also, don’t smoke in bed — that’s why flame retardants were first added. (Don’t smoke at all, actually!)

LAUNDER SMARTER

Detergents and fabric softeners can irritate some sensitive individuals’ skin and may even lead to future allergic reactions. Review the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning for laundry products rated “B” or better. Vinegar also packs a strong antimicrobial punch in the laundry and can help soften clothing naturally, as can baking soda. Instead of chlorine bleach, Silent Spring recommends lemon juice and oxygen bleach to brighten whites.

DETECT WITH DEVICES

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas emitted from oil- or gasburning heaters, furnaces and ranges. If it builds up to unsafe levels in an unventilated area, the gas can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion and even death. Install a CO detector where you sleep; one on each floor is best. Place it about five feet above the floor on a wall or the ceiling — carbon monoxide rises with warm air. And get your furnace serviced regularly.

ADD PLANTS

Fresh-cut eucalyptus, lavender and other flowers can provide pleasant, chemical-free scents. And while whether indoor plants actually “clean” the air is being debated, the aesthetics can’t hurt.

BATHROOM

CLEAN YOUR CLEANING TOOLS

Poison centers have had an increase in calls since the pandemic began as people have beefed up their cleaning routines, often without using the right gear or reading labels. In most cases cleaning can be as easy as using water, a mild detergent and a bristle brush. If you must disinfect, the EPA’s list of disinfectants for coronavirus differentiates those for porous (e.g., laundry), hard nonporous (as in a bathroom), and food-contact surfaces, advising how long to leave the product on each.

TURN ON YOUR BATHROOM FAN

Is your bathroom more swamp than spa? Warm, damp conditions can breed mold, which can trigger a sore throat, wheezing or more severe allergic reactions. Look under sinks, on curtains and walls and in tile grout and caulk, and scrub away mold with soap and water. With your next home reno, install a bathroom fan or ensure that the existing one sends steam outside. In the meantime, wipe down walls after showering and air out the bathroom.

UPGRADE YOUR SHOWER CURTAINS

Vinyl or PVC curtains may contain phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals associated with early menopause, found one recent study. Swap out vinyl shower curtains for cloth ones you can wash regularly to decrease mold.

GET RID OF PESTS NATURALLY

If you’ve got rent-free roomies in the form of ants, cockroaches or other pests, check for leaky faucets and damp cabinets — critters can’t get by without water. If you must use pesticides, choose selfcontained bait traps over sprays. Mix and dilute outdoors, and increase ventilation when using indoors.

HOW TO GET RID OF ALMOST ANYTHING

On a streak with the spring cleaning? We’ve got you covered.

The average American produces about 41/2 lbs of trash a day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — and only 35% of that waste gets recycled or composted. That’s nearly 140 million tons of waste going to landfills every year! While most of us know to put our cans and bottles in the blue bins for recycling, disposal can get a little trickier when it comes to other items such as appliances, electronics and old medications — which is why, when you’re getting to work on some spring cleaning, it’s so important to know how to dispose of these items properly.

Of course, before throwing something away for good, a solid first step is to donate items (that are in good/working condition) to nonprofits and organizations like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army or other local charities, or list them on Craigslist, eBay or Facebook. But if it’s really time for items to hit the curb, it’s important to know how to dispose of everything in an environmentally friendly way; even a little bit goes a long way when it comes to being green. So if you’re wondering what to do with those old batteries or outdated electronics you find as you’re cleaning out your house this year, here’s a handy guide on how to dispose of some key items as responsibly as possible.

