Last week, we wrote about how to make a less-toxic kitchen. This week, we continue that theme and present how to make a less-toxic bathroom. As mentioned in last week’s article, each room is a subsystem of the whole house. That means that every room that can be made less-toxic will contribute to making the whole house less-toxic. Here are a few steps to get you on your way to making a less-toxic bathroom.
Any step that you can incorporate into your family’s bathroom area will help make a healthier place for them to live. Good luck!
Switch to non-toxic cleaners and body products
There are plenty of household cleaners that are available today in a non-toxic form. Tub & tile cleaners, glass cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners all come in non-toxic forms that are available at local grocery stores. If you can’t find them at your local grocery store, you may need to try a local health store like Whole Foods, or shop online. The same goes for shampoos, conditioners, and soaps – all are available in non-toxic brands. By changing your bathroom cleaners and personal care products to non-toxic brands, you will help to make the bathroom less-toxic – thereby being eco-friendly and keeping your family healthy.
Change your shower curtain
Try changing your shower curtain from vinyl to cloth. There are plenty of cloth shower curtains available in natural fabrics. There are even organic cotton shower curtains! They do require washing, but they are definitely less-toxic than plastic and vinyl shower curtains.
Get a shower filter
Shower filters that have carbon or KDF in them help to filter out chlorine and some other VOCs.
Go tile
Porcelain and ceramic tile is healthier and less-toxic than vinyl floor covering. Be sure to use less-toxic thinset and grout when applying.
Proper venting and dehumidification is key
Be sure to have proper ventilation and dehumidification in your bathroom. Having a vent that goes to the outside can help to pull out fumes, odors, and moisture. Proper heating and cooling mechanisms help to reduce moisture, too. Moisture reduction is key for preventing mold growth. Molds can be allergenic and even toxic, so preventing them is important for maintaining a non-toxic bathroom.
Use non-toxic drain cleaners
Baking soda and vinegar can be very effective for cleaning out bath and shower drains. There are also less-toxic brand drain cleaners available.
Use less-toxic paints
As always, remember to use paints that are no-VOC or low-VOC when painting your bathroom walls.
