Last week we talked about completely free non-toxic swaps you can start doing today, like opening windows more often and removing shoes in the house. If you missed that post, definitely go back and read it because those changes alone can make a huge difference.
But today I wanted to share a few affordable swaps under $20 that are easy to implement without spending a lot.
One of the biggest misconceptions about switching to non-toxic products is that it has to be expensive.
It doesnโt!!
While some clean swaps can definitely cost more upfront, there are actually a lot of simple changes you can make for under $20 that significantly reduce the toxins in your home.
And the best part? These are the swaps that add up the fastest because they replace products we use every single day.
1. Switch to a Safer Dish Soap
Most conventional dish soaps contain artificial fragrance, dyes, and harsh surfactants that stay on the dishes we eat from every day.
A simple swap is choosing a cleaner formula with transparent ingredients.
Some great options:
2. Ditch Synthetic Sponges
Traditional kitchen sponges can contain dyes and synthetic materials, and they tend to hold onto bacteria.
Instead, try:
- Natural cellulose sponges
- Wood pulp sponges
- Swedish dish cloths
- Bamboo brushes
Theyโre biodegradable, last longer, and are usually under $15 for a pack.
3. Swap Out Plastic Food Storage
Plastic containers can leach chemicals, especially when heated.
Instead, try:
- Glass storage containers ( I loveย theseย ones for smaller items!ย Stojoย also make really neat non-toxic storage containers.)
- Silicone reusable bags
- Beeswax food wraps
Even swapping just a few containers you use the most can make a difference.
Many starter sets are around $20.
4. Upgrade Your Hand Soap
Fragrance in hand soap is one of the easiest toxins to eliminate.
Look for brands that avoid synthetic fragrance and unnecessary additives.
Good options include:
- Truly Free Aloe Hand Soap
- Everyone Soap
- Branch Basicsย hand soap (my top favorite! See explanation below.)
- At first glance it might seem expensive because the concentrate is aroundย $55, but itโs actuallyย incrediblyย cost effective.
- For foaming hand soap, you only useย about 1 ounce of concentrate per bottleย and then fill the rest with water.
- 1 bottle of concentrate makes aboutย 33 bottles of hand soap.ย When you break that down:
- $55 รท 33 bottles = about $1.67 per bottle of hand soap.So while the upfront cost is higher, it actually comes outย cheaper than most conventional hand soaps, and youโre avoiding synthetic fragrance, dyes, and harsh chemicals.
- Plusย the same concentrate can also be used to make:
- all-purpose cleaner
- bathroom cleaner
- laundry soap
- glass cleaner
- **I do have a discount code if you purchase from their website directly, and it is COOKINGKATIELADY.
5. Switch to Cleaner Laundry Detergent
Conventional laundry detergents often contain synthetic fragrance and optical brighteners.
Cleaner options around $20 include:
- Dirty Labs laundry soap
- Truly Free laundry detergent
- Branch Basicsย laundry detergent (same concept as above where you use the concentrate to make your detergent!)
These work just as well without coating your clothes in unnecessary chemicals.
Start Small
You donโt have to change everything overnight.
I always recommend starting with the products you use the most:
- dish soap
- hand soap
- laundry detergent
- all-purpose cleaners
Once those are swapped, youโve already reduced a huge amount of daily exposure.
Cleaner living isnโt about perfection. Itโs about making small changes that add up over time!!
Helping you create a cleaner home one swap at a time,
Katie
