How to Detox Your Home Naturally, 7 Ways
By BkCreative
true cinnamon quills
Detox Your Home Naturally, 7 Ways
Researchers now say indoor air can be 10 times more polluted than the air outdoors. This is due to the many toxic products we have in our homes, such as formaldehyde and benzene released from furniture, rugs, plastic and paints. These products can then trigger headaches, fatigue, wheezing, allergic reactions, or a blue mood. Many people are buying air purifiers but not only are they costly to buy but they use electricity - another cost.
Of course eliminating products that out gas and using no VOC paint products is the best way to start. However, there are many natural ways to address the problems which are decorative as well as effective:
1) BAMBOO -
When I lived in Korea, I noticed bamboo was used everywhere to clean the air. Not bamboo as a stalk in its green state. When bamboo is baked at ultra-high temperatures, it turns into absorbent charcoal. This charcoal becomes an odor magnet which then draws in bad odors and also hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. People in Korea, as well as China and Japan have used bamboo in briquette form for hundreds of years to eliminate odors from kitchens, bathrooms, closets, shoes, etc. When I stepped into any school or business in Seoul, I always noticed large chunks of this kind of bamboo. Also whenever I purchased a green plant, a piece was stuck into the pot - perhaps making it doubly effective.
2) A SALT CRYSTAL LAMP - (see photo and my hub pages article)
I’ve used this both in Korea and now in the USA. When the salt gets heated by the low wattage bulb, salt crystals are released into the air and attach to impurities, weighing them down so they cannot circulate and you will not breathe them in. It will also neutralize pollutants and toxins, and it offers light therapy. I do find the glow very soothing - so perhaps that is light therapy at work. There are no longer any dust bunnies under my bed - and I am no longer aware of the endless amount of dust that used to float about in every ray of sunlight.
3) CINNAMON - (see photo)
The photo that you will see is of real cinnamon. Unfortunately what we buy here in the USA is not real cinnamon - just something that looks a bit like it in quill form. It’s hard to say if the results will be the same. Studies show that the scent of cinnamon reduces fatigue, makes you feel happier, and increases your attention span. Simmer 1-2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a pan of water and the whole house will smell fresh and clean. Those scented air fresheners on the market actually create toxic air by releasing dozens of chemicals as well as carcinogens. Sometimes, I have to supplement heat on extra cold days by using a portable heater. On the top I put a pot of water, and crush a cinnamon quill (one is enough) and it does smell delightful!
4) BEESWAX CANDLES -
Only real beeswax will do, and they should be made from 100% natural beeswax. Regular candles on the market are often made solely from paraffin with added chemical scents; this then adds smoke and toxins to the air - whereas the beeswax literally cleans the air by producing pollution clearing negative ions (like the salt crystal lamp). The initial cost may be higher but then they last five times longer. Make sure it says 100% beeswax on the label.
5) A CACTUS -
My cat loved my cactus. She would regularly rub against it - making it a great backscratcher or cat-scratcher. Scientist in Switzerland have discovered that employees who suffer from tiredness and headaches feel more energized if a cactus is placed near their monitors. It is thought that cacti have compounds that counter the effects of electromagnetic pollution and radiation emitted from the screen.
6) WATER FOUNTAIN -
Once again it is the negative ions at play (or work), like the salt crystal lamp and the beeswax candles. The water fountain will wash away airborne germs. The flowing water will release negative ions - air molecules that have broken apart, that then attach themselves to air pollutants dragging them down so you cannot breathe them in. Researchers say the fountains are so effective at cleaning air - they work as well as a HEPA filter.
7) HOUSE PLANTS -
I think the most popular and most commonly used air cleaner is the house plant. Some work better than others. NASA scientists have found that houseplants, like spider plants, and flowers like mums and gerbera daisies can remove up to 87% of toxic indoor air all in one day; this includes carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke. Plants naturally have a built in filtration system that suck in hazardous particles and then neutralize them. Rooms with plants are said to contain half the amount of airborne microbes as rooms that do not have plants.
For my much polluted environment here in New York City, I need all the help I can get and so far the items I have used I think have made a difference, e.g. plants, salt crystal lamp, and cinnamon.
See links below for more green ideas:
More Green Ideas
- Benefits of Pure Linen Sheets: 8 Reasons to Love The...
The reasons to love pure linen, as the fabric choice, for sheets and pillowcases is because they offer a number of health benefits. Unfortunately, we have moved away from this natural product to synthetics and... - Using Zero VOC Red Paint in My Living Room
this came out even better than I expected Our homes are filled with products that are toxic, and one of the worst products is paint. Generally, the paint we use has VOCs - or volatile organic compounds. VOCs... - Why You Should Never Use Vinyl Shower Curtains
Why shouldn't you use vinyl shower curtains? They are cheap, easy to find, and some may even be mildew-resistant. But they are also toxic. Vinyl (PVC - also known as polyvinyl chloride) shower curtains... - What is a Living Roof?
Living roofs are what is known as a
salt rock lamp
Comments
Nice ideas. I didn't know about the salt crystal lamp or the cactus! :)
Hi Mrs BigReese - the lamp I bought last year locally at Xmas for a real bargain price - but I think the ones in Korea were more beautiful - nice if you can see it before you buy - I like more orange and less white.
And justmesuzanne - The cactus idea is new to me too - but I am a fan of the salt crystal lamp - the glow is lovely and soothing and the nicest kind of light. I do think it reduces the dust flying around too.
These are great tips. I especially like the one about Bees Wax Candles.
I think that the Cactus plant being near computers -- it absorbs the EMF from the computer - a normally invisible energetic phenomenon. This is great. However, consider it could affect your human EMF field as well. Positioning is extremely important.