ELECTRONICS

CELL PHONES: Before getting rid of your old cell phone, first delete all your personal information using a factory reset or hard reset option. (Check the manufacturer's website for info on how). You’ll also want to remove or erase the SIM or SD card. Then you can trade in, donate or recycle your device, usually right at the store. For example, AT&T runs the charity Cell Phones for Soldiers, which donates devices to troops overseas. You can also look for e-cycling locations in your area, including private recyclers, nonprofits and other programs. TVs: Don’t toss your old TV or monitor in the trash. Some old sets contain toxic materials like lead and count as hazardous waste. Best Buy, LG, Vizio, Samsung and Sony all offer TV-recycling programs (in-store, event, drop-off site and haul-away options). You can also try contacting your local sanitation department for guidance. LAPTOPS AND COMPUTERS: Check out Dell Reconnect, World Computer Exchange and eBay for Charity if you’re interested in donating your device. As with TVs, you’ll want to recycle these responsibly, so get in touch with the manufacturer or retailer to see if it will help out.

BATTERIES

Batteries of all types can be recycled. According to Duracell, regular single-use alkaline batteries (such as ones that power remotes) can safely go in the trash everywhere except California; however, a more eco-friendly option is to recycle them at community programs, workplaces or nearby recycling centers that accept them. Rechargeable batteries (such as those in cellphones and other electronics) should not be thrown out in the trash and should be recycled, as they may contain hazardous chemicals. To find a nearby recycling site for all types of batteries, be sure to check call2recycle.org and earth911 .com — and before you recycle them, make sure to place non-conductive clear tape over the ends or the terminals of each battery to ensure safe recycling.

BOOKS

If you’re trying to get rid of some unwanted books, first consider donating them—many charities, libraries, schools and even prisons and shelters accept donations of used books year-round. Some great organizations, many of which have nationwide drop-off locations, include Better World Books, Books for Soldiers, Books for Africa, and many secondhand stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army take books too. You can also try selling them on sites like Amazon and BookScouter, especially if they are textbooks. Books that are battered beyond hope sometimes can be recycled. According to earth911.com, you can recycle an entire book if it’s a paperback, but if you’re trying to recycle a hardcover book, you’ll need to remove the binding first. And remember that if a book has gotten wet (or if the pages have turned tan or brown), it should be thrown away with your regular trash, as this damage unfortunately makes the material nonrecyclable.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

Here’s a little secret: The best way to dispose of cleaning products is to use them! If that’s not going to be possible, it’s important to read the labels to figure out the right way to toss them — so be sure to check the bottle’s instructions on proper disposal. In most cases, water-soluble products (like bleach) can be poured down the drain with running water or flushed down the toilet, and solid cleaning products like bar soaps and scouring pads can go in the trash. And of course when you’re recycling the bottle for any cleaning product that can be safely disposed of down the drain, be sure to empty out all the unused product and give the bottle a rinse or two before tossing it in the recycling bin.

COFFEE PODS

If you love using your singleserve machine and can’t imagine a morning without it, you can take steps to eliminate the environmental impact. Nespresso offers capsule recycling at more than 122,000 places around the world. Visit any Nespresso boutique or partner store (including Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma) or order a free pod-recycling bag online (it comes with a prepaid UPS shipping label). Some varieties of K-Cups, including Keurig’s own, can get recycled. The company transitioned all its K-Cup pods to recyclable in 2020. Check for a #5 recycling sign on the bottom before removing the foil lid and throwing that out along with the grounds (though the filter can remain). Then recycle the empty cup—though be sure to check locally first, as these pods are not yet recyclable in all communities.

LIGHTBULBS

Some states and jurisdictions may actually require recycling lightbulbs, so check local laws before tossing these in the trash. As bulbs often break when they’re thrown away, they can release mercury into the environment. See earth911.com for info on how to safely get rid of these (and other hazards, like paint and pesticides) near you.

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES

WASHERS AND DRYERS: If they’re still in good working order, donate them to a shelter or home that would likely benefit. If you’re buying new laundry appliances, ask the manufacturer whether it’s certified to recycle your old ones. If all else fails, call your local waste management office to see whether you can leave them on the curb, or check earth911.com for more options. REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS: Leave the disposal of these hefty appliances to the professionals. Contact your local department of public works to schedule the removal, or use the EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) website to find a partner program near you. Costs for this service will vary. According to the EPA, removal can cost anywhere from $10 to $50, but you may receive a rebate for disposing of your appliance responsibly. Score! MICROWAVES: Some municipalities let you recycle a broken microwave as scrap metal. (Electronics recyclers will do the same for a small fee.) You could also bring it to a bulk-item or appliance recycling event hosted by local authorities.

