Hi friends, spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to refresh more than just our closets. Imagine this: detoxing your home so it transforms into a powerful ally working with your hormone health instead of against it. Or how about this? Waking up with more energy, fewer headaches, and even clearer skin, just by reducing the toxic chemicals in your home. You deserve that! And what if you could also save money AND the environment, all while saving precious time. Sound too good to be true? I’ve got the solutions right here on today’s episode of Small Daily Habits. Tune in so you can make this cleaning dream a reality!
Welcome
Welcome back to Small Daily Habits, where we chat about realistic ways for women over 40 to build healthier habits that fit into their busy lifestyles. I’m your host Christine Miller, certified personal trainer, menopause specialist and FASTer Way to Fat Loss Coach. I’m here to help YOU take control of your health one small habit at a time.
Today, I’m sharing four simple steps to spring-clean your home and reduce the toxic load your body deals with daily. And I want to do this in a way that doesn’t stress or overwhelm you. Small changes can lead to big results, and I’m here to help you break it down so you can take that first step.
As women over 40, our hormones are shifting, sometimes by the hour, and quite frankly we need all the support we can get. But many common household products contain hormone disruptors that throw our bodies out of balance. As you know, hormones that are not balanced wreak havoc on the body.
Why Detoxing Your Home Matters for Hormones
When we think about balancing our hormones we often turn to nutrition, exercise habits, and stress management. These are all great things to focus on but what about your environment?
Did you know, the average woman comes into contact with over 168 chemicals each and every day according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Many traditional cleaners contain something called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that can pose health risks and decrease indoor air quality. A peer reviewed study by the EWG analyzed 30 cleaning products and found they emitted hundreds of hazardous VOCs even in “green” versions of household cleaners.
We are exposed to these chemicals daily through our cleaning products, beauty supplies, and even the air we breathe. The hazard is that this exposure can lead to:
- Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels
- Inflammation and fatigue
- Influence weight loss (making it harder to lose weight)
- Adversely affect sleep, mood, and mental clarity
The good news? You can take some control back by limiting these items at home and making a few simple swaps. You have the power to create a home that works for you rather than against you.
4 Simple Steps to Detox Your Home
Step 1: Take Inventory
Begin your spring cleaning this year with more awareness. When you know better, you do better right? Take a look under your sinks, in your laundry room, or wherever you store your cleaners. Look at labels. Find out what is actually in your current products. Many conventional cleaners contain known hormone disruptors like phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Guess what? These same ingredients are found in our personal care products, cosmetics, AND fragrance products. I know this sounds like a lot so let’s break it down.
- Grab a notebook or open the note app on your phone.
- Make a list of YOUR top 5 most used products that you use on a daily basis.
- Check the labels and if needed start replacing these first.
Step 2: Research
It’s time to put your detective hat on. Not all “green” products are as clean as they are made to appear. Instead of guessing, I recommend downloading the EWG app. You can scan the current products in your home to see what rating they get and also use the app when you are out shopping for new products to check for product safety.
Step 3: Swap Products Out Gradually
Replacing everything at once is overwhelming (and expensive!). Instead, do it gradually. When one product runs out, replace it with a safer alternative. Here are a few simple swaps that will save you time, money, your health, AND the environment.
- Use microfiber cloths + water instead of chemical sprays (more on this later)
- Ditch air fresheners & candles with synthetic fragrance and choose natural options like essential oils
- Choose natural, enzyme-based cleaners for those tougher jobs
Step 4: Make It a Habit
A home detox isn’t a one time thing. It’s a change in lifestyle just like everything else we talk about here at Small Daily Habits. But don’t stress, it’s all about progress over perfection. Every small step you take lightens the toxic load. The more you do it, the more your efforts will compound.
My Favorite Cleaning Products:
At this point, you may be asking yourself what does Christine use? So, I’m spilling the beans. Those of you who have been following me for a while know my love for Norwex products. But in case you’re new here let me share how I came to love them and why they have been such a game changer for me.
About 10 years ago, I was at an event for my FIT4MOM franchise when I saw something that really intrigued me. The vendor that was set up next to me wiped butter off a mirror, over and over again, using the same cloth and just water. No streaks. No residue. Just a really clean mirror. I mean, at this point in time I had 3 kids and struggled to get toothpaste off mirrors with multiple tries. I was riveted! At that very moment my love for Norwex sparked, and I’ve never looked back.
In March of 2015 I became both a life-long customer and consultant because I truly believe in these products. I’m a mom and keeping my home clean and family safe really appealed to me.
What makes Norwex stand out?
Their high-quality microfiber is densely woven and infused with micro silver, allowing it to purify itself as well as physically remove up to 99% of bacteria from surfaces using only water. No toxic chemicals. No unnecessary waste. Just a simple, healthy, and effective way to clean. But you don’t have to take my word for it. I’m going to leave a short, under 2 minute video so you can see for yourself!
Plus, Norwex has enzyme-based cleaners to help tackle those tougher jobs without exposing myself, family, or pets to harmful ingredients. For me, it’s about more than just cleaning my home. Norwex has allowed me to protect my family’s health, my home, AND the environment all while saving time and money. Time because I no longer have to fiddle with a bunch of different products, I just grab my cloth and go and money because I clean with mostly water. You pay for the microfiber up front but over the course of a year you save on the cost of all the cleaners you used to purchase.
Take Action & Spring Clean Your Health
So, if you’re listening or reading this today thinking I’m ready to make the switch then I encourage you to take that first step. Small changes like these really do add up and make a big impact over time. I’m going to leave a link for the Norwex website as well as that video I mentioned earlier. You won’t believe your eyes. It’s been 10 years, and these products still WOW me.
Personal Experience with Norwex Cleaning Paste
I think my biggest WOW moment yet was when the Norwex cleaning paste took permanent marker off my daughter’s new winter jacket. Her kindergarten teacher asked all the students to write their names somewhere they could easily see them and know which jacket was theirs. So, my daughter, being the independent woman that she is, didn’t even ask for my help and proudly showed me her accomplishment. I almost died because it was a new jacket that my mom just bought her which is why it didn’t already have her name in it.
But have no fear, Norwex cleaning paste to the rescue. The permanent marker came out with ease. I didn’t even have to scrub. The cleaning paste is probably my most used product and I tell EVERYONE about it.
Norwex 50% off Sale
One last thing before I go, Norwex is currently running a huge 50% off clean up sale for the entire month of April. And if you are a NEW Norwex customer you will get free shipping on any order $99 and above. So, if Norwex sounds like the right choice for you then it’s a great time to grab these deals.
Well that’s a wrap friends. Thank you so much for joining me today on Small Daily Habits. Here’s my challenge to you, before you meet me back here next week, I want you to pick ONE product to swap out this week and tag me on instagram to show me what you swapped.
Let’s detox our homes together! And if you need some recommendations send me a message because I love sharing what has worked for me. Don’t forget to hit subscribe and share this episode with a friend who needs a little spring-cleaning inspiration. See you next week!
Remember, BIG changes, begins with Small Daily Habits.
Until next time
Christine
PS: Missed last week episode/blog all about intermittent fasting mistakes women over 40 make and how to avoid them? Tune in here and head to the show notes here.