There are a class of people who have weak EMF, or easily disturbed EMF, and they are very sensitive to exterior fields. This is likely due to weak kidneys, and metal poisons in the body disrupting the generation of the human electro magnetic field.
These people who have weak fields, often have developed chronic candidiasis, chronic viral infections, and weakened their kidneys -- chronic ailments. Limit the time you spend in front of the computer.
People who can't tolerate certain kinds of cell-phones because it bothers them (e.g. teeth hurting) should not use them, and probably meither household indoor wireless phones.
It may not be any coincidence at all that a person who lives in a house or near a property with wireless hifi spots has developed a chronic illness, such as candidiasis.
Increase you EMF Field Naturally with Qi Gong.
Master Healer Salvatore Crapanzano
Thanks for adding so much vital information for everyone to read. I am so glad Americans are finally doing research to improve health and demanding such changes. We have shut our eyes for too long.
But we have such a long way to go - too many people in denial. Sigh!
Another excellent hub. With four cats I can use all the home detoxification I can get! Thank you!!! MM
You're welcome Mighty Mom!
Thanks for the compliment and I would love to read about your kitty cats. I am your fan now - should you publish such a hub.
I like my salt lamp and it has a nice warm glow in the night. Of course, I have plants and love those. I'd like to try the bamboo or cinnamon. I like this hub. Great info.
Thank you Chris Eddy111. I find that I have to have my salt lamp on all the time - the glow in that corner maybe, some secret benefits too, I'm thinking. But when the bulb blows out I must replace it immediately! Love the wamm glow at night too! Glad you liked this hub!
Lots of good information BkCreative. I've always been a big fan of cinamon. I will definitely try a salt rock lamp and a cactus. Any advice on what kind of cactus? Size? If your cat is using yours as a backscratcher I figure it isn't one of those tiny ones you can buy at the home improvement store.
I love my salt rock lamp pigfish. It is on right now - this early rainy morning as I sit here and write. In the pot, my cactus was about a foot and a half - I was so surprised when my female cat started rubbing against it - even gently nibbling the needles (?) - she never hurt it. And the boy cat wouldn't go near it. When I did the research - there was nothing about one kind or the other being better - mine was the tall straight cucumber shape.
And the cinnamon - such a difference with the real one from Sri Lanka - it had a real, rich, aroma - very distinctive and more powerful than what is sold and on the market as cinnamon.
Thanks for writing - I look forward to throwing my windows open and doing some Spring cleaning.
I really enjoyed reading your Hub. You have some great tips to detoxing your home naturally. I have actually tried the cinnamon idea and it works great! Makes your home spell amazing!
Thank you for writing mysisters. I'm happy to say I have a home that does not reek of chemicals. I often wonder what the use of chemicals does to our pets as well.
The cinnamon is the best. I'm glad you liked the hub.
A very interesting hub. I'll have to try some of these.
Thanks.
Hope you find some you like. Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for the great tips. Will put them in practice.
You're welcome almasi - I think you will be pleased. Thanks for writing!
Useful tips! I am glad to have found this page!
I'm glad you found it too. I wrote it 2 years ago and it is becoming popular again. Reason not to delete those old hubs!
Thanks for commenting!
Hi
Nice hub with in depth information about detox your home. Bamboo is also used to clean the air in India and other Asian countries. Bamboo is also affordable as bamboo blinds and and bamboo stalks are used as lucky bamboo for the rooms in India. Flutes are also made of bamboo. Bamboo is grass and used for many verities of products in India. Will explore other products which I am not much aware.
Thanks bamboo blinds. Bamboo was used a lot when I lived in S. Korea. Often used as charcoal as well. You could not buy a plant without it have a piece of bamboo charcoal stuck in the pot. I'd love to have a bamboo flute.
Thanks for all the information!
Great hub! I came here looking for information on salt lamps. It's amazing so few people know about, and are writing about them. It was hard to find an unbiased opinion on them from someone not selling them. These tips are priceless--you are helping so many people with this hub!
Thank you Midnight Rider. So nice reading such a kind comment. I'm so glad you enjoyed the hub. Now that summer is passing it is time to get my bulb for my salt crystal lamp - only 15 watts. It also make such a great night light - so soothing!
Can sea salt suffice instead of the salt lamp? There's no salt lamp sold in my area.
Hi BkCreative, I love your green tips. I also use salt chrystal lamp, but I have not heard about using bamboo charcoal to clean the air. It is interesting.
Hi Lila - the salt crystal lamp works because the 15 watt bulb heats it just barely enough...to be effective. I don't know what sea salt alone can do. You can order the lamp online but be sure to read sizes. Some inexpensive ones are actually very tiny.
Hello plinka - here it is fall and I keep my lamp on all the time and will well into the spring. I live in such a polluted area (NYC) that is more crowded than ever. I have the houseplants and it is time to shop for beeswax candles and a fountain. I need all the help I can get.
Thanks for the comments!
Very col salt rock lamp, gonna get myself one of those!
Love my lamp bangingbeauty - and it's glowing right now. It's a great lamp too during the long winter nights.
very interesting! its so scary how many harmful things are out there that we don't even know about. i found one of the best products with the bamboo charcoal was a Moso Bag from Moso Natural. You can go on their website for more information, mosonatural.com. Not only is the price great for how long it lasts, but it works amazing! thanks for the article.
Thanks for this information Jules. I'll leave it here so other can see it and will go check out the website.
Very interesting article, my company sells bamboo blinds, paylessdecor.com (just linked to you!)- and I think it is an interesting feature to be able to use the bamboo after its useful life a room deodorizor. I think I'd just be careful to ensure any stains or sealants used weren't toxic at high temps.
Sounds like a good idea Seth Roseman. Thanks for commenting!
Mrs. BigReese 3 years ago
Where did you get that lamp?????