MATTRESSES

Some cities will collect a mattress if you put it out (sealed in a plastic bag to prevent the spread of bedbugs) with your regular garbage for bulk collection. If you’re planning on buying a new mattress, many retailers will haul the old one away for you. If a mattress is gently used and in good condition, you could try donating it to a nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army or a local homeless shelter. Just doublecheck that health department regulations in your area allow this. If not, try the site byebyemattress.com to find a recycling center near you, or hire a removal service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK to do the work for you.

ALL ABOUT COMPOSTING

IT CAN BE DONE QUICKLY AND ISN’T AS HARD AS YOU MAY THINK

Composting not only reduces trash in landfills, but also upgrades your backyard. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, compost is “organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow.” That means bigger produce, prettier flowers and a healthier garden can come at no extra cost once you start saving your family’ s scraps and turning them into plant food. Follow our guide to composting so you can help reduce the amount of garbage you throw away. Read on for our best pro tips and tricks for making composting work no matter where you live.

WHY SHOULD I DO IT?

Composting is an effective way to minimize the amount of garbage your family sends to the landfill. Not only does this reduce the methane gas produced by landfills, which is a major factor in global warming, but it can also help control trash can odor in your home and reduce the amount of water you need for your garden, as compost helps soil retain moisture.

WHAT CAN I USE?

Food scraps and yard waste may make up the largest percentage of your compost material — you can include a lot of items from your kitchen and your garden. But other materials from your house like newspaper and hair are also fine to add to the mix.

FOOD

Fruit and vegetable peels and scraps Mushroom scraps Eggshells Bread, grains and pasta Coffee grounds and some coffee filters Loose teas and tea bags

YARD

Grass Leaves Wood ash Sawdust

OTHER

Newspaper Cardboard Dryer lint Hair Nail clippings Brown paper bags Toothpicks Matches Cut flowers

WHAT SHOULDN’T I THROW IN THERE?

While they are biodegradable, dairy products or other animal products (even bones) will start to smell and attract pests, so toss those in your old-school garbage can. The same goes for fats, oils and pet waste. Also, if you have a diseased or insect-ridden plant, don't add it to the pile — it could contaminate your compost, making it unusable.

FOOD

Meat or animal bones Dairy Egg whites or yolks

YARD

Diseased leaves or plants Coal ash

OTHER

Grease Chemicals Pet waste Produce stickers Plastic Fats and oils

HOW CAN I COMPOST OUTSIDE?

If you want to compost in your backyard, learn the do’s and don’ts to set yourself up for success. Selen Nehrozoglu, a research assistant at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station in New Brunswick, NJ, shares her helpful tips on how to manage organic waste.

1. CREATE A COMPOST ZONE.

If you plan to use a bin, make sure it’s convenient to access and that there is room for a lid to open. Nehrozoglu says it’s fine to use any sealable containers for both indoor and outdoor compost storage. “For indoor compost, containers with lids that twist shut have worked well in my experience,” she says. “They are easy to open and close while also keeping the scent contained.”

If you want to start a compost pile, choose an open area — you need at least three square feet of space — and scatter twigs or straw to ensure aeration and drainage. Use chicken wire or fencing to protect your pile from animals such as raccoons (or even the neighbor’s dog).

2. BALANCE “GREEN” AND “BROWN” MATERIALS

Whether you opt for a bin or a pile, Nehrozoglu says a helpful ratio for compost composition is roughly two-thirds “brown matter” (sticks, dry leaves or dirt) and one-third “green matter” (food scraps or fresh plant waste). Maintaining a balance is important because “brown” materials are rich in carbon, feeding the organisms that break down the scraps, and “green” materials supply nitrogen, key for building the cell structure of your new soil. “As a general rule, I like to add enough brown matter to fully cover the food scraps,” she says. “I use a shovel to mix the materials, chopping down any more bulky food scraps like melon rinds. After mixing, I add a thin layer of brown matter on top.”

3. MANAGE THE MOISTURE.

If your pile doesn’t receive enough rain, you will need to add water with a watering can or a hose. You could also opt to add wet scraps when moisture is needed. You’re going for damp, not soaking. If you live in a very rainy area, keep the pile covered (a loose tarp is fine) so it doesn’t get too wet, which could cause rot and destroy helpful microorganisms.

4. STIR YOUR PILE OR BIN.

Your compost also needs oxygen. Without air, your pile will start to rot and smell, so you’ll need to rotate and stir it. With the right mixture of scraps, moisture and air, your compost should smell like nothing but earthy dirt. Nehrozoglu says that for manual mixing, it’s ideal to turn the scraps with a shovel or a pitchfork every two to four weeks.

If you’re using a bin, you could opt for a tumbler, which spins to mix the compost. Some tumblers include an internal rail that breaks up the compost to help with aeration. With a tumbling bin, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation: Most suggest spinning your bin every two to three days.

When turning compost, check for heat. The center should feel warm; you want to maintain an internal temperature of 130°F to 150°F. When the compost is ready to use, it will stop generating heat and look uniform and crumbly, like soil.

HOW CAN I DO IT INSIDE?

Even if you’re in an apartment or a house without a backyard, you can set up a mini collection station right in your kitchen so you won't have to trash food scraps. See below for a step-by-step guide from the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

1. GET A BIN WITH A TIGHT-FITTING LID.

Whether you opt for a plastic bin or a stainless steel version, make sure it comes with a cover. Some plastic versions may absorb smells, explains Laurie Jennings, director of the GH Institute, which is why she uses an old stainless steel ice bucket with a matching lid on her countertop to collect compostable material.

2. LINE YOUR BIN WITH BIODEGRADABLE BAGS.

While it’s tempting to reuse plastic bags from the grocery store, these aren’t biodegradable, and using them can defeat the purpose of your composting. Jennings swears by BioBag’s compostable bags (available in three- and 13-gallon sizes) even after trying a number of more expensive brands.

3. STORE FULL BAGS IN YOUR FREEZER.

You’ll want to replace the bag regularly so weeks-old scraps won’t start to stink up your space. Once your bin is at capacity, secure the bag and place it in the freezer (yes, really!). This will make scraps easier to transport, eliminate any odor, halt active decomposition and buy you some time if you can’t immediately get rid of them.

4. FIND A LOCAL COLLECTION SERVICE OR DROP-OFF LOCATION.

If you don’t have a garden for your compost, see if your community offers collection services. Contact your local municipality or visit compostnow.org, which lists participating services around the country. Some areas even provide at-home starter kits and regular curbside pickup. Rules depend on where you live. If you bring your own waste to a transfer station, check there too: Many have designated compost areas.

If you live in an apartment or in a city without collection, you’ll likely have to put in a little extra effort to donate your compost, but it’s worth it, explains Birnur Aral, Ph.D., director of the GH Institute’s Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab, who is a home composter in a community that doesn’t have a collection program. “Every few weeks I bring my scraps to my daughter’s college, where they have built a composting bin,” she says. “In the summer, I bring bags to my local farmers’ market and give them to a neighbor who sells produce and uses the compost at her farm upstate.” It’s a little way to give back.

HOW CAN I USE IT?

Incorporate it into your garden beds or sprinkle it on top of your soil. Remember, compost is not a replacement for topsoil, but rather acts as a natural fertilizer to nurture soil and plants, so add it a couple of times per year for the best results.